The House of Textiles “Kyzyl Tan”

Location: Zhibek Zholy Avenue, 63.

What’s interesting about it?

House of Fabrics “Kyzyl Tan” (translated from Kazakh as “Red Dawn”) is the oldest continuously operating fabric store in Almaty. The building was built in 1896 (according to other sources, in 1912) by order of the merchant Iskhak Gabdulvaliyev. The merchant was engaged in the trading of textiles, perfumes, and haberdashery.

The building immediately became one of the main objects on Torgovaya Street (the current name is Zhibek Zholy Avenue). During Soviet times, the trading house was nationalized but continued to be used for its intended purpose - trade.

What to see?

The building was designed in a neo-Russian style, characterized by patterned shutters, a symmetrical facade composition, a scalloped dome, and gracefully carved cornices. Externally, the house resembles a fairytale tower. Sitting on an area of 1,450 square meters, it really looked like a real palace in its time.

Now, like in the year of its foundation, fabrics, threads, yarn, felt, and accessories are sold here, and there is a department for sewing ready-made clothes.

When is the best time to visit?

The building is an island of antiquity in the center of Almaty. You can take gorgeous pictures next to the store at any time of the year. The Kyzyl Tan Fabric House is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.