What Happened to Astana (City of Kazakhstan)?
Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a provincial town to a modern, futuristic metropolis since becoming the capital in 1997. Known for its rapid development and distinctive architecture, the city also experienced a temporary name change to Nur-Sultan from 2019 to 2022, before reverting to Astana. As of 2026, it continues to be a hub for international events, economic growth, and digital innovation, despite facing some economic slowdowns in early 2026.
Quick Answer
Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, has evolved significantly since its designation as the capital in 1997. After being briefly renamed Nur-Sultan in 2019 in honor of former President Nursultan Nazarbayev, it reverted to its original name, Astana, in September 2022. As of May 2026, Astana is a rapidly growing city with a population exceeding 1.6 million, serving as a key center for political, economic, and cultural activities in Central Asia. The city is actively pursuing digitalization initiatives, hosting international forums, and planning major infrastructure projects like a second airport, even as the national economy experiences some uneven growth.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Founded as Aqmoly
The settlement that would become Astana was founded as Aqmoly, possibly named after a local landmark meaning 'white grave' or 'white tomb'.
Renamed Akmolinsk
The settlement was granted town status and renamed Akmolinsk.
Renamed Tselinograd
Under Nikita Khrushchev, the city was renamed Tselinograd, meaning 'City of Virgin Lands', reflecting the Soviet 'Virgin Lands' campaign.
Renamed Akmola
Following Kazakhstan's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the city's name was changed back to Akmola.
Becomes Capital of Kazakhstan
Akmola officially replaced Almaty as the capital city of Kazakhstan by presidential decree.
Renamed Astana
The new capital city was renamed Astana, which means 'capital city' in Kazakh.
Awarded 'City of Peace' by UNESCO
Astana received the medal and title of the City of Peace from UNESCO, recognizing its role in promoting peace and stability.
Renamed Nur-Sultan
The city was renamed Nur-Sultan in honor of the outgoing long-term President Nursultan Nazarbayev, shortly after his resignation.
Reverted to Astana
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a constitutional amendment to revert the capital's name back to Astana.
Astana International Forum Cancelled
The 2024 Astana International Forum, scheduled for June, was cancelled by President Tokayev due to severe floods in Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan Launches Digitalization Program
Kazakhstan announced an ambitious digital transformation agenda for 2026, including smart city expansion, 5G rollout, and the transition of all government budgets to the digital tenge.
Astana's Housing Market Outperforms
Astana's secondary housing market outperformed Almaty with 12.9% price growth in 2024, and housing transactions surged 21.6% in 2025, with the city delivering nearly a quarter of all new housing in Kazakhstan.
IBSA Judo Grand Prix Astana Opens & Air Astana Expands Routes
The 2026 IBSA Judo Grand Prix Astana officially opened, showcasing the city's role in international sports. Concurrently, Air Astana announced new routes from Astana to Guangzhou and Larnaca starting in June 2026, strengthening Kazakhstan's air connectivity.
Kazakhstan and Türkiye Deepen Strategic Partnership in Astana
Kazakhstan and Türkiye signed the Declaration on Eternal Friendship and Enhanced Strategic Partnership in Astana during Turkish President Erdoğan's state visit, aiming to increase bilateral trade to $15 billion and expand cooperation across various sectors.
Astana Considers Second Airport Location
The Akimat of Astana identified three potential sites for the construction of a second airport, following President Tokayev's instructions from 2025 to boost the city's transport and transit potential.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Astana's journey to becoming a prominent Central Asian capital is marked by rapid urbanization and strategic development. Founded as Aqmoly in 1830, the city underwent several name changes throughout its history, including Akmolinsk, Tselinograd, and Akmola, reflecting various historical and political periods. The most significant turning point occurred in 1997 when President Nursultan Nazarbayev decreed its transfer from Almaty to Akmola, which was then renamed Astana in 1998, meaning 'capital city' in Kazakh. This decision was driven by its central geographical location, potential for expansion, and the vision to create a modern Eurasian hub (Source: WordPress, 2015).
The city's development accelerated dramatically after becoming the capital, characterized by ambitious architectural projects and significant population growth. By 2017, Astana's population had surpassed 1 million. In March 2019, the city was controversially renamed Nur-Sultan to honor the outgoing President Nazarbayev. However, following widespread public sentiment and political shifts, the name was officially reverted to Astana in September 2022.
As of May 2026, Astana continues its trajectory of growth and international engagement. The city's population reached 1,655,369 as of March 1, 2026, demonstrating a positive natural growth and migration balance. Economically, Astana remains a significant contributor to Kazakhstan's Gross Regional Product (GRP), with real GRP increasing by 11.5% in January-September 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The industrial production in January-March 2026 also saw a 15.9% increase over the previous year. However, Kazakhstan's economy experienced a slowdown in growth in the first quarter of 2026, with a 3% year-on-year growth compared to 5.6% in Q1 2025, largely due to a decline in the mining industry.
Astana is a focal point for Kazakhstan's digitalization agenda, with plans for smart city expansion and 5G rollout in 2026. The country is also transitioning all government budgets to the digital tenge in 2026, aiming for greater transparency and efficiency. The city actively hosts international events, such as the IBSA Judo Grand Prix Astana in May 2026, and the Astana Mining & Metallurgy (AMM) Congress in June 2026, which highlights Kazakhstan's role in critical minerals. Furthermore, on May 14, 2026, Astana hosted the state visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, where significant agreements were signed to deepen strategic ties and boost bilateral trade to $15 billion. In a notable development on May 15, 2026, the Akimat of Astana identified three potential sites for the construction of a second airport to enhance the city's transport and transit capabilities.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Astana (City of Kazakhstan) made different choices?