Astana - "Qazaq Eli" Monument
During the acquisition of sovereignty, there has never been such a monumental site. It is a unique architectural structure that has no equal in the world. The total area of the monument “Qazaq Eli” in Astana is 5.2 hectares, and it occupies a special place in the history of the country. “Qazaq Eli” is a large-scale complex reflecting the ancient history, culture and achievements of the Kazakh people.
The height of the monument is 91 metres. It symbolises the year Kazakhstan became an independent state. On the top sits the Samruk bird, symbolising Kazakhstan’s desire for further development and prosperity. It is not for nothing that this architectural and sculptural monument is called “Qazaq Eli” in Astana. It is a symbol of independence.
The white marble complex has a great compositional content that has absorbed the past and present of the Kazakh people. The monument is not only a symbol of independence, but also a sign of unity, solidarity and eternity of the people’s spirit. The plinth on four sides of the monument is decorated with bas-reliefs that tell the story of the Kazakh people. The first bas-relief is “The President and the People”. The central image is that of the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, placing his hand on the Constitution and taking the oath, symbolising the rule of law in an independent state. Behind the president are people in relief, embodying the inhabitants of a friendly great country. Doves symbolise freedom and peace.
The bas-relief in the southern part of the monument is entitled “Courage”. It is based on the fact that defence of the state is one of the most important and sacred values of the Kazakh people. The bas-relief reflects the chronological perspective of military bravery, heroism and courage inherent in the Kazakh people. The bas-relief located in the western part of the monument is entitled “Creation”. It tells of epochal phases of human development and prosperity from nomadic times to space travel. In this part you can see the metallurgist and the oilman, the engineer and the farmer, the builder and the cosmonaut, all of whom made invaluable contributions to the socio-economic development of the country. In the eastern part, the bas-relief is entitled “The Future”. It is dedicated to the youth of Kazakhstan who strive to excel in science, culture and sports. Significantly, newlyweds stand in the centre of the composition, indicating the revaluation of family values and calling for the strengthening of the institution of family and marriage – the foundation of Kazakh society.
