Kazakh archaeological wonders draw crowds
Kazakh land was once home to ancient civilizations that thrived here millennia ago. The Saka royal tombs, uncovered in 1998, offer insight into the social hierarchy and burial traditions of the time. The site also holds tombs from the later Turkic era. Today, it's a must-visit destination in East Kazakhstan, drawing up to 15,000 visitors annually.
The region is rich in archaeological treasures. One of them is Ak-Baur — a complex of sedentary settlements dating back to the Bronze and early Iron Age. This discovery challenges the stereotype that the Saka were purely nomadic.
Kazakhstan's most iconic archaeological find, the Golden Man — or Altyn Adam in Kazakh — is now housed in the National Museum in Astana. The exhibit has toured the globe, becoming a powerful symbol of the nation's ancient legacy.
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Euronews
3 days ago
- Euronews
Kazakh archaeological wonders draw crowds
Kazakh land was once home to ancient civilizations that thrived here millennia ago. The Saka royal tombs, uncovered in 1998, offer insight into the social hierarchy and burial traditions of the time. The site also holds tombs from the later Turkic era. Today, it's a must-visit destination in East Kazakhstan, drawing up to 15,000 visitors annually. The region is rich in archaeological treasures. One of them is Ak-Baur — a complex of sedentary settlements dating back to the Bronze and early Iron Age. This discovery challenges the stereotype that the Saka were purely nomadic. Kazakhstan's most iconic archaeological find, the Golden Man — or Altyn Adam in Kazakh — is now housed in the National Museum in Astana. The exhibit has toured the globe, becoming a powerful symbol of the nation's ancient legacy.
Euronews
28-05-2025
- Euronews
This country is now fining air passengers who stand up too early
There are plenty of frustrating behaviours from air passengers that fellow flyers frequently debate. When is it ok to recline your seat? Who should get the use of the middle armrests? Should passengers disembark row by row? On one controversial habit, Türkiye's aviation authority has now made its opinion clear. The national body has introduced penalties for passengers who stand up before the fasten seatbelt sign is switched off upon landing. This is a custom that not only disrupts other passengers, it says, but also poses a safety risk. The Turkish Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) says it has brought in the new regulation to improve safety and reduce disruptions during the disembarkation process of planes. When passengers rush to stand up while the plane is still moving, they frequently jostle other flyers or risk causing injuries by attempting to open the overhead compartments. The ruling also intends to reduce the need for cabin crew to repeatedly issue safety instructions that are frequently ignored. Under the new rule, passengers must remain seated with their seatbelts fastened until the aircraft reaches its designated parking spot and the fasten seatbelt sign is deactivated. They must also wait for their row to be called to disembark the aircraft. The regulation, based on Article 143 of the Turkish Civil Aviation Law No. 2920, affects all carriers operating flights into Türkiye. 'According to the regulation, airlines are obliged to remind passengers to fasten their seatbelts during and after landing until they reach the parking position and to explicitly point out that any infringement will be reported to the aviation authority, and a fine will be imposed,' the CAA states. Passengers violating the rules risk a $70 (€62) fine. Turkish Airlines has already updated its landing announcement, which now explicitly warns passengers about potential penalties for non-compliance with the ruling. It states, 'passengers who do not comply with the rules will be reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation through a Disruptive Passenger Report, and an administrative fine will be imposed in accordance with the applicable legal regulations.' Reactions to the new ruling have been mixed. While some have praised the move, comments on social media suggest there is also scepticism as to the effectiveness of the measure to rein in the frustrating flyer habit. It is yet to be seen if other airlines will introduce similar warnings to Turkish Airlines for flights arriving in Türkiye. Astana is a modern capital rising from the Kazakh steppe, known for its futuristic architecture, extreme climate, and role as a Central Asian political and cultural hub. The city defines itself in many ways – as a business centre, a cultural haven, a gastronomical pole, and more. Recently, it's made strides to become a hotspot for international events. Over 500 events took place in Astana last year, attracting 13% more tourists to the city than the year before, according to Olga Abeldinova, Director of Tourist Services and Infrastructure Department at the Tourism Development Centre 'Astana Tourism'. 'We invite Class A stars, which attracts tourists from neighbouring countries and increases the status of the city,' Abeldinova said. 