Retrospective Photo Exhibition "N. Imamov: 100 Years. 100 Moments"

What to Expect

The exhibition features 100 unique photographs, presenting a large-scale chronicle of the life, architecture, and spirit of the capital of independent Kazakhstan through the lens of a man who devoted his life to documenting its evolution. The exhibition is conceived as a visual dialogue between eras, where archival images of Tselinograd–Akmola intertwine with the dynamic rhythm of modern-day Astana.

The exhibition is divided into four thematic sections:

The first section is dedicated to N. Imamov himself—a researcher, journalist, and guardian of historical memory. It highlights his devotion to his profession, his service to the country, and his deep love for his hometown.

The second section, "Nostalgia for the Old Streets", serves as a symbolic "time machine," inviting visitors to stroll through the streets, squares, and iconic neighborhoods of old Tselinograd–Akmola, experience its unique atmosphere, and discover the origins of today's capital.

The third section, "The City of Attraction" (People and Destinies), presents a gallery of portraits of outstanding citizens—including builders, Virgin Lands pioneers, and distinguished figures in science and culture—as well as honorary guests of the capital. This section reveals the human potential that shaped the city's identity.

The fourth section, "The City of the Future", features vibrant and dynamic photographs of children and young people, symbolizing Kazakhstan's aspirations for the future. It serves as the exhibition's symbolic conclusion, emphasizing the sincerity and potential of the new generation.

Nurmukhamat Imamov (1926–2012) was a veteran of the Great Patriotic War who served as an aerial gunner-radio operator aboard a dive bomber.

In the post-war years, he worked as a theatre artist and radio technician before consciously turning to photography later in life, dedicating himself to documenting the region's most significant historical milestones. For more than 40 years, he worked as a photojournalist for the newspaper Akmolinskaya Pravda and other publications, capturing the key stages in the city's development. Today, the digitization of his extensive archive is being continued by his son, photographer Rinat Imamov. Part of the archive is available at www.imamov.kz.

The 100 photographs presented at the exhibition are more than documentary records—they are the living breath of time and the cultural code of an era, representing an invaluable legacy for historians, local history researchers, and everyone who cherishes the past and present of Kazakhstan's capital.

Venue: Presidential Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 1A Alihan Bokeikhan Street, 2nd floor. The exhibition is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, except Mondays.

Guided tours are available in English, Kazakh, and Russian. Advance booking is available for groups of 10 or more people.

The photo exhibition will last until August 24.

Contact:

+7 7172 753 581

+7 7172 753 580