Kazakhstan's parliament renamed the Central Asian nation's capital from Nur Sultan. What is the name of the new capital?

The correct answer is Astana.

Key Points

• Kazakhstan's parliament voted to rename its capital back to Astana in September 2022, reversing the previous renaming to Nur-Sultan in 2019.
• The capital was renamed Nur-Sultan in honor of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev, who stepped down in 2019 after nearly three decades in power.
• The decision to revert to Astana was part of a series of political reforms initiated by the current president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
• Astana has been the capital of Kazakhstan since 1997, replacing Almaty, which remains the country's largest city and financial hub.
• The move to change the name back to Astana reflects the country's shift towards reducing the symbolic influence of the former president.

Additional Information

• Astana’s History:
  • Astana was originally named Akmolinsk, later renamed Tselinograd during the Soviet era, and then Akmola before becoming Astana in 1998.
  • The name "Astana" translates to "capital" in Kazakh.
• Geopolitical Importance of Astana:
  • Astana is strategically located in the northern part of Kazakhstan, symbolizing the country's integration of its diverse ethnic regions.
  • The city is a hub for regional and international diplomacy, hosting events like the Astana Economic Forum and peace talks on Syria.
• Architectural Landmarks:
  • Astana is known for its futuristic architecture, including the Bayterek Tower, Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.
  • The city’s design was heavily influenced by renowned architects such as Sir Norman Foster.
• Political Context of the Renaming:
  • The renaming back to Astana coincides with broader constitutional reforms aimed at decentralizing power and enhancing democracy in Kazakhstan.
  • This shift reflects the growing sentiment for reducing the legacy of authoritarianism and promoting national unity.