'If Hollywood stars come here, it connotes a certain security and trust.' Abeldinova highlighted Jennifer Lopez's concert in April 2025 and Andy Serkis headlining Astana Comic Con 2025 as examples of top-billed stars visiting the city. Whether you're in Astana for an event or just visiting as tourist, the city has something to offer every type of traveller. Don't miss our favourite attractions and monuments on your next trip to the Kazakh capital. The first thing any resident of Astana will likely tell you to visit is Baiterek – a soaring beacon that watches over every part of the city, which has become its de facto symbol. The 105-metre tower at the centre of the left bank was inspired by a Kazakh legend, and represents the Tree of Life with a golden egg at its top. There's a small ethnographic museum on the ground floor of the tower, and a panoramic deck on the top floor, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city – with the 'Akorda' Presidential Residence on one side and the Nurly Zhol Boulevard on the other. To enjoy the view, or perhaps touch the palm print of the first Kazakh President, you will need to pay a 2,000 KZT (€3.5) entrance fee. For more cityscapes, you can also catch a hop-on/hop-off bus service here that will take you to the main tourist sites across the capital. From Baiterek, an easily accessible next stop is Nurly Zhol Boulevard – the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. It starts at the Presidential Residence and stretches all the way to the Khan Shatyr mall, which is built to look like a large tent. As you make your way down the Boulevard, you will see the administrative centre of the city, with ministry buildings and national company offices, as well as cafes, fountains, and a sprinkling of unique sculptures. Like Paris or Budapest, the city of Astana is divided by the Ishim River (Yessil in Kazakh) into left and right banks. The right bank is an older part of the city, featuring mainly Soviet style architecture, while the left bank is the newer, more futuristic part of town, full of glittering high rises. When the weather is nice, especially in summer, locals flock to the riverside on the right bank to take pictures at the beautiful Atyrau bridge and cross the Seruen Bridge into the Amusement Park. If you want to enjoy the river while seeing as many of Astana's landmarks as you can, taking a ferry is the way to go. A 45-minute ride will cost you 4,000 KZT (€7) at the small booth hidden by the trees. Islam is the largest religion practiced in Kazakhstan, so it is no surprise that it has awe-inspiring mosques. Opened in 2022, Astana Grand Mosque is the newest attraction in the city. The 68,062 square metre house of worship is the largest mosque in Central Asia. It can accommodate almost 250,000 people at the same time, making it one of the top 10 in the world. Hazrat Sultan Mosque is a little smaller in comparison but is still a beautiful example of religious architecture. Both mosques are adorned with ornate carpets, majestic chandeliers, verses from the Quran, and Kazakh ornaments. Entrances to mosques are free but be sure to wear proper clothing – for women, that means covering head, shoulders, and knees and for men, avoiding shorts. To dive deeper into the history and culture of Kazakhstan and the nomadic people that inhabited its territory you should pay a visit to the National Museum. The biggest museum in Central Asia is home to many historic artefacts as well as contemporary art pieces. It also has a separate exhibition hall for temporary exhibition. 'Last year, the museum hosted the Leonardo da Vinci exhibit, in partnership with Italy, and it gathered a lot of international visitors,' said Olga Abeldinova. The exhibition centred on La Bella Principessa, a portrait of an Italian noblewoman, which was exhibited only five times before. Ticket prices vary depending on which halls you want to see, but the basic entrance fee is 700 KZT (€1.2). The most convenient thing about Independence Square is that it gathers many of the places worth seeing in Astana in one location. Both the National Museum and the Hazret Sultan Mosque are located here, as well as the Independence Palace and the Shabyt Arts University. The latter two both feature unusual architecture, but serve as more functional buildings than classic tourist attractions. The square's centrepiece is the Kazakh Eli Monument, which celebrates Kazakhstan's 1991 independence. The four sides of the monument represent the country's past and future, as well as its people. Across from Independence Square, you will see the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, known to locals as the Pyramid. Initially built for the session of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, it now serves as a city landmark. Inside you'll find a hall for events, an opera hall and an exhibition venue, which you can visit for 1,000 KZT (€1.7). The Pyramid is situated in the Presidential Park, which stretches to the river and meets the Presidential Palace on the other side. It can be accessed from Nurly Zhol Boulevard, but you would have to loop around to cross the river. These sights will give you a taste of what Astana is all about, but the city is in constant flux, with new attractions appearing all the time. Astana is also home to many parks, an oceanarium, opera and ballet houses, and much more – just follow your curiosity and this welcoming city will gladly reward you.
