Kazakhstan, Central Asia

Kazakhstan: President Stamps Personality on the Nation

Joanna Lillis, David Trilling Jul 2, 2009
The hand of Nazarbayev 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 entering the museum Children enter the Museum of the First President, which is all about Nazarbayev, in Astana.
A mosque in Nazarbayev A mosque in Astana, Kazakhstan's moneyed new capital.
Bayterek The Bayterek Tower in Astana
Nazarbayev A billboard featuring Nazarbayev in Astana: "Prosperity, safety and betterment of all Kazakhstanis remain the most important tasks for our state."
Nursultan Nazarbayev painting A painting inside the Museum of the First President
Nazarbayev and flowers Nazarbayev receives flowers during a visit this year to Semipalitinsk
Nursultan Nazarbayev books Books on display inside the Museum of the First President
Nursultan Nazarbayev books Books on display inside the Museum of the First President
Nursultan Nazarbayev A painting inside the Museum of the First President
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The glittery city of Astana celebrates its 10th year as capital of the Central Asian country headed by President Nursultan Nazarbayev - the country's first and only leader following its independence from the Soviet Union. In honor of his almost 20 years of leadership, Nazarbayev has been immortalized in museums, music, art and theater.

Joanna Lillis is a freelance writer who specializes in Central Asia and David Trilling is the Central Asia news editor for Eurasianet.

Joanna Lillis is a journalist based in Almaty and author of Dark Shadows: Inside the Secret World of Kazakhstan.

David Trilling is Eurasianet’s managing editor.

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