Almaty

Almaty, formerly known as Verniy, was founded in 1854 by the Russian Empire as a military fortification. The city was located in the Trans-Ili Alatau region, near the Ili River. Over time, Verniy grew into a major city due to its strategic location, and eventually became a key trading and cultural center in the region.

The 1911 Kebin earthquake, also known as the Chon-Kemin earthquake, struck the Almaty region on January 3, causing massive destruction. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 8.2, resulted in significant loss of life and property. It was one of the most devastating natural disasters to hit the area, reshaping the landscape and heavily impacting the local community.

In 1921, the city of Verniy was renamed Alma-Ata, which means 'Father of Apples' in Kazakh. This renaming was part of a broader sovietization effort that sought to reflect local culture and languages. Alma-Ata became the capital of the Kazakh ASSR in 1929, and the city's name change marked an important shift in its identity and historical development.

In 1929, Alma-Ata was declared the capital of the Kazakh Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (Kazakh ASSR). This marked a significant development in the city's history as it brought significant political and cultural attention to Alma-Ata. As the capital, the city experienced rapid development and modernization, playing a central role in the region's governance.

The construction of the Turkestan-Siberia Railway, completed in the 1930s, was critical for Almaty's development. It linked the city with Siberia and Central Asia, facilitating both trade and mobility. The railway helped integrate Alma-Ata into the broader Soviet economy, enabling it to become a key economic hub in the region.

In 1966, Almaty was struck by a significant earthquake that caused widespread damage to its infrastructure and buildings. Fortunately, despite the destruction of many structures, there were no reported fatalities. The earthquake led to a large-scale reconstruction effort, resulting in enhanced urban planning and earthquake-resistant architecture in the city.

The Zheltoksan protests of December 1986 were a watershed moment in Almaty and Kazakhstan's history. Triggered by the decision to replace the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan with a non-Kazakh, the protests involved thousands of Kazakh students. They marked a significant expression of national discontent and preceded the broader independence movement from the Soviet Union.

On December 16, 1991, Kazakhstan declared its independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Almaty, as the capital city at the time, played a pivotal role in the establishment of the new nation-state. The city's strategic importance and its symbolic significance as a center of Kazakhstan's political and cultural renaissance were highlighted during this period.

In 1997, the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Astana (now Nur-Sultan). This decision was made to promote economic development in the northern regions and due to Astana's more central location. Although no longer the capital, Almaty retained its status as the cultural and economic heart of the nation, continuing to thrive as Kazakhstan's largest city.

Almaty co-hosted the 2011 Asian Winter Games with Astana. The event marked a major sporting achievement for Kazakhstan, showcasing its ability to host large international events. Almaty's infrastructure and sporting venues were upgraded for the games, which included competitions in skiing, ski jumping, and ice hockey, among others. The successful hosting of the games boosted Almaty's profile as a winter sports destination.