Question

Think about six cities in your country. Where do their names come from of? What are the strange names? Compare your ideas Kazakstan city, Make by example - Nur-Sultan is the name of the city in honor of the president.

Answer 1

1.Shymkent - Scientists explain the meaning of the city's name as “garden city”, “green city”, “city surrounded by grass”, citing various historical facts about Shymkent.

2.Semey - the name of the Semipalatinsk fortress, and then the city of Semipalatinsk, comes from seven Kalmyk Buddhist temples found on the territory of Dorzhingit (Tsorzhiinkid), previously inhabited by the Dzungars.

3. The name Karaganda means "the place where Karaganda grows." Karagan is the name of the plant.

4. Almaty comes from the word apple. It is here that the world famous apple aport grows.

5. Aktobe is a city built in 1869 at the mouth of the Kargaly and Elek rivers at the foot of the hill, therefore it is called the "white hill".

6. The meaning of the name of Taldykorgan: the first part of the name “taldy” is translated as “many poplars”, the second “korgan” means “fortress”, “fortification”.

Answer 2

Kazakhstan is a diverse and culturally rich country with a history that dates back centuries. Many of its cities have names that are deeply rooted in its culture, history, and geography. Here are six cities in Kazakhstan, along with the origins of their names and any interesting or unique aspects:

1. Nur-Sultan: Formerly known as Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan was renamed Nur-Sultan in 2019 in honor of Nursultan Nazarbayev, the country's first president. This renaming reflects the significant political influence of Nursultan Nazarbayev in shaping modern Kazakhstan.

2. Almaty: Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, is often referred to as the "City of Apples." The name "Almaty" is derived from the Kazakh word "alma," which means apple. The city is believed to be located in the region where the apple tree originated, and it is known for its apple orchards.

3. Atyrau: Atyrau is a city located in western Kazakhstan, near the Caspian Sea. The name "Atyrau" is believed to be of Turkic origin and may be derived from the word "atırav," which means "horse ford." This name could be a reference to the city's historical role as a crossing point for travelers and traders with horses.

4. Shymkent: Shymkent is one of the largest cities in southern Kazakhstan. Its name is thought to be derived from the Kazakh words "shym," meaning "turf," and "kent," meaning "city." Shymkent's name may be associated with its location on the historic Silk Road, where traders would stop and rest on the grassy plains.

5. Karaganda: Karaganda is a city in central Kazakhstan. Its name is believed to come from the Kazakh words "qara," meaning "black," and "qand," meaning "mound" or "hill." This name may refer to the city's surroundings, which include several coal mines and the dark soil of the region.

6. Oskemen: Oskemen, located in eastern Kazakhstan, was formerly known as Ust-Kamenogorsk. The name "Oskemen" is of Russian origin and is derived from "Oskemen," meaning "mouth of the stone" or "stone city." This name may be related to the rocky terrain and the confluence of the Irtysh and Ulba rivers near the city.

While Nur-Sultan stands out for its unique naming in honor of a president, other cities in Kazakhstan have names that reflect the country's history, geography, and cultural heritage. Each name carries its own story and significance, making Kazakhstan's cities diverse and intriguing in their own right.