Euronews
27-05-2025
- Euronews
Don't miss these must-see sights on your next trip to Astana
Astana is a modern capital rising from the Kazakh steppe, known for its futuristic architecture, extreme climate, and role as a Central Asian political and cultural hub. The city defines itself in many ways – as a business centre, a cultural haven, a gastronomical pole, and more. Recently, it's made strides to become a hotspot for international events. Over 500 events took place in Astana last year, attracting 13% more tourists to the city than the year before, according to Olga Abeldinova, Director of Tourist Services and Infrastructure Department at the Tourism Development Centre 'Astana Tourism'. 'We invite Class A stars, which attracts tourists from neighbouring countries and increases the status of the city,' Abeldinova said. 'If Hollywood stars come here, it connotes a certain security and trust.' Abeldinova highlighted Jennifer Lopez's concert in April 2025 and Andy Serkis headlining Astana Comic Con 2025 as examples of top-billed stars visiting the city. Whether you're in Astana for an event or just visiting as tourist, the city has something to offer every type of traveller. Don't miss our favourite attractions and monuments on your next trip to the Kazakh capital. The first thing any resident of Astana will likely tell you to visit is Baiterek – a soaring beacon that watches over every part of the city, which has become its de facto symbol. The 105-metre tower at the centre of the left bank was inspired by a Kazakh legend, and represents the Tree of Life with a golden egg at its top. There's a small ethnographic museum on the ground floor of the tower, and a panoramic deck on the top floor, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city – with the 'Akorda' Presidential Residence on one side and the Nurly Zhol Boulevard on the other. To enjoy the view, or perhaps touch the palm print of the first Kazakh President, you will need to pay a 2,000 KZT (€3.5) entrance fee. For more cityscapes, you can also catch a hop-on/hop-off bus service here that will take you to the main tourist sites across the capital. From Baiterek, an easily accessible next stop is Nurly Zhol Boulevard – the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. It starts at the Presidential Residence and stretches all the way to the Khan Shatyr mall, which is built to look like a large tent. As you make your way down the Boulevard, you will see the administrative centre of the city, with ministry buildings and national company offices, as well as cafes, fountains, and a sprinkling of unique sculptures. Like Paris or Budapest, the city of Astana is divided by the Ishim River (Yessil in Kazakh) into left and right banks. The right bank is an older part of the city, featuring mainly Soviet style architecture, while the left bank is the newer, more futuristic part of town, full of glittering high rises. When the weather is nice, especially in summer, locals flock to the riverside on the right bank to take pictures at the beautiful Atyrau bridge and cross the Seruen Bridge into the Amusement Park. If you want to enjoy the river while seeing as many of Astana's landmarks as you can, taking a ferry is the way to go. A 45-minute ride will cost you 4,000 KZT (€7) at the small booth hidden by the trees. Islam is the largest religion practiced in Kazakhstan, so it is no surprise that it has awe-inspiring mosques. Opened in 2022, Astana Grand Mosque is the newest attraction in the city. The 68,062 square metre house of worship is the largest mosque in Central Asia. It can accommodate almost 250,000 people at the same time, making it one of the top 10 in the world. Hazrat Sultan Mosque is a little smaller in comparison but is still a beautiful example of religious architecture. Both mosques are adorned with ornate carpets, majestic chandeliers, verses from the Quran, and Kazakh ornaments. Entrances to mosques are free but be sure to wear proper clothing – for women, that means covering head, shoulders, and knees and for men, avoiding shorts. To dive deeper into the history and culture of Kazakhstan and the nomadic people that inhabited its territory you should pay a visit to the National Museum. The biggest museum in Central Asia is home to many historic artefacts as well as contemporary art pieces. It also has a separate exhibition hall for temporary exhibition. 'Last year, the museum hosted the Leonardo da Vinci exhibit, in partnership with Italy, and it gathered a lot of international visitors,' said Olga Abeldinova. The exhibition centred on La Bella Principessa, a portrait of an Italian noblewoman, which was exhibited only five times before. Ticket prices vary depending on which halls you want to see, but the basic entrance fee is 700 KZT (€1.2). The most convenient thing about Independence Square is that it gathers many of the places worth seeing in Astana in one location. Both the National Museum and the Hazret Sultan Mosque are located here, as well as the Independence Palace and the Shabyt Arts University. The latter two both feature unusual architecture, but serve as more functional buildings than classic tourist attractions. The square's centrepiece is the Kazakh Eli Monument, which celebrates Kazakhstan's 1991 independence. The four sides of the monument represent the country's past and future, as well as its people. Across from Independence Square, you will see the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, known to locals as the Pyramid. Initially built for the session of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, it now serves as a city landmark. Inside you'll find a hall for events, an opera hall and an exhibition venue, which you can visit for 1,000 