ATYRAU
Atyrau is a unique city in Kazakhstan, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It is a place where rich history, culture, and modernity intertwine. It is the oil capital of Kazakhstan. Today, Atyrau is a dynamic, wealthy city. It is not a top tourist destination; it is most often visited for business. However, it also boasts interesting and unique places.
Recommended attractions:
The Atyrau Regional History and Local History Museum is one of the oldest museums in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The museum’s collection includes halls dedicated to archeology, ethnography, regional history from the 12th to 20th centuries, modern history, cultural history, and literature, as well as halls dedicated to “The Riddle of the Century” and “The Consonance of Centuries.”
Isatay and Makhambet Square is a public space dedicated to two national heroes of Kazakhstan, Isatay Taimanov and Makhambet Utemisov, who led the Kazakh uprising against the colonial policies of the Russian Empire in 1836–1838. The square features 13 fountains, including a musical fountain.
The Ural River Embankment in Atyrau stretches for 1,861 meters. Along the embankment are three illuminated fountains, the “Shanyrak” stele, the symbol of the city of Atyrau, and architectural arches.
The Oil and Gas University and Museum was created to preserve the history of the university, reflect the development of petroleum education and science, the development of the oil and gas industry, and ultimately, the history of oil. The museum’s exhibits reflect the history of the region, from paleography to the present day.
Akzhayik Biosphere Reserve – In 2014, the reserve was added to the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Its flora includes 130 species, representing approximately 54% of the flora of the Kazakh part of the Northern Caspian region. Seventy-eight mammal species are found within the reserve.
The Akkegershin chalk plateau, a necklace of whimsically shaped white rocks scattered across the flat steppe surface, appears to travelers like a mirage.
Lake Inder (Tuzdykkol) is a large, self-sedimenting, endorheic salt lake in the northern part of the Atyrau region. It is known for the healing properties of its water and black mud. Locals say the lake’s water cures joint ailments, asthma, bronchitis, and gynecological conditions. The lake contains elements such as bromine, potassium, iodine, and table salt, while the black mud is useful for treating skin and joint diseases.
What else to see in Atyrau: the Europe-Asia pavilions, the Imangali Mosque, and Retro Park.