Le Journal de la Photographie

Looking down Nurzhol Blvd. from the Ak Orda Presidential Palace, the scene appears reminiscent of Tomorrowland. Built according to President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s vision, the city has taken on an ultramodern 21st century feel, enlisting the hands of a number of world-renowned architects and arti...

Looking down Nurzhol Blvd. from the Ak Orda Presidential Palace, the scene appears reminiscent of Tomorrowland. Built according to President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s vision, the city has taken on an ultramodern 21st century feel, enlisting the hands of a number of world-renowned architects and arti...

Astana, Kazakhstan - Gerd Ludwig Looking down Nurzhol Blvd. from the Ak Orda Presidential Palace, the scene appears reminiscent of Tomorrowland. Built according to President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s vision, the city has taken on an ultramodern 21st century feel, enlisting the hands of a number of world-renowned architects and arti... Astana, Kazakhstan - Gerd Ludwig Young men flex their muscles before appreciative members of the opposite sex on a manmade beach along the banks of the Esil (Ishim) River. The river bisects Astana and serves as a source of recreation potential during the short summer months. © Gerd Ludwig/INSTITUTE for National Geographic Mag... Astana, Kazakhstan - Gerd Ludwig The gilded imprint of President Nazarbayev's right hand is held high above Astana, within the golden orb observation platform of Baiterek. Baiterek is the quintessential symbol of Astana, itself alluding to a Kazakh folktale of the mythic bird Samruk and its golden egg, laid high in a poplar tree... Astana, Kazakhstan - Gerd Ludwig Baiterek is part modern vision, part Kazakh myth, serving not only as a symbol of Astana, but a tourist attraction for Kazakh and foreign visitors alike. Baiterek’s golden orb viewing platform features the gilded right hand print of Nursultan Nazarbayev, the first President of the Independent Rep... Astana, Kazakhstan - Gerd Ludwig The large “American” homes and lawns of the Diplomatic Quarter stand juxtaposed with Astana’s modern high rises and architectural wonders. © Gerd Ludwig/INSTITUTE for National Geographic Magazine Astana, Kazakhstan - Gerd Ludwig The stained glass artwork of renowned artist Brain Clark encapsulates the Assembly Room of the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. The round table is meant for the leaders of the world’s religions to meet on an even ground. The doves—a universal symbol of peace—embody the Palace’s message of renu... Astana, Kazakhstan - Gerd Ludwig Pedestrian Bridge connecting the Left and Right Banks, near the Beach and Central Park © Gerd Ludwig/INSTITUTE for National Geographic Magazine Astana, Kazakhstan - Gerd Ludwig Few sections of Astana show the contrast between the new apartment buildings and the old, small single-dwellings that used to dominate the city during the Soviet Era. Nurbek, standing foreground and to the right, lives in the older part of town, but shapes New Astana as a construction worker. © ... Astana, Kazakhstan - Gerd Ludwig Flanked by traditional Kazakh dancers, a bride awaits her formal unveiling at an opulent wedding palace, where she has just been married in a ceremony capped by the release of two white doves. The revelry begins when the veil is lifted. © Gerd Ludwig/INSTITUTE for National Geographic Magazine Astana, Kazakhstan - Gerd Ludwig Due to its frigid climate, with only half the year above freezing (Astana is the second coldest capital of the world), indoor spaces provide an invaluable luxury. Here, in the Keruyen Shopping center, an arcade provides organized entertainment for children and teens, along with much needed relief... Astana, Kazakhstan - Gerd Ludwig The beach built atop the Khan Shatyr attracts young people for an Ibiza themed party. Dressed in bathing suites, the party mimics nightlife a world away. © Gerd Ludwig/INSTITUTE for National Geographic Magazine Astana, Kazakhstan - Gerd Ludwig A traditionally dressed Kazakh group of visitors from the city of Taraz (formerly Dzhambyl) hurry across a wide avenue towards the alabaster white pillar known as the Kazakh peoples’ monument, topped with the golden image of the mythological bird Samruk. © Gerd Ludwig/INSTITUTE for National Geo...