Kazakhstan – The Homeland of Apples

There are over 10,500 cultivated varieties of apples in the world today, and Kazakhstan is recognized as the birthplace of all of them. This is due to the wild Sievers apple, which grows in the foothills of the Dzungarian Alatau in the southern region of Kazakhstan. This variety is the original ancestor of all domesticated apple trees. The claim has been substantiated by studies from Professor Barrie Juniper of Oxford University. Centuries ago, during the era of conquests, the fruits of this wild apple found their way to Europe, where they continued to spread globally. Over time, apples were domesticated, and new varieties were developed. The Sievers apple is incredibly resilient and hardy, qualities that made it the progenitor of all modern apples. Though the exact timeline of the first apple trees is unclear, with various sources suggesting different periods, they likely existed several thousand years before our era. Unfortunately, today, the forests of wild apple trees face the threat of destruction.

This “forbidden fruit” ranks among the top three most popular fruits worldwide. The apple tree is also the first tree to be cultivated by humans. At one point in history, apple juice was even used as a natural antidepressant.

Currently, the apple varieties grown in Kazakhstan include Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, Jonagold, Idared, Braeburn, Red Chief, Saffron, and White Pouring, among others. As of 2021, Kazakhstan ranked 45th globally in apple production.

Apples are not just a symbol of the southern capital, Almaty, but one of Kazakhstan’s national symbols. These juicy and sweet fruits are beloved by Kazakhs all year round, growing abundantly across the country. The most famous variety in Kazakhstan is the Almaty Aport, a type of apple that is rightfully considered the calling card of the city. The name of Kazakhstan’s southern capital itself, “Almaty,” is directly linked to apples, as it translates from Kazakh as “apple city.”

Each year, the city hosts apple festivals to celebrate its fruity heritage. The image of the iconic apple can be found adorning many landmarks. Perhaps the most famous artificial apple in Almaty is the “Alma” Wishing Fountain on Kok-Tobe.

Throughout history, apples have played a prominent role in various legends and fairy tales. For instance, the ancient Greeks told the myth of the golden apple of discord, while in Russian folklore, the “rejuvenating apple” often makes an appearance.

In Turkic tribes, the apple was a symbol of chastity and prosperity. The Turkic-Mongolian peoples spoke of a mythical city called Kyzyl-Alma (Red Apple), said to be located on the vast steppes of present-day Kazakhstan. This city symbolized power and strength, and every ruler dreamed of finding and conquering it. However, there is no official historical evidence confirming the existence of such a city.