KZT (€1.7). The Pyramid is situated in the Presidential Park, which stretches to the river and meets the Presidential Palace on the other side. It can be accessed from Nurly Zhol Boulevard, but you would have to loop around to cross the river. These sights will give you a taste of what Astana is all about, but the city is in constant flux, with new attractions appearing all the time. Astana is also home to many parks, an oceanarium, opera and ballet houses, and much more – just follow your curiosity and this welcoming city will gladly reward you. If you have been to Rio de Janeiro' beaches, this probably sounds familiar: samba music drifting from a nearby kiosk, caipirinha cocktails sold by hawkers, chairs sprawled across the sand. Now that may become harder to find, unless the vendors have the right permits. Mayor Eduardo Paes issued a decree in mid-May establishing new rules for the city's waterfront saying he wants to preserve urban order, public safety and the environment, as well as promote peaceful relations between tourists and residents. The new measures are due to come into force on 1 June, and they outlaw food and drink sales, chair rentals, loudspeakers and even live music in kiosks without official permits. Beach huts will only be allowed to have a number rather than the often-creative names many are currently known by. Some have welcomed the move to tackle what they perceive as chaotic activity on the beach, but others say the decree threatens Rio's dynamic beach culture and the livelihoods of many musicians and local vendors who may find it difficult or impossible to get permits. The move to regulate music on Rio's beachfronts has struck a particular nerve. 'It's difficult to imagine Rio de Janeiro without bossa nova, without samba on the beach,' said Julio Trindade, who works as a DJ in the kiosks. 'While the world sings the Girl from Ipanema, we won't be able to play it on the beach.' The restrictions on music amounts to 'silencing the soul of the waterfront. It compromises the spirit of a democratic, musical, vibrant, and authentic Rio,' Orla Rio, a concessionaire who manages more than 300 kiosks, said in a statement. Some are seeking ways to stop the implementation of the decree or at least modify it to allow live music without a permit. But so far to little avail. The nonprofit Brazilian Institute of Citizenship, which defends social and consumer rights, filed a lawsuit last week requesting the suspension of the articles restricting live music, claiming that the measure compromises the free exercise of economic activity. A judge ruled that the group is not a legitimate party to present a complaint, and the nonprofit is appealing the decision. Last week, Rio's municipal assembly discussed a bill that aims to regulate the use of the coastline, including beaches and boardwalks. It backs some aspects of the decree such as restricting amplified music on the sand but not the requirement that kiosks have permits for live musicians. The proposal still needs to formally be voted on, and it's not clear if that will happen before 1 June. If approved, the bill will take precedence over the decree. Economic activity on Rio's beaches, excluding kiosks, bars and restaurants, generates an estimated 4 billion reais (around €621 million) annually, according to a 2022 report by Rio's City Hall. Millions of foreigners and locals hit Rio's beaches every year and many indulge in sweet corn, grilled cheese or even a bikini or electronic devices sold by vendors on the sprawling sands. Local councilwoman Dani Balbi lashed out against the bill on social media. 'What's the point of holding big events with international artists and neglecting the people who create culture every day in the city?' she said last week on Instagram, in reference to the huge concerts by Lady Gaga earlier this month and Madonna last year. 'Forcing stallholders to remove the name of their businesses and replace it with numbers compromises the brand identity and the loyalty of customers, who use that location as a reference,' Balbi added. News of the decree seeking to crack down on unregistered hawkers provoked ripples of anger and fear among peddlers. 'It's tragic,' said Juan Marcos, a 24-year-old who sells prawns on sticks on Copacabana beach and lives in a nearby favela, or low-income urban community. 'We rush around madly, all to bring a little income into the house. What are we going to do now?' City Hall doesn't give enough permits to hawkers on the beach, said Maria de Lourdes do Carmo, 50, who heads the United Street Vendors' Movement — known by its acronym MUCA. 'We need authorisations, but they're not given,' said Lourdes do Carmo, who is known as Maria of the Street Vendors. The city government did not respond to a request for the number of authorisations given last year. Following the outcry, the city government emphasised that some rules were already in place in a 21 May statement. The town hall added that it is talking to all affected parties to understand their demands and is considering adjustments. Maria Lucia Silva, a 65-year-old resident of Copacabana who was walking back from the seafront with a pink beach chair under her arm, said she had been expecting City Hall to act. 'Copacabana is a neighbourhood for elderly people (… ). Nobody pays a very high property tax or absurd rents to have such a huge mess,' Silva said, slamming the noise and pollution on the beach. For Rebecca Thompson, 53, who hails from Wales and was visiting Rio again after a five-week trip last year, the frenzy is part of the charm. 'There's vibrancy, there's energy. For me, there's always been a strong sense of community and acceptance. I think it would be very sad if that were to go,' she said.
