Baiterek is a symbol of independent Kazakhstan and one of the most recognizable sights of the capital with a magnificent observation tower.

History of creation 

The project was launched on October 25, 1996 at the initiative of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, its architect is — Akmurza Rustembekov. The construction was completed in 2002. In August of the same year, the grand opening of the monument took place.

During construction, the volume of earthworks amounted to 8,600 cubic meters, concrete — 2,900 m3, metal structures — 1,000 tons, dome glazing — 1,555 m2. The height of the Baiterek monument is 102 meters. The diameter of the ball crowning the structure is 22 m.

The monument was built as a symbol of the transfer of the capital from Alma-Ata to Akmola in 1997. 

The importance of "Baiterek" as one of the first symbols of a new stage in the life of the Kazakh people is emphasized by the artistic composition "Ayaly Alakan". This is an impression of the right hand of the first President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, located at an altitude of 97 meters, which symbolizes 1997 (the year Astana was proclaimed the new capital of the state).

The Baiterek monument is also called the "tree of life". According to the legends of the ancient nomads: at the junction of the worlds, the World River flowed, and on its shore towered the tree of life — Baiterek, holding the earth with its roots and supporting the sky with its crown. Every year, in the crown of the tree, the sacred bird Samruk (Phoenix) laid a sun egg, which was eaten by the terrifying Aidakhar (dragon), who lives at the foot of the tree of life. This story symbolically means the change of summer and winter, day and night, the struggle of Good and Evil. It was this story that inspired the creation of the monument. 

"Baiterek" in modern Kazakhstan

Large parks and squares around the Baiterek Monument are regularly used for unusual events. For example, in 2010, at the invitation of the Mayor's Office of Astana, the international exhibition United Buddy Bears from Berlin was organized. Thanks to this, 125 unique works of art created by craftsmen from around the world were demonstrated to residents and tourists of Kazakhstan.

Various events, concerts and festivals are held annually at the Baiterek venues. Residents of the capital and guests from other regions cannot imagine the city of Astana without a monument. This is what suggests that Baiterek has become the main symbol of the capital of an independent country.

Small copies of the monument were installed in other cities of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in honor of memorable events: Ust-Kamenogorsk, Ridder, Ekibastuz, Karkaralinsk, Lisakovsk, Shakhan, etc.  

Also, the image of the monument was used on the national currency. On the commemorative coin "50 tenge" in honor of the 10th anniversary of the capital, and on the banknote "10,000 tenge"

In 2016, the monument's design was updated.

Today, "Baiterek" means a young, strong, growing tree, symbolizes a state that has preserved its historical roots, has a solid foundation and aspirations for future prosperity.