Astana, Pompous & Ghostly (2013)

Astana reeks of new money – from oil. Yes, Kazakhstan has recently come into huge oil wealth and what does it do with it? Build a swanky new capital in the middle of the steppe far from everywhere. Its gleaming steel and chrome structures and designer installations intimidate, rather than inspire. Its fashionable malls and bars are deserted. It makes one wonder if anyone other than government officials and the employees of the malls and multiplexes live in this ghost city of gleaming spires. A far cry from Almaty, the bustling and beautiful erstwhile capital.