Exploring The Nazarbayev Tsentr In Astana

First presidents gotta have their own educational center. Some artifacts from the past, a bit of a boasting bio, exhibits that look toward a bright future. Nursultan Nazarbayev was the first president of Independent Kazakhstan, serving from 1991 until 2019. Nice run.

As fitting with the rest of the architecture around town, a modern, striking building for the Tsentr.

Signing things is good to show. On the left, various Soviet-era ID cards in their iconic red billfolds. If you don't have the actual hand for signing, an acrylic one will work well.

Big stuff. A giant, 3D seal of the country, massive globe and a model of one of Kazakhstan's main symbols, "The Golden Man."

If you're a world leader, don't hide it! A wall of photographs that depict Nazarbayev shaking hands with other world leaders. Takes one to know one. Getting to know you through a gift, a plate from the White House, of the White House. Makes it easy to know where to send the Thank You card.

A leader needs a statue, preferably bronze, walking and slightly ahead of the past and your people. 

More Amazing Astana

We're not done. More signature vanity projects to feature proudly.

Here's the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. Believe in the power of the pyramid. At least the power of it to make a nice cultural center.

Another fun shape. This building is a shopping mall designed to look like a modern interpretation of a traditional Kazakh tent. More fun with angles. A museum, educational center dedicated to Kazakhstan's first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev. The round building used to be the museum until it was converted to a high level government building.

Kazakhstan is a Muslim country and grand mosques are needed. Behold, the Hazrat Sultan mosque.

The circus is always in town and housed in this round spaceship. The show must be, ahem, out of this world. For a different entertainment experience, head to the Central Concert Hall, all wrapped in curvy blue glass.

Sunset along the Mall. The two gold cylinders are government offices, sometimes nicknamed The Beer Cans. Drink it in, soak it up, wash it down.