Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan, with a population of 1,226,000 (as of 1 August 2005), which represents 8% of the population of the country. It was the capital of Kazakhstan (and its predecessor, the Kazakh SSR) from 1929 to 1998. Despite losing its status as the capital, Almaty remains the major commercial center of Kazakhstan.
The name "Almaty" derives from the Kazakh word for "apple" (alma), and thus is often translated as a city "rich with apples". The older Soviet-era Russian version of its name, Alma-Ata, originates from a mistake (the name literally means "Grandfather of apples"). In the surrounding region, there is a great genetic diversity among the wild apples; the region is thought to be the ancestral home of the apple, and the wild Malus sieversii, is considered a likely candidate for the ancestor of the modern domestic apple.
The new 2030 General Plan of Almaty was developed in 1998 and aims at forming ecologically safe, secure and socially comfortable living conditions. The main objective is to promote Almaty’s image as a garden-city. One of the components of the General Plan is to continue multi-storied and individual construction, reorganize industrial territories, improve transport infrastructure and launch Almaty Metro. Almaty is also developing as the regional financial and business centre - RFCA. There is no doubt that thanks to reforming Kazakhstan 's banking system, according to local and foreign experts, is more efficient and progressive than those in other neighboring post-Soviet states. These advantages in particular allow us to talk about strong competitiveness of this sector, what in its turn assisted in the creation of a regional financial center in Almaty in the beginning of 2003. For this purpose the republic's government opted for the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) as a strategic partner for JSC “Centre for Marketing and Analytical Research” to jointly develop a feasibility study for the above-mentioned project. The government evaluated their services at $1 mln. The feasibility study was carried out in several stages. In the framework of the first stage, in particular, the world's best experience on the creation of such centers was defined, and current situation of Kazakhstan 's financial system was assessed. Two alternative models for the development of a regional financial center in Almaty were worked out during the second stage. Participants from Russia and Ukraine will be considered during the first stage, as was noted by BCG experts. Investors and issuers from China, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan will join it at later stages, the project makers hope. They also see the participation of Kazakhstan's companies in the project as one of the mandatory requirement for the successful development of the financial center in Almaty, as this will be the determining prerequisite for the development of liquidity in this centre.
There are a lot of places of interest in Almaty.

Plaza of Republic
One of the largest city’s plaza in Almaty. On its southern side, is found Ñity administration department and President's Residence. The western side is decorated with the five-star InterContinental Hotel. Two high-rise dwelling-houses and adjoining buildings with stained-glass windows in Oriental style complete over plaza ensemble on it's northern part. Between them, two fountains with cascades go down Baiseitova street.
Almaty's Arbat
Zhybek-Zholy Street (Kazakh - Silk road). Most popular Almaty's pedestrian street (formerly Gorky Str.) aka "Arbat". Meeting place artists, musicians and any art-people. Along street is located much shops: jewelry - fashion - technics boutiques, street cafes, etc. The most greater: Central Trade House Zangar, SilkWay Passage, Green Bazaar, Samsung BrandShop. See also Zangar, Green Bazaar.
Abai's Theater (National Academical Theater of Opera and Ballet)
It was built in 1941 and mirrored the contemporary architecture style so called "soviet classic" decorated with Kazakh traditional ornamental patterns. From that time Kazakh opera and ballet survived rises and falls depending on economic situation, but always it was known with talented singers.

This year (2001) the building was totally restored according to the first design and now it is interesting like a memorial of soviet imposing architecture, rich decorated inside with local semi-precious stones and stained-glass windows.

The Theater Plaza is one of the most favorite and beautiful places in the old center. The theater is surrounded by picturesque gardens with fountains and sculptures. There is a big fountain in front of the theater, but fortunately it didn't work that moment just to allow me to take the picture.