Öskemen, Kazakhstan

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Öskemen, Kazakhstan

Region: East Kazakhstan Region


Geographic Coordinates: 49.983300, 82.616700
Temperature Range: -40.0°C to 30.0°C (-40°F to 86°F)
Climate: Cold winters and mild summers with low precipitation.
Population: 346127
Language: Kazakh

Öskemen, Also known as Ust-Kamenogorsk, Is a city situated in the eastern part of Kazakhstan. It serves as the capital of the East Kazakhstan Region and is an important industrial center in the country. The city has a rich history and culture that dates back to ancient times. In 1720, Russian explorers founded Öskemen as a fortification on the Irtysh River. The city was later named after nearby mountains made of stone (kamen) that were used for building materials. During World War II, Öskemen played a crucial role in manufacturing military equipment and weapons.

Today, Over 300, 000 people call Öskemen home with Kazakhs, Russians, Ukrainians, Germans and Koreans living together harmoniously. The city has many cultural attractions such as museums dedicated to local history and art galleries showcasing works by Kazakh artists. Lake Zaysan is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Öskemen which lies just outside its limits. This lake offers stunning views along with opportunities for fishing and boating making it one of Kazakhstan’s largest freshwater bodies.

The Altai Mountains are also within easy reach from Öskemen offering visitors breathtaking scenery along with hiking opportunities through lush forests filled with wildlife including bears, Wolves among others. During winter months in Öskemen can be harsh but summers are mild making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking or cycling around town while enjoying beautiful nature views. Mining remains one of the main industries in this region with copper mining being particularly prominent while other industries include agriculture (wheat production), Construction materials manufacturing (bricks), Food processing (dairy products) among others.

, Öskemen offers visitors an authentic experience combining natural beauty with historical sites making it an ideal destination for those wanting to experience Kazakh culture firsthand.



Important Landmarks

  1. Abay Opera House
  2. Victory Park
  3. Ust-Kamenogorsk Hydroelectric Power Station
  4. Museum of Local Lore
  5. Central Mosque
  6. Russian Drama Theater named after Gorky
  7. Irtysh River Embankment
  8. Regional History Museum
  9. Abylai Khan’s Palace and Museum of Folk Musical Instruments
  10. Cathedral of the Ascension

Primary Industries

  1. Mining – Öskemen is known for its rich deposits of minerals such as copper, gold, lead, and zinc.
  2. Metallurgy – The city has several metallurgical plants that process the minerals mined in the region.
  3. Chemical industry – There are also chemical plants that produce fertilizers and other chemicals.
  4. Machinery manufacturing – Öskemen has a number of factories that manufacture machinery and equipment for various industries.
  5. Food processing – The city has several food processing plants that produce meat products, dairy products, and other food items.
  6. Construction materials production – There are also factories that produce construction materials such as cement, bricks, and tiles.
  7. Energy production – Öskemen has power stations that generate electricity for the region.
  8. Transportation services – Due to its location near the border with Russia and China, transportation services play a significant role in the economy of Öskemen with trucking companies being prominent players in this sector.

Noteable History

  1. The city was founded in 1720 as a Russian fortification on the Irtysh River.
  2. During World War II, Öskemen was an important industrial center for the Soviet Union, producing weapons and equipment for the war effort.
  3. In 1949, Öskemen was one of the sites where nuclear tests were conducted by the Soviet Union.
  4. The city is home to many notable Kazakh writers and poets such as Mukhtar Auezov, Abai Kunanbayev, and Magzhan Zhumabayev.
  5. Öskemen has been home to several Olympic medalists including figure skater Denis Ten who won bronze at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
  6. The city has also produced several prominent politicians including former Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov and current Mayor Azat Peruashev.
  7. In recent years, Öskemen has become known for its thriving IT industry with many startups emerging from the city’s tech scene.
  8. Notable landmarks in Öskemen include the Cathedral of Archangel Michael which dates back to 1773 and is considered one of Kazakhstan’s oldest churches; Zenkov Cathedral which is made entirely out of wood; and Bukhtarma reservoir which provides hydroelectric power to much of Kazakhstan’s eastern region.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Abay Kazakh State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater
  2. Regional Museum of Local Lore
  3. Memorial Complex Victory Park
  4. Ust-Kamenogorsk City Mosque
  5. Altai Mountains Natural Reserve
  6. The Central Square of the city
  7. East Kazakhstan Regional Art Museum named after Kasteev
  8. Bukhtarminskaya Hydroelectric Power Station
  9. Monument to the founders of Öskemen city – Abay, Shakarim and Bogenbai Batyr.
  10. Kokpektinsky tract


