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All Kazakhstan Astana Bayterek Tower

Bayterek Tower

A modern tower, symbolizing the legend of a golden egg on top of the tree of life.

Astana, Kazakhstan

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  http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Bayterek
  http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Bayterek
  http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Bayterek
The hand print of Nursultan Nazarbayev   Lakehurst / Atlas Obscura User
Astana, Kazakhstan   Kalpak Travel / Atlas Obscura User
Presidents Hand Bayterek   Kalpak Travel / Atlas Obscura User
View from Bayterek   Kalpak Travel / Atlas Obscura User
  Lakehurst / Atlas Obscura User
The view through the yellowish glasses of the globe   Lakehurst / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Kazakh word "bayterek" translates literally to mean "tall poplar," as in the tree. That's what makes Bayterek Tower such a fitting name for a national monument steeped in symbolism and meaning, connecting the old world to the modern in a celebration of progress.

Located in Astana, Kazakhstan, every element of Bayterek Tower was designed with the intention of imparting meaning to visitors and citizens alike, right down to the height of the tower, which stands 97 meters tall to represent 1997, the year in which Astana was named the capital of Kazakhstan.

The unusual construction of the tower is more than just a unique artistic flourish. The golden sphere that rests atop the many pointed spires of the tower is meant to symbolize an egg nestled amongst tree limbs – a nod to an age-old local folktale about happiness and beginnings, focusing on a bird who laid its egg in the sacred tree of life.

This combination of the old and the new is intriguing and inspiring to both Kazakhs and visitors, who are invited to travel to the top of the tower and see views of the city from an observation deck inside its golden dome. Not only does this provide a unique tourist attraction, but also yet another means of symbolism, as visitors travel inside the "egg" of happiness and beginnings, able to see the modern world from a place of history and legend.

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Added By

Tawsam

Edited By

gumirj, Indygenous, Kalpak Travel, Lakehurst

  • gumirj
  • Indygenous
  • Kalpak Travel
  • Lakehurst

Published

May 17, 2012

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  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayterek
  • http://www.360globe.net/kazakhstan/astana/bayterek-tower-exterior.html
  • 360° Street View: https://www.google.com/maps/views/view/106331840693614528650/photo/8YbO1blOjL0AAAAGOrsd5A?gl=us&heading=284&pitch=90&fovy=75
Bayterek Tower
Bayterek Tower
Astana
Kazakhstan
51.128303, 71.430501
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