“Center of the Great Steppe Nation”
The "Uly Dala Eli" Spiritual and Cultural Center is a large-scale cultural and educational project implemented within the framework of Kazakhstan’s national strategy for spiritual modernization. Located in the city of Turkistan, near the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, the center serves as a modern cultural space aimed at comprehensively presenting the history of the Great Steppe - from the Kazakh Khanate to independent Kazakhstan. The official opening of the center took place in March 2021.
The total area of the building is approximately 6,200 square meters. Constructed as a gift from the Atyrau Region, the center has become a symbol of national cultural integration. Its architectural design is inspired by the symbolic image of the "Baiterek" tree: in the foyer, it is depicted as the "tree of life," from which nine roots extend-each leading to one of the nine thematic exhibition halls. A third replica of the Kül Tegin monument is installed on the first floor.
The center’s content is organized into nine thematic halls, each of which explores a specific historical, cultural, or civilizational phenomenon using digital, interactive, and kinetic technologies.
1. "Metallurgy of the Great Steppe" Hall - Dedicated to ancient metallurgical culture and mining practices. Archaeological models and reconstructions (e.g., a furnace model from the Kent region) showcase early industrial practices on the territory of Kazakhstan.
2. "Equestrian Culture of the Great Steppe" Hall - Highlights the horseback riding traditions, military culture, and horse harnesses of the Kazakh people. Interactive exhibits convey the spirit of freedom, nomadic lifestyle, and worldview of the steppe peoples.
3. "Jewels of the Great Steppe" Hall - Features prominent figures and the cultural heritage of the Turkic civilization. The centerpiece is a reconstruction of the “Golden Man.” Epigraphic artifacts and jewelry items are also displayed.
4. "Kazakhstan - Cradle of the Turkic World" Hall - One of the largest and most technologically advanced halls. Equipped with a 38-meter projection screen and a 7D-format visual show, it presents Kazakhstan’s historical role as the center of the Turkic world. A sculpture of the "Winged Blue Wolf" stands at the center of the hall.
5. "The Kazakh Khanate" Hall - Explores the origins and evolution of Kazakh statehood. The historical contributions of khans and biys, the ideological foundations of sovereignty, and spiritual continuity are demonstrated through archival sources.
6. "Urban Culture of the Great Steppe" Hall - Highlights medieval cities and trade-economic connections along the Great Silk Road. Models and dioramas of ancient cities like Taraz, Otyrar, Syganak, and Sauran illustrate the region’s rich urban culture.
7. "The First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Elbasy" Hall - Dedicated to the historical role of Nursultan Nazarbayev in the establishment of independent Kazakhstan. Interactive maps, documentary materials, and archival records illustrate key stages of his presidency.
8. "Future Kazakhstan" Hall - Presents futurological concepts of sustainable development: science, medicine, green economy, intelligent technologies, and innovation. The exhibition reflects strategic development paths of modern Kazakhstan.
9. "Kazakhstan - Homeland of Apples and Tulips" Hall - Showcases the global significance of Kazakhstan’s biodiversity, ecological heritage, and flora. It emphasizes the country's branding as the native land of apples and tulips.
The center is fully equipped with modern digital infrastructure, including kinetic sculptures, holography, interactive stands, touch panels, multimedia screens, and 7D video projections. Audio guides are available in Kazakh, Russian, English, and French.
Beyond tourism, the center actively fulfills a scientific and educational mission. Exhibits include artifacts discovered during historical and archaeological expeditions (e.g., a letter from Ablai Khan to Catherine II), archival documents, maps, photos, and videos. Regular events include exhibitions, poetic aitys (oral poetry competitions), Language Days of Kazakhstan’s ethnic groups, and national cultural festivals. The "Uly Dala Eli" Spiritual and Cultural Center is a significant institutional space for reviving national historical memory, preserving cultural heritage, and strengthening national identity. By harmoniously integrating historical content with cutting-edge technologies, the center in Turkistan has become a unique cultural-ideological platform that offers visitors a profound educational and cultural experience.