City fever. Why Central Asia is racing to build new cities from scratch

In recent years, several Central Asian countries have unveiled ambitious plans to develop eco-friendly cities from the ground up. Through these initiatives, they aim to attract foreign investment and establish themselves as global hubs for finance, technology, and education. POLITIK Central Asia examined the developments in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, exploring what it takes for a city to flourish and thrive in today’s world.

The Central Asian republics are currently experiencing a significant urban development boom, at least on paper. The governments of these countries are announcing plans to create new cities, each aiming to be modern and free from the issues experienced by older megacities. In some cases, the enthusiasm for building new projects is so great that officials set their sights on a second city before the first has even been completed.

However, experts caution that the promises of beauty, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability may only exist in preliminary documents. According to Russian urbanist and blogger Ilya Varlamov, constructing a new city from scratch is a challenging, almost impossible endeavor.

“We need to recognize what makes a city a place where people want to live. It’s not just about architecture and available services; it also involves culture and history,” he explained to POLITIK Central Asia. “The richer and more interesting a city’s history, the more enjoyable it is to be there, and the more it attracts people. Developing an emotional connection to a new city is very difficult, so time is an essential ingredient in creating a successful urban environment.”

Varlamov points to modern cities like Dubai and several Asian metropolises as examples worth studying. “While it’s crucial to learn from their experiences, I believe we should pay closer attention to their missteps,” he remarked. “For instance, both Dubai and Astana are heavily reliant on cars. Dubai is now trying to pivot towards pedestrian-friendly designs. It’s tough to pinpoint truly successful models of new cities, but plenty of mistakes have been made, and we should learn from them to steer clear of similar pitfalls.”

Alatau City, Kazakhstan

Location: The village of Zhetygen, Ili district, Almaty region, along the Almaty-Konayev highway.
Construction Timeline: Gradual launch from 2030 to 2050.
Projected Population: 1.8 million people.

The first discussions about establishing a new city in Kazakhstan began in 2023 when the government proposed to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to rename the village of Zhetygen, located 50 km north of Almaty and home to approximately 20,000 residents at that time, to Alatau. In January 2024, President Tokayev approved this change. A few months later, he shared his vision for Alatau or Alatau City during the Kazakhstan-Singapore business forum.

“We intend to build a completely new integrated metropolis in the style of Singapore, which can become a leading international business hub that meets global standards,” the President stated at a meeting with the President and Prime Minister of Singapore. According to official reports, Alatau City is envisioned as a “green, sustainable, and inclusive city” that will act as a catalyst for economic growth not only in Kazakhstan but also throughout Central Asia.

Later, during a meeting with scientists at the Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan in Almaty, Tokayev highlighted the importance of creating smart cities and “even villages” as a government priority. He expressed concern that “none of the regional leaders are seriously engaged in such work,” resulting in a lack of tangible outcomes.

Despite these challenges, the government remains committed to ensuring that Alatau City serves as a model for smart urban development, which Tokayev emphasized during his annual address to the nation in September 2024. He noted that Alatau “should become a place of advanced development, attracting innovation and talent” and that the government must “create attractive conditions for investment, life, and work in this city.”

The city’s master plan was approved in May 2024 and is divided into several phases. The first phase is scheduled to accommodate 247,000 residents by 2030, with plans for a population of 1.8 million by 2050. The Alatau concept was developed by the Singaporean company Surbana Jurong in collaboration with the Akimat of the Almaty region and the Kazakh investment company Caspian Group under the original name G4 City.

Alatau will be located within a special economic zone (SEZ) covering 96.5 thousand hectares, aimed at attracting foreign investment. By 2048, the plan is to draw approximately $7.1 billion (3.7 trillion tenge) in foreign investments. The SEZ also includes portions of the city of Konayev.

According to the plan, Alatau will be divided into four thematic areas:

• Gate Area: An extension of the northern part of Almaty, serving as the financial and business center for both the city and the larger region.
• Golden Area: A potential center for science, education, and healthcare, attracting students, scientists, and tourists, resembling a global academic town.
• Growing Area: The industrial and logistics sector of the city.
• Green Area: Intended to be part of a future tourist cluster, this area aims to develop a recreation and entertainment zone, with plans for a casino, a theme park, a Formula 1 track, a botanical garden, and sports complexes. The creators aim to serve a market of over 2 billion people from 15 countries within a five-hour flight from the city.

Asman City, Kyrgyzstan

Location: Northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, 15 km east of Balykchy
Construction Period: 2031–2034
Potential Population: 500,000–700,000 people

The project to create the “Ecologically Clean City of the Future Asman” (translated from Kyrgyz as “sky”) was presented by Kyrgyz authorities in July 2021. This new city is set to span 4,000 hectares and aims to become an economic and tourist hub for the country, featuring an advanced educational system, modern healthcare facilities, business centers, sports stadiums, and high-tech parks.

