Astana
Today Astana is not only the capital of Kazakhstan but also one of the most beautiful Asian cities. Formerly, it was a small town known as Akmola, which served as a Russian fortification. The location for the town was chosen as a strategic point and a caravans’ route. For a long time the town was famous for its fairs and trade connections. People from all corners of Central Asia travelled there to buy and sell the goods.