Back In Ussr Tour In Karaganda
About this tour
History and legacy of GULAG
Industrial heart of Kazakhstan
Soviet history through prism of Karaganda development
Soviet constructivism and modernism in architecture in murals
Space haven of USSR and Kazakhstan
Ethnic and religious diversity
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Karagandy
The day starts with visiting GULAG museum that is established in the former headquarter of KarLag, one of biggest prisons within GULAG system. It is situated in 42 km. from the city, during the drive I'll give you general information about Karaganda region: history, economy, population, climat, geography etc. The musesum is impressive. Due to political reasons it supports official version of history. But being a journalist I've collected a number of personal stories and alternative interpretations of this period. I'll try to tell it all in full controversy, all sides. We'll finish by lunch time and we will have the lunch in miners' town, then go back to Karaganda. Depending on weather condition, we will continue either to Spassk memorial, which is said to be execution ground or for the city tour. The rest goes for the second day.
Day 2: Karagandy
We start the day with the transfer to Temirtau city, which once was bigger than future capitol of Kazakhstan, Astana. Here we will see steel plant, one of biggest statues of Lenin in Kazakhstan, artificial lake and other places. The city is very young, more than 90% of it was built since 70's, very good example of Soviet constructivism in architecture. We wil finish Temirtau with watchin an improvised copy of Henry Matisse's Dance picture across the wall of 9-floor building, where industrial chimney is put instead of tree and office clerks dance around it, an utter parody with the background of the steel plant. AFter return to Karaganda, we will do ther rest: eco museum, lunch and was remained undone from the first day.
What's included
What to know
More questions about USSR.
Route & locations
Karagandy