Temirtau

Temirtau means “the iron mountain,” and that pretty much sums it up. It is most notable for being the birthplace of some prominent politicians in the Kazakhstani government. Visit this small steel mill city, if you’re interested in its industrial history because there’s little else to do. The city was originally settled in the early 20th century and is only about a hundred years old. Temirtau was largely shaped by World War II, from 1947 to 1949 a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp lay just outside the town. Temirtau is a workers’ city, and much of its past represents the clash of laborers versus the factory owners. In 1959, a huge insurrection occurred among the workers, leading to mass arrests and injured police.
After independence, Temirtau became a bit more habitable with the opening of the Winter Garden in Vostok Park. You can take a walk about the city and visit the old steel mill. Check out the workers’ memorials, and learn about the rich history of the town.