Balkhash city, Kazakhstan (Balqash)

The city of Karaganda oblast.

Balkhash overview

Balkhash city (also spelled Balqash) is located in Karaganda oblast (region) of Kazakhstan. Balkhash city is situated in the southern part of Sariarka plain, 380 km from Karaganda city. Balkhash city stands on the coast of Balkhash lake. There are railway station, port and airport in Balkhash.

Balkhash population is about 66,000 (2009) on the land area of 230 sq. km.

Balkhash phone code - +7 71036; postal codes - 100300-100316.

Balkhash city coat of arms

Balkhash city coat of arms

Balkhash city map, Kazakhstan


Balkhash history

In 1928 a prospecting expedition from Leningrad city of USSR has arrived to northern coast of Balkhash lake in Kazakhstan republic. The expedition was headed by engineer-geologist Michael Rusakov. The main purpose was to investigate the deposits of copper ore. First results were encouraging and prospecting work was continued. The expedition came to the conclusion that the copper deposit at Balkhash lake had rich stocks of ore and cooper-smelting factory should be built.

In October 1931 “PribalkhashStroi” company was created to construct copper-smelting factory in Balkhash lake area. Bay Bertis of Balkhash lake was chosen to be the place where the factory and town for factory workers and their families would stand. In March 1938 concentrating factory equipment approbation was started. Same year first cooper concentrate was received. 24th November of 1938 was the date when first Balkhash copper was given.

There are about 400 enterprises on the territory of Balkhash city of Kazakhstan including integrated iron-and-steel works “Balkhashcvetmet” and mining enterprises. Also there are some enterprises of food industry closely connected with fishing in Balkhash lake.

Balkhash streets

Balkhash city, Kazakhstan street

Balkhash city, Kazakhstan street

Author: unknown

Balkhash city street

Balkhash city street

Author: unknown

Balqash city street scenery

Balqash city street scenery

Author: unknown


Balkhash features

After World War II Japanese captives took part in the construction of Balkhash city. In particular they constructed the Metallurgists’ Palace and the airport.

In the city there is a sport complex “Bars”, “Metallurgist”, a swimming pool, a water sports station, air club “Kazakhmys” specializing in parachute jumping.

There is also a museum of local study, a net of libraries and restaurants, stadiums “Metallurgist” and “Constructor”. In summertime one can enjoy cutters and boats.

About 70 km to the north of Balkhash city there is the site of ancient settlement Bektau-Ata, with recreation area and children’s summer camp.

Balkhash city of Kazakhstan photos

Balqash views

Balqash city street view

Balqash city street view

Author: unknown

Balqash city view

Balqash city view

Author: unknown

Balkhash city view

Balkhash city view

Author: unknown


Balkhash sceneries

Balkhash city, Kazakhstan scenery

Balkhash city, Kazakhstan scenery

Author: unknown

Balqash city scenery

Balqash city scenery

Author: unknown

Balkhash city industry view

Balkhash city industry view

Author: Vlad Shtelts


Balkhash places of interest

Balkhash city central square

Balkhash city central square

Author: unknown

Balqash city monument

Balqash city monument

Author: unknown

Balkhash city mosque

Balkhash city mosque

Author: unknown


The questions of our visitors

Victor asks: I lived in Balkhash 40 years ago and went to school number 23. Is this school still there, if yes what street is it located on? I cannot see it on Google Maps.
Expert's answer:
I haven't found the school #23 in the lists of schools located in Balkhash today. Most probably it was closed years ago.

The comments of our visitors

Ibrahim H Caglayan
Balkhash
In two weeks I will be flying to Alma Aty then be driven to Balkash. I am very excited because I will be travelling to the central asian heartland where my turkish ancestors came from in and since the 11th century. I am trying to learn kazakh and it is another dialect of the mother turkic language stock.

Ina
Great!
I was born in this city 26 years ago, now I am living in Germany for almost 17 years and I am surprised how great the city did since that time...Good job! And I've been there again almost four years ago and even back then it was kind of creepy....so seriosly: Good Job! Love, Ina

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