Pavlodar

Pavlodar is one of the oldest cities in northern Kazakhstan. In 1720, the town was founded as an imperial outpost of the Russian Empire in order to gain control of resources from the salt lakes, which were of important strategic value back then. It was an important site during the Virgin Lands Campaign in which the USSR sought to boost agricultural production. Pavlodar, therefore, faced rapid industrial expansion and many men and women throughout the USSR moved to the city. Until 1992, Pavlodar was closed to foreigners because of its arms manufacturing.

Now, Pavlodar is more of a quiet city with a rather long history. It is most known for the Mashkhur-Jusup Mosque and the beautiful Cathedral of Annunciation. Alongside the river is an old trail that will lead one to the River Station, from which one can get a summer boat ride. Pavlodar also boasts of several nightclubs and is known for the old Chekhov Theatre.