Postcard From Almaty, Kazakhstan

Amanda Erickson

Nov 25, 2011

Larger-than-life statues and murders that fuel fears of terrorism

In this Central Asian city:

Two policemen are murdered, fueling fears of home-grown terrorism.
A larger-than-life statue of a president is unveiled.
After 11 years and $39 billion of investment, Exxon Mobil considers pulling out of a local oil field. The reason? They haven't yet found a drop of oil.
The Peace Corps pulls out, allegedly over concerns of sexual assault and local terrorism.

Photo by Joshua Foust. Submit your own photos to atlanticcities.postcard@gmail.com

About the Author

Amanda Erickson

Feed

Amanda Erickson is a former senior associate editor at CityLab.

Most Popular

Transportation
You Can’t Design Bike-Friendly Cities Without Considering Race and Class

Bike equity is a powerful tool for reducing inequality. Too often, cycling infrastructure is tailored only to wealthy white cyclists.
1. Anne Lusk
Feb 8, 2019
Equity
The FBI's Forgotten War on Black-Owned Bookstores

At the height of the Black Power movement, the Bureau focused on the unlikeliest of public enemies: black independent booksellers.
1. Joshua Clark Davis
Feb 19, 2018
Transportation
With Trains Like Schwebebahn, No Wonder Germans Love Public Transit

Infrastructure like this makes it clear why Germany continues to produce enthusiasm for public transit, generation after generation.
1. Benjamin Schneider
Feb 15, 2019
Transportation
Subprime Auto Loans Are Turning Car Ownership Into a Trap

A record 7 million Americans are three months late on their car payments, revealing what could be cracks in the U.S. economy.
1. Laura Bliss
Feb 15, 2019
Life
The Town Where Retirees Can’t Retire

In fast-aging pockets of rural America, older residents are going back to work. But not always because they need the money.
1. Joe Eaton
Feb 15, 2019

Next Story in Design »