Almaty
Country: Kazakhstan
Region: Asia
Period: 1929-1997
Location: 43.24°N, 76.915°E
Description
Alma-Ata, now known as Almaty, was the capital of the Kazakh SSR (Soviet Socialist Republic) from 1929 to 1991. Located in the southeastern part of Kazakhstan, it sits at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. Alma-Ata grew rapidly during the Soviet era, becoming a major industrial, cultural, and administrative center. It was an important hub for trade, manufacturing, and education in the region.
Modern Remains
Today, Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and remains a vital cultural and economic center. While it is no longer the capital (which moved to Nur-Sultan, formerly Astana, in 1997), Almaty still reflects much of its Soviet-era architecture and urban planning, with Soviet-era apartment blocks, parks, and monuments. The city also houses museums, theaters, and institutions that preserve its Soviet legacy and the history of Kazakhstan during that period.