According to the Bishkek government, constructing a new city is more cost-effective than renovating existing ones. President Sadyr Japarov emphasized during the foundation stone-laying ceremony for Asman on June 30, 2023, that “not a penny from the state budget was spent on this project,” claiming that funding would come from external investors keen on participating in this ambitious endeavor.

According to the Bishkek government, constructing a new city is more cost-effective than renovating existing ones. President Sadyr Japarov emphasized during the foundation stone-laying ceremony for Asman on June 30, 2023, that “not a penny from the state budget was spent on this project,” claiming that funding would come from external investors keen on participating in this ambitious endeavor.

The city’s design will be inspired by the shape of the komuz, a traditional Kyrgyz stringed musical instrument. Construction officially kicked off in May 2024, and by October of that year, President Japarov signed a decree that classified the project as a strategic priority. Asman is projected to house between 500,000 and 700,000 residents, which is notable considering that the entire Issyk-Kul region currently has a population of around 496,100. The city is expected to be completed within a timeframe of 7 to 10 years, with hopes of welcoming its first residents by the early 2030s.

In response to suggestions from investors, the authorities are placing a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. President Japarov mentioned that foreign partners showed interest in developing a “green city.”

During the capsule-laying event in 2023, Japarov noted successful cities built worldwide, such as Neom in Saudi Arabia, Masdar City in the Emirates, Western Harbor in Sweden, and Sunny Valley in China. He stated, “The dreams of these countries have come true, impressing people globally and serving as examples for others. Therefore, we can also build the city of Asman! Why are we any worse than they are?”

Government estimates put the construction cost at around $20 billion. In 2023, the project’s lead, Ruslan Akmataliev, who heads the state directorate for Asman, revealed that Kyrgyzstan had partnered with the Korean firm Promise Land, known for its expertise in eco-city development. A contract worth $1 billion was signed, promising the company could invest up to $10 billion into the project.

Investors plan to recover their expenses by selling apartments within the city. However, the Korean company has indicated a desire to reinvest profits into additional projects in Kyrgyzstan, which include vertical farming greenhouses, smokeless waste processing plants, and facilities that generate electricity and hydrogen from waste.

By December 2024, Kyrgyz leadership reported ongoing talks with a Chinese investor, with Economy Minister Daniyar Amangeldiev suggesting that a cooperation memorandum would be finalized soon between the Ministry of Finance and the investor.

It’s worth noting that in July 2024, journalists visited the site of the promised city and found it lacking progress since the foundation stone was laid. The only structure present was an empty barracks for workers, and the only “resident” on-site was a policeman guarding the structure, who assured reporters that construction workers would arrive soon.

Despite the sluggish pace of construction, which cannot be described as advanced, the Kyrgyz authorities announced plans for another new “ecologically clean city.” At the end of January 2025, President Japarov signed a decree to initiate the construction of Kemin City in the Kemin district of the Chui region of Kyrgyzstan. The concept for Kemin City must be developed and approved by June 1, 2025.

New Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Where: East of Tashkent, between the Chirchik and Karasu rivers
Construction period: Until 2045
Potential population: 1 million people

“For the first time in the 32-year history of Uzbekistan, we are initiating a model project that aligns with global standards. This endeavor is designed to last 300 to 400 years, providing advantages for our grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and future generations.

The next generation needs to continue this legacy,” expressed Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in September 2023 regarding New Tashkent. He commenced the project in March 2023 by burying a time capsule for its construction. This initiative is part of an urban development strategy created in collaboration with experts from the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Turkey. It presents a comprehensive plan for Tashkent through 2045, including its extension into neighboring border regions.

The project spans an area of 20,000 hectares to accommodate 1 million residents. Initially, the construction of 60,000 housing units is planned, alongside the establishment of 30 schools, 20 kindergartens, a multidisciplinary hospital, and five family clinics. New Tashkent will also incorporate the University of New Uzbekistan, a new National Library, technology parks, and educational and medical clusters. The authorities have expressed their commitment to creating a “green and safe city” featuring public transportation, including electric buses and trams, while permitting automobile access. To support these efforts, 14 tunnels and seven bridges across the Chirchik and Karasu rivers are planned. Furthermore, the project aims to introduce the first trigeneration station in Central Asia, which will concurrently generate electricity, heat, and cooling through biofuel derived from pressed cotton waste. It is also planned to reduce water consumption by half using a water-saving system.

