Almaty Residents Voice Concerns Over the Fate of the Historic Qyzyl-Tan Building

The fate of Almaty’s 110-year-old Qyzyl-Tan shopping center has sparked heated debate online. While some residents lament the potential loss of a historic landmark, authorities say the building will not be demolished but restored as a cultural space, Orda.kz reports.

Currently, Qyzyl-Tan operates as a shopping center selling fabrics and accessories. It is located near the Green Bazaar and occupies an area of 1,450 square meters.

The first alarm came from tenants. One fabric boutique announced on Instagram that its Qyzyl-Tan location would close on September 23, 2025, though the chain’s other branches would remain open.

This fueled speculation about demolition, with some social media posts claiming a decision had already been made. Concerned residents even contacted Orda.kz’s editorial Telegram bot, stressing the building’s historical value and urging that it be preserved as a cultural monument.

The Almaty Creative, which manages the property under a trust agreement, responded to the concerns, stating that demolition is not being considered.

The building has long belonged to the Akimat. The tenant pays nothing for its use at Qyzyl-Tan but continues to collect rent from vendors. The eviction notice was sent a long time ago. There will be no demolition! The building will be restored, and a cultural and creative center will be created.

Orda.kz requested details. Almaty Creative explained that the conflict has been ongoing for several years. Qyzyl-Tan was previously managed by a private company which, according to authorities, failed to carry out major repairs or fulfill investment obligations, while actively subleasing the property for commercial use.

In 2019, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit to terminate the contract. The legal battle concluded in 2023, and the building was returned to city ownership. However, the vendors continued to occupy the premises, and it was only in the spring of 2025 that the court ordered them to vacate.

On September 23, 2025, the entrepreneurs who failed to comply with the terms of the contract were forcibly evicted under a writ of execution. During the bailiffs’ work, seven subtenants signed pledges to vacate the premises by October 3, 2025,  Almaty Creative explained.

The Qyzyl-Tan building has now been handed over to Almaty Creative. The center promises that there will be no demolition. Restoration documentation is already in development, with approval from the Ministry of Culture, and the project aims to preserve the building’s historical appearance.

After restoration, authorities plan to transform the monument into a cultural cluster where Kazakhstani designers, brands, and fashion collaborations will thrive.

What Is Qyzyl-Tan?

The Qyzyl-Tan Trading House is one of the oldest landmarks in Almaty. According to various sources, the building was constructed either in 1896 to a design by architect Pavel Gourdet or in 1912 to a design by Andrey Zenkov. It originally housed the store of merchant Iskhak Gabdulvaliev.

Over its long history, Qyzyl-Tan has survived a major fire in 2009, partial demolition in 2021, and years of lease disputes, as reported by Kazakhstan Today.

Today, Qyzyl-Tan faces another turning point: could this be a chance for a second life as a cultural center?

Orda.kz will continue to monitor developments.

Original Author: Alina Pak