Nur-Sultan, formerly known as Astana, is the capital city of Kazakhstan, located in the north-central part of the country, on the banks of the Ishim River. It was renamed in 2019 in honor of the former President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Nur-Sultan stands out for its futuristic skyline, which features a mix of modern architecture with traditional Kazakh elements. Key landmarks include the Bayterek Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city, and the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, a giant transparent tent that houses an indoor beach resort, shopping, and dining facilities. The city is a testament to Kazakhstan's rapid development, and its urban layout has been carefully planned to include wide boulevards, green spaces, and government buildings displaying grandeur. Nur-Sultan experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Despite its relatively recent establishment as the capital in 1997, it has become a cultural and political hub, hosting numerous international conferences and events. With its blend of culture, innovation, and politics, Nur-Sultan is a unique representation of modern Kazakhstan.
