Oral (Kazakh: Орал, pronounced [ɔɾɑɫ] ), known in Russian as Uralsk (Russian: Уральск), is a city in northwestern Kazakhstan, at the confluence of the Ural and Chagan rivers close to the Russian border. As it is located on the western bank of the Ural river, it is considered geographically in Europe. It is the capital of the West Kazakhstan Region. The ethnic composition is dominated by Kazakhs (71%) and Russians (25%). Population: 271,900 (2009 Census results); 194,905 (1999 Census results).
Traditional Russian architecture dating back to the 17th century can be seen throughout the center of the city. The main pedestrian street of Dina Nurpeisova (previously Teatralnaya) is like a mini version of Moscow's Arbat. Kazakhstan's first drama theatre, 150 years old, is located in this street. This theatre is now known as the Russian drama theatre. A larger, modern drama theatre, known as the Kazakh drama theatre, is located nearby on the main boulevard, Nazarbayev Avenue (previously Dostyk). Beautiful architecture, including two Russian Orthodox churches (one which is quite old), can also be found along Nazarbayev Avenue.
The city has a functioning transportation network including buses and marshrutkas (mini-vans that drive along a set route). However, getting a map of the transportation network may be difficult for travelers to the city. Taxis services are also available. As in many countries of the former Soviet Union, gypsy cabs can be easily hailed from the street.
Like in many other cities in Kazakhstan, many streets have been renamed in the 2010s and early 2020s. Older guides or advice might still point to old names; Google Maps also often shows outdated names. Here are some significant changes:
Oral is a city in northwestern Kazakhstan, at the confluence of the Ural and Chagan Rivers close to the Russian border. As it is located on the western side of the Ural river, it is considered geographically in Europe. It has a population of 330,000 (2019). It is the capital of the West Kazakhstan Province. While the majority of the population is made up of ethnic Kazakhs, ethnic Russians also make up a large percent of the populations, and many other ethnic groups such as Tatars, Bashkirs, and Azaris are also represented. Because of its geographic proximity to Russia and its history, the city has been greatly influenced by Russian culture.
It wad founded in 1613 by Cossacks as part of the Russian Empire. The Russian influence is still present, having strongly influenced the architecture and culture of the city and its people. The city played a small part in Russian history as the center of the Pugachev serf rebellion in the 18th century. The father of Russian literature, Alexander Pushkin, visited the city with his friend Vladimir Dahl in September 1833 while doing research for his book The History of Pugachev and his novel ''The Captain's Daughter''.
