AlmaAta

Alma-Ata, also known as Alma-Ata and historically as Almaty, is a city in southern Kazakhstan. It lies at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains along the Ili River valley and is the country’s largest city by population as well as a major cultural and economic center. The city serves as a hub for transportation, education, and finance, with a diversified economy that includes industry, trade, and services.

Etymology and name: The name Alma-Ata comes from Kazakh alma (apple) and ata (father), commonly translated as “father of apples” or “birthplace of apples.” The city was renamed Almaty in the 1990s to reflect Kazakh spelling and pronunciation.

History: Alma-Ata was the capital of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic and, later, of Kazakhstan from 1929 to 1997. In 1997 the national capital was moved to Astana, while Almaty remained the country’s largest city and leading commercial center. The city hosted events such as the 2011 Asian Winter Games, highlighting its role in regional sport and culture.

Notable features: The city features parks, cultural venues, and nearby mountains that attract tourism and recreation. It is served by Almaty International Airport, the busiest airport in Kazakhstan, and hosts numerous universities and museums that contribute to its status as a major urban center in the region.