PART IX: CITIES AND TOWNS

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 777.

Almaty (1)

As it isknown from Chinese and Arabic old manuscripts there were some ancient Saks' settlements on the territory of Almaty in 6-3 B.C. Archeologists have found there some reminders of early agricultural settlements of the Usuns, who lived in the first century A.D. According to the merchants of Genoa, during the 8th –10th centuries the ancient settlements of Almaty served as a station on the trade way from Europe to China. Then there came down a tornado caused by Genghis Khan.

Expanding its economic and political interests in the south direction, in 1854 Russia founded a “Zailiskoye” fortification in the location of today's Almaty. It soon got the name of Verny and in 1867 received the status of a town. In 1921 the town of Verny was renamed into Alma-Ata. Since 1929 Alma-Ata has been the capital of Kazakhstan. In 1993 the city got its name ‘Almaty' back as a result of independence gained by the Republic.

The city is located at the height of 700-900 m above the sea level, its territory is 250 sq. km, its population is 1.3 million. It has contradictory characteristics. Being situated in the zone of high seismic activity, the city experienced catastrophic earthquake in 1887 and 1910. In 1921 and 1977 it experienced mighty mountain mud-and-stone streams, coming down the rivers of Bolshaya Almatinka and Malaya Almatinka.

Thanks to Trans-lli Alatau covered with snow, Almaty is a real pearl of Kazakhstan. It is one of the centres of the international tourism and one of the most attractive cities in the Eurasian continent. More than 50 countries have their diplomatic representatives here.

As a result of great urbanization its beautiful appearance is often covered with dense smog. At the same time a lot of unique buildings and constructions notable for their architectural and aesthetical value have been built in the city. There are two five-star hotels and three four-star ones. The most important places of interest are the “Medeo ”Sport Complex, the “Chimbulak” alpine skiing Centre, the sanitary bathhouse “Almarasan”, various museums and theatres. Almaty is the seat of the National Academy of Sciences; many universities and higher educational establishments have been established there lately.

In 1995 in connection with the transfer of the capital to Akmola, Almaty got the particular status of political, financial, economic, scientific and cultural centre of the state.

Ø Answer the questions:

1. When were some ancient settlements of the Saks?

2. When did the town get its name Verny?

3. Since what time has Alma-Ata been the capital of Kazakhstan?

4. Where is the city situated?

5. What are the most important places of interest?