Astana, inside the Bayterek Tower. Visitors can place their hands in the palm print of the president. When they do, the national anthem begins to play. (all photos David Trilling)
Children enter the Museum of the First President, which is all about Nazarbayev, in Astana.
A mosque in Astana, Kazakhstan's moneyed new capital.
The Bayterek Tower in Astana
A billboard featuring Nazarbayev in Astana: "Prosperity, safety and betterment of all Kazakhstanis remain the most important tasks for our state."
A painting inside the Museum of the First President
Nazarbayev receives flowers during a visit this year to Semipalitinsk
Books on display inside the Museum of the First President
Books on display inside the Museum of the First President
A painting inside the Museum of the First President
Joanna Lillis is a freelance writer who specializes in Central Asia and David Trilling is the Central Asia news editor for Eurasianet.
Sign up for Eurasianet's free weekly newsletter. Support Eurasianet: Help keep our journalism open to all, and influenced by none.