Bayterek Tower, Astana, Kazakhstan

Bayterek Tower is one of the most famous sites in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. The tower’s outer appearance goes back to ancient nomads. It represents the mythological tree of life where the magic bird of happiness Samruk has made its nest and laid its huge golden egg. Bayterek Tower is a symbol of Astana and tis new status as the capital of Kazakhstan. The capital of the republic was moved from Almaty to Astana in 1997. Bayterek Tower was inaugurated on August 30, 2002. The tower is 105 meters high and its observation platform is set at 97 meters, to symbolize the year the capital was moved. The diameter of the ball is 22 meters. There is an imprint of President Nursultan Nazarbayev's hand at the top floor in the sphere as well as a set of signatures of the participants of the first Congress of World Religious held in Astana. The Kazakhs have nicknamed it “The Chupa Chups” for its resemblance to a lollipop. Bayterek symbolizes Astana just as the Eiffel Tower symbolizes Paris.