In May 2024, the British company Cross Works unveiled its master plan for New Tashkent. The plan reveals that this is not just a completely new city but an extension of the existing capital. “We do not want to create a satellite city. Our goal is to ensure that New Tashkent is fully integrated in terms of transport, infrastructure, and utilities,” said Hakan Agca, founder and managing director of Cross Works. The total area covered by the project will be 38.93 million square meters, with half allocated for residential buildings, about a quarter for commercial facilities, 17% for public establishments, and 3% for cultural and government institutions. Government offices will gradually relocate to a new hub on Infinity Square, which is expected to catalyze New Tashkent’s growth.

Ilya Varlamov points out that the idea of moving government officials away from city centers isn’t something new. “Historically, government buildings have been located in central areas, but now they significantly strain local infrastructure. There are specific security concerns and service needs that make it tricky for people to access these areas, especially when streets get closed off,” the urbanist explains. “Additionally, these institutions have strict operating hours—while the area buzzes during the workweek, it often becomes a sort of ghost town on weekends.”

When government offices aim to distance themselves from the public, they usually relocate to less central locations. “However, it’s crucial to remember that government agencies aren’t just about the president and lawmakers; they create numerous jobs. Therefore, choosing a location that offers easy access for employees is vital. This is a tough challenge, but it can certainly be addressed,” Varlamov concludes.

Arkadag, Turkmenistan

Location: Ahal Province, southern Turkmenistan, 30 km from Ashgabat

Officially opened in 2023 (construction ongoing)

Population: 73,000 people

Unlike projects in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan’s smart city, initiated in 2019, has already been partially built. In 2023, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedow inaugurated its first phase. The ceremony took place on June 29, coinciding with the 66th birthday of his father, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, the country’s second president. The city is named after the title bestowed upon him—Arkadag, which translates from Turkmen as “patron,” “protector,” or “great support.” It was built in Ahal Province, the birthplace of the former president.

Arkadag has achieved the status of a city of national importance, a distinction not even granted to Ashgabat, which is merely described as the capital in the Constitution. Officials report that the first construction phase, comprising 336 buildings, cost approximately $3.3 billion. The second phase will involve the construction of 110 residential structures alongside nine kindergartens and five schools, with a budget of $1.5 billion. This stage is projected to be complete by 2027, and altogether, both phases will span about 1,000 hectares.

To honor Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, a striking 43-meter monument named “Arkadag” has been erected in the city center, depicting the ex-president riding an Akhal-Teke horse. The city also features a stadium named after the Turkmen football club “Arkadag.” Moreover, the main avenue honors the former president’s favorite horse, Akhan, known for achieving a Guinness World Record in 2018 by walking 10 meters on its hind legs in just 4.19 seconds.

Authorities envision Arkadag as a smart city, boasting high-speed communications—where 40 3G and 4G (LTE) systems have been installed—digitalization with electronic schools and libraries, online exams, a 24-hour call center for residents, and innovative “smart trash bins” equipped with sensors to monitor waste levels, alongside comprehensive video surveillance. However, despite these ambitious “smart” features, Turkmenistan remains one of the least developed countries in internet connectivity, with a weak and exorbitantly priced connection and about three-quarters of the internet being blocked for local users.

n September 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Arkadag received accolades in three categories at the World Smart City Expo 2024 in South Korea, recognizing its outstanding advancements in smart city development as well as awards for “Foreign Smart City” and “For Great Contribution to the World Smart City Expo.”

To purchase housing in Arkadag, prospective buyers must meet specific criteria, including residency registration in Ashgabat or Ahal velayat and passing the “uch arka” check, which verifies that they have no criminal record in three generations. Reports indicate that in 2024, a four-room apartment in the city cost around $350,000, while cottage prices began at $1 million.

The city is projected to accommodate 73,000 residents; however, its population growth has not kept pace with the original expectations set by Berdimuhamedov Sr. In early 2024, he remarked on the delays in resettlement and the second phase of construction, emphasizing the need for a responsible and comprehensive approach to ensure a happy living environment for future residents. By December 2024, state media indicated that progress was still lagging, prompting the ex-president to once again call for faster construction and investment efforts.

Thus, while the ambition to develop eco-friendly cities in Central Asia is evident, implementing these projects appears to lag. Furthermore, the enthusiasm of local authorities sometimes leads to new initiatives, even amid limited progress in previous ones. Nevertheless, such projects, like the Alatau in Kazakhstan and New Tashkent in Uzbekistan, seem to thrive better as they build upon existing urban areas—giving them a more realistic shot at success, as experts suggest.

Aleksandra Andreeva

Journalist

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