Golden Warrior Monument

The monument stands on the Republic Square in Almaty. It depicts the Golden Man standing on a barys (a snow leopard, a symbol of Kazakhstan). The Golden Man is a Saka warrior, whose remains were uncovered in the Issyk burial mound. He was buried in a golden suit of armor. 

The Golden Warrior stands atop a 91 feet (28 m) tall column. At its base there is a statue complex that includes the Sage (Heaven), Mother (Earth) and two children on stallions. Kazakhs have a proverb “Motherland begins with a family” and this is exactly the idea that these architectural elements convey: family is a foundation of each state. There are also ten bas-reliefs on the sides of the column depicting the history of Kazakhstan.

In the summer, fountains work near the Monument of Independence, so here you can just sit in the shade, relaxing and enjoying the “vibe” of the city.