Aqzhan: 'Pure soul', brand of the Great Steppe

A Rare Cultural Phenomenon

Nowadays, Astana's Aqzhan is seen as a rare cultural phenomenon, yet one that feels close and understandable to people. Kazakhstani citizens share photos and comments on social media, further strengthening the emotional bond with this image. For city dwellers, she becomes a 'native' symbol — a sign of trust and unity, reflecting public expectations and the aspiration for harmony.

Aqzhan is not merely a celestial horse of the Great Steppe. She is a metaphor for modern Kazakhstan, where civic responsibility and moral values play a key role in shaping urban identity and national consciousness.

Viewed through the prism of lifestyle, the name Aqzhan — "Pure Soul" — sounds like the slogan of a new era. An era in which true luxury is the ability to remain honest, environmentally conscious, and responsible in everyday life.

The new Astana, with its geometry of bridges, glass facades, and the contrast between the skyline and the endless steppe, visually rhymes with the image of Aqzhan. Here, it is important that every detail is in its place: the texture of the paving, the design of small architectural forms, the quality of lighting. Ideally, the city should look as if it is cared for every day for the sheer pleasure of it.

In this context, the habit of not littering, preserving green spaces, and respecting shared environments ceases to be an abstract 'civic duty' and becomes part of personal style. Once this awareness is achieved, it is difficult to return to old habits.

"Urbanism views the city not only as a collection of buildings and streets, but also as a space of meanings. It is important for people to understand what values are reflected in the place where they live. Symbols help convey these values, form a sense of community, and become part of collective memory. A city becomes truly beloved not only thanks to beautiful buildings, but also through memories, traditions, local stories, images, and legends," says urbanist Adiya Karsybek.

That is why cultural and emotional symbols, as the urbanist notes, play no less a role than architectural ones. They help people feel connected to a place, make the city more alive, and create the very atmosphere that cannot be built solely through urban planning solutions.