Baiterek Tower
Nur-Sultan
Baiterek Tower is a landmark monument and observation tower located in Nur-Sultan, the capital city of Kazakhstan. Standing 105 meters tall, it features a slender cylindrical shaft surrounded by white branch-like girders that support a large golden sphere at the top. The tower was designed by Kazakh architect Akmurza Rustembekov and commissioned in 1996 as part of the city's transformation into the national capital. The monument symbolizes a Kazakh folktale about a mythical tree of life and the magic bird Samruk, which laid its egg in the tree's branches. Visitors can ascend to the observation deck at 97 meters for 360-degree views of the city and beyond. A distinctive feature is the golden handprint of Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan's first president, inviting visitors to make a wish. The tower also commemorates the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions with a wooden globe sculpture inside. Baiterek serves as a potent symbol of Kazakhstan's post-independence era and the transfer of the capital from Almaty to Nur-Sultan in 1997. It is a popular tourist attraction and an emblematic structure representing the country's cultural identity and aspirations.
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Tip: The best time to visit Baiterek Tower is during clear weather to enjoy unobstructed panoramic views of Nur-Sultan. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets in advance to avoid queues, especially during weekends and holidays. The tower offers accessible lifts to the observation deck, making it suitable for most visitors. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Evening visits provide a spectacular view of the tower illuminated against the city skyline.
Interesting facts
- •The golden sphere at the top of the tower measures 22 meters in diameter.
- •The observation deck is located 97 meters above ground, symbolizing the year 1997 when Nur-Sultan became the capital.
- •The tower features the gilded handprint of Nursultan Nazarbayev, inviting visitors to place their hand and make a wish.
- •The monument embodies a Kazakh folktale involving the mythical tree of life and the magic bird Samruk.
- •The tower is depicted on the 10,000 Kazakhstani tenge banknote, highlighting its cultural significance.
History
The Baiterek Tower project was initiated by Kazakhstan's first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, in 1996 as part of the plan to establish Nur-Sultan as the new capital.
The design was chosen over other proposals due to its symbolic meaning and cost-effectiveness.
Construction was completed to embody the folklore of the tree of life and the magic bird Samruk.
Since its completion, the tower has become a symbol of Kazakhstan's independence and modernization.
It commemorates the capital's transfer from Almaty to Nur-Sultan in 1997 and reflects the nation's cultural rebirth.
Place Guide
Observation Deck1997
Located 97 meters above ground, the observation deck offers panoramic 360-degree views of Nur-Sultan and the surrounding landscape. It consists of two levels, with the upper level accessed by stairs, providing a unique vantage point to appreciate the city's modern architecture and layout.
Golden Sphere (‘Egg’ Structure)1997
The large golden mirrored sphere at the top of the tower represents the egg laid by the magic bird Samruk in the tree of life, a central element of Kazakh folklore. This symbolic structure crowns the tower and is a focal point of its design.
Base and Exhibition Space1997
The base of the tower houses a ticket booth and exhibition space that provides information about the monument’s symbolism and the history of Nur-Sultan as the capital. Visitors enter below eye level via stairs from the surrounding plaza.
Contact
Phone: 8 (7172) 44 64 72