Sports Teams

  1. FC Vostok – Founded in 1963, FC Vostok is a professional football club based in Öskemen. The team has won several regional championships and has participated in the Kazakhstan Premier League.
  2. Altai-Torpedo – Altai-Torpedo is an ice hockey team based in Öskemen that was founded in 1964. The team has won multiple championships and has represented Kazakhstan at international tournaments.
  3. BC Tobol – BC Tobol is a basketball team that was founded in 1997 and plays its home games at the Yunost Sports Palace in Öskemen.
  4. Volleyball Club Altay – Volleyball Club Altay was established in 2005 and competes in the national volleyball league of Kazakhstan.
  5. Barys Astana (formerly known as Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk) – While not based directly out of Öskemen, Barys Astana (originally known as Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk) played their first season out of this city before moving to Astana (now Nur-Sultan). They are a professional ice hockey club that competes both domestically and internationally, having reached the Gagarin Cup Finals twice since their founding as Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk back during the 1999-2000 season.


Cultural Events

  1. Nauryz is a traditional Kazakh festival that celebrates the spring equinox and the start of a new year.
  2. Zhambyl Day is a celebration of Abay Qunanbayuli, a famous Kazakh poet, composer and philosopher who was born in Öskemen.
  3. Victory Day is an annual commemoration of Kazakhstan’s victory in World War II, with parades and celebrations held throughout the city.
  4. Independence Day marks Kazakhstan’s independence from the Soviet Union on December 16th each year.
  5. The Silk Road Festival is an annual event that celebrates local culture, music, dance and food with performances by artists from across Central Asia.
  6. The International Jazz Festival Jazzystan takes place every year featuring jazz musicians from around Kazakhstan and beyond.
  7. The Shalkar Ethno-Festival is a celebration of traditional Kazakh culture including horse racing, eagle hunting and other cultural activities.
  8. The Great Steppe festival showcases traditional Kazakh music, dance and art forms in Öskemen’s central park area annually.
  9. Kazakhstan National Games are held every four years to promote national unity through sports among ethnic groups living in Kazakhstan featuring games such as Kokpar (a game played on horseback), Kyz Kuu (a race between men and women) etc.

Cuisine

  1. Beshbarmak – a traditional Kazakh dish made with boiled meat (usually lamb or beef) served over flat noodles and topped with onions.
  2. Shashlik – grilled skewered meat (usually lamb or beef) served with vegetables and bread.
  3. Lagman – a noodle soup dish made with vegetables, meat, and spices.
  4. Plov – a rice dish cooked with meat (usually lamb or beef), carrots, onions, and spices.
  5. Kebab House – a popular restaurant in Öskemen that serves shashlik, kebab, lagman, plov and other traditional Kazakh dishes.
  6. Dastarkhan Restaurant – another popular restaurant that serves traditional Kazakh cuisine including beshbarmak, plov and shashlik.
  7. Uyut Cafe & Restaurant – a cozy cafe that offers a mix of European and Kazakh dishes including lagman soup and various pastries.
  8. Sultan Palace Restaurant – A luxurious restaurant serving various cuisines including Chinese food as well as authentic local dishes like beshbarmak.
  9. Zhety Kazyna – This is another great spot for trying out the local cuisine of Kazakhstan such as kuyrdak, baursaki, manti etc.

Parks and Recreation

  1. Central Park is a large park that features walking paths, playgrounds, and a lake for boating.
  2. Victory Park is a memorial park dedicated to World War II veterans with monuments and museums.
  3. Gorky Park is an amusement park that offers rides, games, and food vendors.
  4. Zhambyl Park is a smaller park with walking paths and benches for relaxation.
  5. Ice Palace Karaganda is an ice skating rink that’s open year-round.
  6. Saryarka Velodrome is a cycling track used for competitions and recreational riding.
  7. Alatau Ski Resort is a popular winter sports destination that offers skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.
  8. Ust-Kamenogorsk Zoo houses various animals such as tigers, bears, monkeys, and birds.
  9. Irtysh River Embankment provides visitors with scenic views of the city’s skyline while strolling along the riverside walkway.
  10. Koktobe Hill serves as an ideal spot for panoramic views of the city from above along with cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops available to visitors.

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