Republic Square

Republic Square is the administrative center of Almaty. The street laid out in 1980s does not seem to be a place for walking, especially when the flow of cars is carried along Satpayev Street. However, it is a place where all citizens celebrate various events. For this purpose traffic is restricted when concerts and salutes are arranged.

An impressive building is situated on the south side of the square — the former residence of the President, which now houses municipal authorities. This building was intended to be built on the south side, away from the road and surrounded by gardens. The building has a marble-lined podium from which people can observe all the events taking place in the square. However, this part of the square was reconstructed during the construction of a new underground shopping center.

The north side of the square attracts considerable attention through the obelisk of the Independence Monument of Kazakhstan. The structure is 18 meters high topped with an exact copy of the Golden Man, which stands on a winged snow leopard. Statues of the Kazakh family are located around. Inscriptions dedicated to two significant events from history of Kazakhstan are made at the foundation of the monument of Independence: October 25, 1990 — the declaration of sovereignty of the Republic, and December 16, 1991 — Independence day. There is also situated a book made in bronze in open form — it is an imitation of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan with a print of the hand of the First President. Many passers-by often apply their hand and make a wish. The Republic Square is also a favorite place for newlyweds who organize photo shoots around the city.

Behind the Independence Monument is a chain of bronze panes that depict moments from the country's history. These include image of Queen Tomiris, who defeat the Persians, and how Abylai Khan wins over the Dzhungars. One of the screens is dedicated to President Nazarbayev, whose hand is on the Constitution, which is a symbol of independence of Kazakhstan. The objects behind the President's back visually form a map of the country.

The monument on the square framed by two 16-storey Soviet buildings, between which extends the quiet Baiseitov street with burning water from the fountain.

Republic Square has become a historical arena for one of the most memorable events. On December 16 in 1986, the Soviet government replaced Dinmuhammed Kunayev who was the First secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan by Gennady Kolbin, as result a scandal broke out on the next day and people began to rally against the “stranger” and non-Kazakhstani in power. The rally was brutally suppressed by various law enforcement agencies, many people were wounded, and some were dead.

A memorial plaque, that perpetuated the events of December 17, is situated on the other side of the square, at the intersection of Satpayev and Zhetoksan streets. A monument, named the “Dawn of freedom” was built here in 2006 in honor of the dead and wounded 20 years ago.

The monument depicted in the form of a young woman who stands forward and lets out a small golden bird. There is a banner behind her. On the right of her were depicted scenes from the troubled history of Kazakhstan, including a picture of starved persons looking at the onlooker. To her left, the banner depicts the events of the 1986 uprising: fighters of special forces with weapons in front of a stone-throwing crowd. Zheltoksan (“December”) street itself is named because of the events in December 1986. Edited 2020apr21