Astana Square (before 2022 — Old Square) is one of the oldest and most significant squares in Almaty. It is located in the southern part of the city, at the intersection of Abay Avenue and Baitursynov Street, and still retains the atmosphere of the Soviet era, although it has undergone significant changes.
The square began to take shape in the 1950s, when Alma-Ata was actively being rebuilt and constructed after the war. The city needed a new administrative center, and it was decided to build a building for the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan. It was to be not just an office, but a symbol of power — a monumental building that would become the center of the republic`s political life.
Construction was completed in 1962. The building was designed in the strict Stalinist neoclassical style — with columns, high ceilings, and a ceremonial facade. It dominated the square and set an official, solemn tone for the entire space. In front of the building, a square was laid out where parades, rallies, and official events were held. On both sides of the main building, trees were planted and squares were laid out to soften the severity of the architecture.
The square quickly became not just an administrative center, but an important public space. Demonstrations and festive processions were held here, high-ranking guests came here, and local residents strolled along the surrounding alleys.
What Was Before and What Is Now
After Kazakhstan gained independence in 1991, the building ceased to be a party center. In 1993, the Kazakh State Women`s Pedagogical University was housed here, occupying the building until the 2010s. This was a symbolic gesture: the former building of power became a home for education and enlightenment.
Today, this building houses the Kazakh-British Technical University (KBTU) — one of the country`s leading technical universities. It was founded in 2001 and moved into the historic building on Astana Square later, when the university began to actively develop and needed more space. Thus, the former party center turned into a modern university, where engineers, IT specialists, and managers are trained.
The facade of the building remains practically unchanged — it is still the same monumental architecture of the 1960s with columns, which serves as a reminder of a different era. But inside now — lecture halls, laboratories, coworking spaces, and a library belonging to a modern technical university.
In 2022, the square was renamed from "Old Square" to "Astana Square." However, locals still often call it Old Square — out of habit, as a reminder of its history.
Park on Astana Square (formerly Ali and Manshuk Square)
In front of the main facade of the university is the Park on Astana Square — a well-maintained public space with a fountain, benches, and flower beds. Previously, this square was named after Aliya Moldagulova and Manshuk Mametova — two Kazakh girls who became symbols of courage and self-sacrifice during the Great Patriotic War.
Aliya Moldagulova (1925–1944) was a sniper, Hero of the Soviet Union. She fought on the Leningrad Front and died at the age of 19, covering her comrades. Manshuk Mametova (1922–1943) was a machine gunner, also a Hero of the Soviet Union. She died in battle near Nevel, when, left alone at the machine gun, she repelled enemy attacks until her last bullet.
In the center of the park stands a monument to the heroine girls. This is a place of memory where not only students but also local residents come to lay flowers. The park itself looks more like a quiet corner for relaxation: there are neat paths, benches, flower beds, and an old fountain that operates in the warm season. It is one of those places where you can sit in the shade, read a book, or simply watch city life.
KBTU Park: Quiet Behind the University
On the other side of the building, behind the main KBTU building, is KBTU Park. This is a more intimate and less ceremonial space than the square in front of the facade. The park was laid out at the same time as the main building in the 1960s and has preserved its layout to this day.
There are more trees and fewer paths here than in the park in front of the university. KBTU teachers and students like to walk here during breaks between classes, as do local residents who come here with children. In the center of the park, there is a small round fountain surrounded by benches. Old elms and chestnuts grow around it, creating dense shade in the summer heat.
In the 2020s, the park was renovated: new paths and lighting appeared. From the park, there is a view of the back side of the university building — without the ceremonial columns, more utilitarian, but also with its own architectural expressiveness. This place is good for a quiet walk, reading, or simply relaxing from the noise of Abay Avenue. There is no hustle here, few people, and plenty of greenery.
What Makes This Place Interesting for Tourists
For a tourist, Astana Square can be interesting for several reasons:
Historical context. This is one of those squares in Almaty where you can see the era of the 1960s in its architectural embodiment. The KBTU building is an example of Stalinist neoclassicism that has survived almost unchanged. The spirit of the Soviet era is felt here, and this attracts those interested in the city`s history.
Architectural contrast. On one side, there is a strict monumental building, on the other, two parks with different atmospheres: a ceremonial park in front of the facade and an intimate park behind it. A walk between them provides an opportunity to understand how the appearance of central Almaty was formed.
Quiet in the center. Despite its proximity to Abay Avenue, the square and parks remain relatively quiet. This is a place where you can take a break from the noise and bustle, just sit on a bench in the shade of the trees.
Accessibility. The square is located next to the Abay metro station and public transport stops. It lies on the way to other attractions — from here it is easy to walk to the Palace of the Republic, the First President`s Park, or the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments.
Astana Square is a place where several eras have changed over a few decades. The building built for party power became a university, the ceremonial square turned into a public space, and the squares acquired new names. But the city`s memory turned out to be stronger than official renaming: for Almaty residents, this place is still Old Square. Taxi drivers say this, people refer to it this way in conversation, and people write this way on social media. And there is no nostalgia or protest in this — just a habit that turned out to be stronger than changing signs.
