Understanding traditions, architecture and cultural continuity in Kazakhstan's cultural heart, almaty

Almaty (Alma-Ata) is the birth city of apples that the world rejoices. This paper explores Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, where many traditions and cultures overlapped for centuries reflecting its rich cultural heritage and contemporary aspirations. Pre 8th century nomadic culture impacted on yurt architecture, felt craftsmanship, horseback riding and oral storytelling. From the 8th to 15th century, Turkic and Islamic influences significantly shaped dome-shaped architecture, calligraphy, arabesque decor, bazaar culture, and molded religious practices and social norms. During the same period, Mongol culture also left a profound impact, notably influencing political and military systems through advancements in horsemanship and archery, promoting nomadic pastoralism, and establishing a distinct social hierarchy linked to clan relations. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, Persian culture greatly influenced literary forms, poetry, calligraphy, textile and craft refinement, and Sufi mysticism. During this time, Chinese influence via the Silk Road also became prominent, affecting trade routes, tea consumption, and the art of papermaking. From the 19th to 20th centuries, Soviet Russian influence impacted on the Cyrillic script, introduced Soviet-style architecture, and influenced on Western socialist art movements.21st century cultural Kazakh cultural resurgence is highly influenced by Al Farabi and Abay’s philosophy and cultural appreciation. This research is grounded in a comprehensive content analysis of academic papers and books, supplemented by insights and contributions from professors offive departments under Faculty of philosophy and political science of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The research was carried out within a one-year period, spanning from 2019 to 2020. This paper delves into how Almaty’s urban fabric intertwines by analyzing key factors that has resulted in the city’s cultural evolution and societal changes.