Literary Landmark Draws Tourists to Kazakhstan's East
The famous Maryin Cliff, featured in the cult Soviet film ‘Shadows Disappear at Noon’, is becoming a new tourist destination in East Kazakhstan. In the border town of Shemonaiha, birthplace of renowned writer Anatoly Ivanov, local authorities are seeking to turn its literary heritage into an economic asset. Tourism in the district has remained largely undeveloped, overshadowed by more popular destinations in the region. Now, however, the situation is changing, reports 24KZ.
Anel Yesenberdina, correspondent:
- This is where the events of the novel, and later the film ‘Shadows Disappear at Noon’, unfolded according to the vision of Anatoly Ivanov, the famous writer who was born here. Today, it is more than just a well-known filming location. Maryin Cliff has become a genuine tourist attraction.
From above, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Uba River, which draw travellers from across the country. A monument to the film’s heroine, Marya Voronova, now welcomes thousands of visitors at the entrance to the town. Previously, tourists would stop here for just a couple of minutes to take a photo before continuing their journey. Now, the area around the monument has undergone a complete transformation. Asphalt roads have been laid, paving stones installed and a viewing area created.
Medet Yelshibay, Deputy Akim of Shemonaiha:
- This place is popular because everyone passing through, whether travelling from Russia or heading there, stops here to take photos against the backdrop of Maryin Cliff. Improvement works will continue in the coming years.
Small businesses have also followed the improvements. Under the Aуыл Amanaty programme, local residents have taken out concessional microloans. Yurts have appeared at the foot of the cliff, while the old hotel in the district centre has undergone a major renovation. The district is also focusing on attractions that set it apart from neighbouring areas.
Head of the Tourism Department of Shemonaiha District:
- Of course, we cannot compete with Katon-Karagay District in terms of tourism development, but event tourism is growing here. We organise events every year. This year, we held a jeep tour. We also host the Uba Open Fest annually on the banks of the Uba River, and rafting trips along the river are another popular activity.
Most importantly, local residents have begun to believe in the sector. Entrepreneurs are already investing hundreds of millions of tenge in the area, building restaurants and hotel complexes and opening children’s leisure centres.
Yerzhan Dakiyev, investor:
- I believe Shemonaiha District is an untapped field when it comes to entrepreneurship and tourism. There is still enormous potential here. We simply need to work, invest and not be afraid to take risks. Better roads can also bring opportunities — cafés, recreation centres, hostels and other facilities for travellers. All of this needs to be developed here.
Since the beginning of the year, businesses and the government have invested nearly 10 billion tenge in the region’s hospitality sector. More than 400 recreation facilities are now operating. Renovated mountain roads and a new bridge across the mountain pass have also made resorts accessible even during the off-season. Growing interest in domestic travel shows that visitors can be surprised not only by well-established resorts but also by the unique charm of lesser-known destinations.
Authors: Anel Yesenberdina, Zhiger Babakanov
