Pedestrian street of Zhibek Zholy

Location: Zhibek Zholy Street

What’s interesting about it?

The pedestrian zone Zhibek Zholy (translated from Kazakh as “Silk Road”) stretches from Abylai Khan Street to Kunaev Street. This street has historical, cultural, and commercial significance. Since Soviet times, Zhibek Zholy has been a point of attraction for young people. Here, you can find high-fashion boutiques, art galleries, cozy cafes, restaurants, and a wall by the legendary rock musician Viktor Tsoi.

How did it appear?

Zhibek Zholy became the first stone-paved street in the city of Verny. It was in 1883. Since the beginning of the 19th century, this street has been the commercial and business center of the city, representing its trading essence. Workers' demonstrations took place here. The locations of the headquarters of the Semirechensk region troops and the editorial office of the Semirechensk peasant newspaper were there too.

The first large shopping center in the Kazakh SSR was built on Zhibek Zholy in 1961 and was called TSUM. Now, it is the Zangar shopping center. Behind Kunaev Street, you can see the Kyzyl-Tan Fabric House, formerly known as the Merchant House, a unique monument of wooden architecture recognized by the government as a valuable place.