Historical and Cultural Center “Atamaken”

The Historical and Cultural Center "Atameken" of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan  was officially opened on December 1, 2017, in honor of the Day of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is located in the village of Shamalgan, Karasai District, Almaty Region. The total area of the museum building is 1,250 square meters. The center is a significant cultural and educational institution that presents the life path Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev, his historical role as head of state, and his contribution to the formation and development of independent Kazakhstan.

         The building was constructed in accordance with modern architectural standards. Its interior is organized both chronologically and thematically, allowing visitors to follow the key stages in the development of the nation and the leader’s personal journey. The exhibition space consists of four main halls, and the center’s grounds include artistic murals and outdoor displays.

         The museum’s collection includes 953 items, 447 of which belong to the main collection. The exhibits cover topics such as the history of Kazakhstan, the life of the First President, his socio-political activities, the formation of state institutions, and Kazakhstan’s international achievements.

         The exhibition halls are organized into the following thematic areas:

         The first hall is dedicated to the childhood of the First President, his school and university years, and the beginning of his professional career. On display are photographs, documents, household items, and artifacts related to his education and family life.

         The second hall presents the key political decisions made during the formation of independent Kazakhstan and highlights the role of Nursultan Nazarbayev as the country's leader. The exhibition highlights such milestones as the proclamation of independence, the adoption of the Constitution, the introduction of the national currency - the tenge, and the relocation of the capital to Astana.

         The third hall is devoted to the socio-economic development of Kazakhstan. It features materials illustrating the transition to a market economy, industrialization, agricultural reform, infrastructure development, and the implementation of the "Kazakhstan - 2030" Strategy.

         The fourth hall presents Kazakhstan’s achievements on the international stage, including bilateral and multilateral cooperation with foreign countries. The exhibition features materials on meetings and negotiations involving the First President, as well as his participation in the activities of international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Turkic Council, and others.

         On the museum grounds is a large artistic mural that depicts the key stages of Kazakh history - from ancient times to the present. The composition reflects the Turkic period, the era of the Kazakh Khanate, the colonial era, and the stage of independence.

         A special place in the open-air exhibition is given to the official car used by the First President in 2001. This artifact symbolizes one of the stages of his state service.

         The main goal of the "Atameken" Historical and Cultural Center is to provide cultural and spiritual services to the public, foster patriotism among youth, and promote the development of historical consciousness. The center regularly hosts guided tours, thematic lectures, conferences, and scientific-practical seminars. The museum's activities are organized in accordance with modern standards of museology, historical scholarship, cultural studies, and pedagogy.