Uralsk – a touch of Russian heritage in the heart of Western Kazakhstan
Uralsk is an unusual but very fascinating eastern partner city of Ostrava, located in northwestern Kazakhstan. In the past, it was a key point along one of the routes of the Great Silk Road and played a crucial role as a trading gateway between Europe and Asia. Due to its complex history, the city offers interesting architecture that reflects elements of Russian, Soviet, and Kazakh cultures and traditions.
In Uralsk, you will feel the charm of old Russia, especially through well-preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. You can visit a wide range of museums or enjoy relaxation in traditional teahouses.
In most museums, you can explore exhibits dedicated to significant historical figures, as Uralsk often attracted these creatives and writers. One such museum is the House of Yemelyan Pugachev, the Cossack leader of the peasant rebellion, who appeared in Pushkin's historical novel The Captain's Daughter. You can also explore the Pushkin Museum itself, where, apart from his works, you will find collections of artifacts related to his life. Also worth mentioning is the Ural Regional Museum, which offers a comprehensive overview of the region's history.
If you consider visiting any of the museums, it’s important to keep in mind that few employees speak foreign languages, and most of the signs are in Kazakh or Russian. Therefore, knowledge of the local language or having an interpreter will be an advantage.
The city also boasts many other landmarks and churches. In the heart of the historic center lies the Mikhailo-Archangel Church, built in 1741, which is considered the oldest building in Uralsk. The symbol of the city and its spiritual life is the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
When visiting Uralsk, be aware of the weather. According to locals, the region experiences six seasons, as in April brings sudden cold known as "Bes Konak", heavy rains called "Kuralai" often hit in late May.
Thanks to its abundance of green spaces, the Uralsk also offer opportunities for recreational activities such as fishing, camping, and canoeing. Not far from the city is the Khan’s Grove Forest Park, a popular recreational area for walks and other outdoor activities. In winter, skating or cross-country skiing is popular among the locals, often being the only way to get out of the house due to snowdrifts.
Uralsk is also known as a prosperous economic center of the West Kazakhstan region, rich in natural resources such as petroleum and gas, which attracts foreign investors.
If you would like to visit the economic hub of Kazakhstan with a touch of cultural heritage and the atmosphere of old Russia, Ural is the right place on the map.
You can find more information on the city’s website:
https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/uralsk?lang=en
| Uralsk: | |
| Founding of the city: | 1584 |
| Area: | 150 km² |
| Population: | 234 169 (2019) |
| Mayor: | Baymenov Murat Bulatovich |