Name: Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen
Address: р. Малая Алматинка, 7X53+GMJ, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
Rating: 4.8

A 44-acre park commemorating WWII heroes with wooden cathedral & folk instrument museum buildings.

Central Park

Provided by Google

Зейнаш Смагулова

Алена Михасенко

Игорь Истомин

Lucky Shukla

First President park

Dostyk Plaza

Shymbulak

Y Ch

Ерулан Темиралиев

Дмитрий Пак

Лиза Миронова

IAIN M RODGERS

Kok Tobe

Salvo Lomonte

Михаил Светаш

Eugenia Belash

Бауыржан Омаров

Zlodeev Konstantin

The park is named after the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, a group of Soviet soldiers who heroically defended Moscow against the Nazi advance during World War II.

Honoring the Brave

The park honors the posthumously decorated Hero of the Soviet Union, Major General Ivan Vasilyevich Panfilov, who led the 28 Guardsmen in their valiant defense of Moscow.

A Leader of Courage

The Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen is a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy recreational activities, making it the heart of leisure in Almaty.

Recreation and Relaxation

Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen

Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen in Almaty centers around a profound narrative of Soviet heroism, specifically commemorating the soldiers of the Panfilov Division who purportedly sacrificed themselves to halt the German advance near Moscow in 1941. The park's most striking feature is the monumental memorial complex, dominated by a cluster of sculptures depicting the guardsmen in various poses of defiance and struggle. These figures, rendered in bronze and granite, are not merely static representations but convey a dynamic sense of movement and unwavering resolve. Interestingly, the historical accuracy of the widely circulated account of the 28 guardsmen has been subject to debate, yet the park remains a powerful symbol of national identity and wartime sacrifice for many Kazakhs. The Eternal Flame, perpetually burning at the foot of the monument, adds a solemn dimension to the space. The park also houses the Ascension Cathedral, a stunning example of Russian Orthodox architecture, providing a contrasting yet harmonious element within the memorial landscape.

Introduction

The Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen in Almaty is intrinsically linked to the Ascension Cathedral, also known as Zenkov Cathedral, as the cathedral is located within the park's boundaries. The park itself was designed with the involvement of engineer P.M. Zenkov, who also managed the construction of the Ascension Cathedral, highlighting an early connection between the two landmarks. Constructed between 1904 and 1907, the cathedral's presence significantly contributes to the park's architectural and cultural significance.

The Ascension Cathedral, a unique wooden structure, notably survived the 1911 earthquake with minimal damage, a testament to its innovative design and construction. During the Soviet era, the cathedral's function was repurposed, housing the Central State Museum of the Kazakh ASSR, while its belfry became the location for Kazakhstan's first radio station. This period of secular use underscores the intertwined history of the cathedral and the park, reflecting broader socio-political changes.

In 1995, the cathedral was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church, marking a revival of its original religious purpose. Today, the Ascension Cathedral stands as a key architectural monument within the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, attracting visitors with its unique construction and historical importance. The cathedral's image is often used to represent the park, symbolizing its cultural and historical depth.

Ascension Cathedral

The Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen in Almaty commemorates the Panfilov's Twenty-Eight Guardsmen, soldiers of an Alma-Ata infantry unit of the Red Army. These soldiers, under the command of General Ivan Panfilov, are celebrated for their purported heroic stand against the German advance during the Battle of Moscow in World War II. According to Soviet historical records, these 28 soldiers from the 1075 regiment of the 312th rifle division, mostly natives of Almaty and Bishkek, faced a much larger German force in November 1941, delaying their advance.

The park's renaming in 1942 honored their bravery, specifically their actions on November 16, 1941, where a small group of soldiers supposedly blunted the attack of a German tank column for four hours, destroying 18 tanks. The phrase attributed to division political commissar V.G. Klochkov, "Russia is a great land, but there is nowhere to retreat—Moscow is behind us," became a symbol of Soviet resistance.

A central feature of the park is the granite triptych, erected to mark the 30th anniversary of Victory Day, with high reliefs dedicated to the young Kazakh warriors, the international images of Panfilov’s guardsmen, and the victory of the Soviet soldiers. The Memorial of Military Glory features obelisks inscribed with the names of the 28 Panfilov heroes and an eternal flame. While the veracity of the original story has been questioned, the park remains a tribute to the Red Army's sacrifices during World War II and the enduring heroism associated with the Panfilov Guardsmen.

Panfilov Heroes

Within Almaty's Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen lies the Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, a key cultural landmark. Housed in a wooden building dating back to 1908, the structure itself has historical significance, once serving as a venue for ceremonies and state receptions. Later, it functioned as the House of Officers before becoming the museum in 1980.

The museum showcases over 1,000 musical instruments, representing 60 types of Kazakh national instruments, some dating back to the 17th century. These instruments once belonged to famous singers, improvisers, and composers, offering a tangible connection to Kazakhstan's musical heritage. Visitors can experience the sounds of these instruments through performances by the folk ensemble Sazgen.

The museum's architecture complements its collection, with a wooden exterior reminiscent of traditional Russian buildings and an interior adorned with classic Kazakh national patterns. A sculpture of the Kazakh bow instrument, Narkobyz, stands in front of the building. The museum and the Ascension Cathedral were built simultaneously and are listed as historical and cultural monuments of republican significance. The museum is located in the eastern part of the park.

Kazakh Musical Instruments Museum

The Memorial of Glory, located within Almaty's Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, stands as a poignant tribute to the heroism displayed during World War II. Inaugurated in 1975 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Victory Day, the memorial complex is a key site for Victory Day celebrations, where Almaty citizens honor the fallen with flowers and wreaths. The triptych at the heart of the memorial is divided into three distinct sections, each conveying a powerful message. "The Oath" on the left depicts young Kazakh warriors, while "The Feat" in the center symbolizes the collective bravery of Soviet soldiers, particularly the Panfilov Guardsmen. The right side, "Trumpeting Glory," celebrates victory and the triumph of life.

In front of the triptych, obelisks bear the names of the 28 Panfilov heroes who fought against German forces. An eternal flame burns in the center, symbolizing eternal remembrance. A few meters away, you can see the famous words of the commander Vasily Klochkov: "Russia is vast, but there is no going back, Moscow is behind us!". Adjacent to the Memorial of Glory is a monument dedicated to Kazakhs who perished in the Afghanistan War, installed in 2003, featuring three bronze soldiers. The Memorial of Glory, along with other key sites in the park, was designated as a historical and cultural monument of republican significance in 1982.

Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen

Did You Know?

Honoring the Brave

A Leader of Courage

Recreation and Relaxation

Highlights from Reviews

Location