In the CityIn the CityPhoto: Quarot, общественное достояние (CC0) · source
Baiterek is visible from almost any point on the left bank — white supports hold a golden sphere, as if a tree holds the sun on its branches. A high-speed lift leads inside: it rises to a height of 97 meters, to a panoramic hall with a bar, from where the entire new center of Astana — the House of Ministries, Akorda, Mangilik El Avenue — is visible as on a model. Here also is the imprint of the right palm of the first president Nursultan Nazarbayev, the composition "Ayaly alaqan" ("Caring Hands"): people place their hand against it and make a wish, this is one of the most widespread tourist traditions in the city.
Baiterek was built in 1996–2002 — the monument became a symbol of the transfer of the capital of Kazakhstan from Almaty to Akmola (the future Astana) in 1997, and this year is "sewn into" its dimensions: the height of the structure itself is 97 meters, and including the mast above the sphere — 105. The golden sphere has a diameter of 22 meters, weighs about 70 tons and is fixed at a height of 76.9 meters. The name "bäiterek" translates from Kazakh as "poplar" and refers to the mythological tree of life from Kazakh folklore — a symbol of peace, unity of the people and life.