Atyrau City: Connecting Oil Wealth and Fishing Traditions
Atyrau: A City Where Industry and Tradition Collide
The Astana Times is proud to present the next installment in our series, Exploring Kazakhstan, City by City, focusing on the vibrant city of Atyrau. Atyrau, nestled at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, is a melting pot of cultures where the oil industry coexists with a rich fishing heritage. This unique blend of industries has shaped the city’s character, attracting both workers seeking prosperity and families looking to set down roots.
Located in the Caspian lowlands in western Kazakhstan, Atyrau sits at the mouth of the Zhaiyk River, serving as the regional center of the Atyrau Region. The roots of the region’s history date back centuries, with records dating as far back as the third and fourth centuries B.C.
The city of Atyrau traces its beginnings to 1615 when entrepreneur Mikhail Guryev established a settlement with the blessing of Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich. Guryev was granted a monopoly to fish for sturgeons at the Zhaiyk River mouth in exchange for building fortifications and supplying red caviar to the tsar. The city was initially known as Guryev until 1992 when it reclaimed its original name, Atyrau.
Atyrau quickly became synonymous with the oil industry, thanks to the discovery of the Tengiz oil and gas field just a few kilometers from the city. The field, which means “sea” in Kazakh, was first found in 1979 and led to the development of refineries and oil equipment plants in Atyrau. The city transformed into an oil town, attracting a growing migrant workforce in search of lucrative oilfield jobs.
Despite its industrial focus, Atyrau has a charm that draws people in, as Aigerim Bulambayeva, an oil company worker, attests. Many individuals, like Bulambayeva, originally came for temporary work opportunities but found themselves staying longer due to the city’s unique appeal. Atyrau’s leisurely lifestyle and diverse cultural attractions, such as the Zhaiyk River embankment and the central mosque, offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling oil industry.
In addition to the oil sector, Atyrau boasts a thriving fish industry, with fish and caviar being prized commodities. The city’s coat of arms proudly features sturgeons and an oil derrick, symbolizing the city’s dual identity in both industries. Fishing has long been an essential part of Atyrau’s economy, with the Caspian Sea and Zhaiyk River once teeming with abundant marine life.
In recent years, the fishing industry has seen a resurgence, with numerous enterprises dedicated to commercial fish cultivation. Atyrau Region is home to multiple fisheries targeting a variety of fish species, contributing to the region’s economic growth.
Beyond its industrial and fishing sectors, Atyrau offers visitors and locals alike a range of cultural and natural attractions. From the ancient city of Saraishyk to the stunning lotus fields in the Kigash River delta, Atyrau provides a glimpse into Kazakhstan’s rich history and natural beauty.
As the latest installment in our series, Atyrau showcases the dynamic blend of tradition and modernity that defines Kazakhstan’s diverse cities. Stay tuned for more insights into the heart and soul of Kazakhstan’s urban landscape as we continue exploring city by city.
