According to the results of an opinion poll, many people would like to see what the Akorda Presidential Palace, Kazakhstan, looks like from the inside. Today we’ll see who else works there except President and what is seen by foreign delegations who visit the place.

The first brick was laid in September 2011 but the palace opened officially three years after that, on 24 December 2004. During construction of the palace Presidential residence was located in the building that used to belong to the former regional Communist party commission. Now President moved into the Palace and the former building embraces a museum now.

Akorda has become an official residence in the history of independent Kazakhstan. The first one was situated in Almaty and was considered as the only one before the capital was transferred to another place. The building has 5 above ground storeys and 2 underground storeys.

Total area of the main hall is 1 800 square meters. Decor contains elements with Kazakh ornament. The ceiling of the the 1st floor are 10 meters high.

The huge and beautiful candelabrum on the ceiling can’t be photographed from the center because of the table.

The hall is intended for meetings of President with representatives of mass media. Earphone jacks mounted in the armchair allow to listen to simultaneous translation.

Lifts are decorated with wood and marble.

The upper floors can be reached by the stairs.

The second floor is occupied by Presidential Administration and other state services.

The usual business atmosphere can be noticed here. The only difference between the place and other offices consists in the fact that a few people can be met here.

The candelabrum weighs 3.5 tones.

Halls for negotiations and meetings are located on the 3rd floor.

In the marble hall they sign documents during important meetings and summits.

The third floor also embraces a winter garden.

The view can be enjoyed by those in the winter garden.

The engolden state coat of arms of Kazakhstan.

The hall on the third floor.

In the hall President negotiates with and meets heads of other countries.

The golden hall is also used for carrying out negotiations with heads of foreign countries.

In the Oval hall high-level negotiations are carried out.

The Chair of President has a small crown on it.

They are organizing a buffet lunch devoted to the meeting of President with foreign delegates as 20 years ago the country had become a NATO member.

Different types of cheese are included on the menu.

Traditional Kazakh dishes are also available.

Waiters are very particular about their appearance, they must wear clean suits.

Kyrmyzy takes care of the plates to be clean. As soon as plates get dirty and is left behind, she hurries up to replace it.

Musicians are getting ready to play for guests.

A general photo of President and delegations will be mounted on the stand.

Not everybody can become a member of the Republican household troops. Only strong, smart and handsome guys higher than 178 cm are welcome.

They guard President, his guests and important objects.

This is the hall where the meeting will take place.

A national flag is attached to every chair. Translation of Presidential speech is also available.

The microphone is being checked.

The designer has been decorating the hall for 5 years already. She uses any kinds of flowers expect for lilies because people can be allergic to them.

Everything is almost ready for the meeting.

Journalist arrive at a settled time.

The guests have arrived.

President is here.

In the speech President has expressed gratitude to his guests for making a contribution into development of mutual relationships.

The meeting is over and it is time to try the delicious food that had been served.

Location: Astana

via voxpopuli