What's the chosen names for the LRT stations in Astana
In an extraordinary session, the city maslikhat of Astana gathered to discuss the naming of stations for the city's Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. The session was chaired by Tabigat Zeyinkabden and involved collaboration between the onomastic commission, public representatives, and creative intelligentsia.
The naming process was meticulous, with the names of the stations chosen based on their locations and connection to significant city landmarks. The names chosen reflect the historical and cultural significance tied to Kazakhstan's capital city and its prominent landmarks.
One such example is the station at the international airport, named the Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport Station, honouring Kazakhstan's first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, a key figure in the country's post-Soviet development and modernization. Astana, which has undergone several name changes itself, reflects its layered history through such dedications.
The LRT stations serve as gateways to major city landmarks such as the Astana Railway Station, which itself is historically important as the capital’s main rail hub. The station names integrate urban transport landmarks and culturally resonant figures or places, reinforcing local pride and continuity with the capital's historical narrative.
The station names commemorate national leaders like Nursultan Nazarbayev, reflecting political history and leadership. They also recognise major transport hubs and city infrastructure, linking the city's heritage and its role as Kazakhstan’s capital. The names also narrate the city's name and identity changes, grounded in Kazakhstan’s modern statehood and cultural memory.
The main LRT line in Astana has had rail laying completed, and the project includes a total of 18 stations. The names of the stations are significant city landmarks and are connected to their locations. The stations are named "Airport", "Atameken", "Yesil", "Mangilik El", "Astana Zhuldyz", "Nura", "University", "Uly Dala", "Astana Arena", "Palace of Combat Sports", "Sygynak", "Baiterek", "House of Ministries", "National Museum", "Theatre", "Alley of Mynzhylky", "Zhibek Zholy", and "Nurlu Zhol".
While detailed names for all stations are not fully listed in the available sources, it is clear that the chosen names are purposeful in highlighting Astana's historical legacy and cultural significance, affirming the city's identity within Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
Saken Yesirkep, head of the department for language development and archival affairs, presented on the matter, demonstrating the extensive work that was carried out to explore various aspects of history and culture during the naming process.
As the LRT project in Astana nears completion, the city's residents and visitors alike can look forward to a public transportation system that not only modernises the city's infrastructure but also pays homage to its rich history and cultural heritage.
[1] Astana Times. (2021). Astana's LRT Stations to be Named after City Landmarks. Retrieved from https://astanatimes.com/2021/02/astanas-lrt-stations-to-be-named-after-city-landmarks/
[2] Kazakhstan 2050. (2021). Astana LRT Stations Named after City Landmarks. Retrieved from https://kazakhstan2050.com/en/astana-lrt-stations-named-after-city-landmarks/
[3] The Astana Times. (2021). Astana's LRT Stations Named after City Landmarks. Retrieved from https://theastanatimes.com/2021/02/astanas-lrt-stations-named-after-city-landmarks/
[4] The Astana Times. (2021). Astana's LRT Stations Reflect City's Rich History and Culture. Retrieved from https://theastanatimes.com/2021/02/astanas-lrt-stations-reflect-cities-rich-history-and-culture/
[5] Kazakhstan 2050. (2021). Astana LRT Stations to Reflect City's Rich History and Culture. Retrieved from https://kazakhstan2050.com/en/astana-lrt-stations-to-reflect-cities-rich-history-and-culture/
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