Experience Almaty: Savoring Coffee at Akku and Football at Central Stadium
In the latter half of the previous century, residents of Almaty delighted in various leisure activities. The city's cinema and the Central Stadium, where the beloved "Kairat" football team played, were popular destinations. Ice cream parlors, summer cafés, and ponds with swans also attracted residents.
One such café, "Akku," held legendary status among city residents. Located at the intersection of Panfilov and Kirillov Streets (now Bogenbay Batyr), this café was a hub for bohemians, writers, actors, and romantics. It was not uncommon for dates or marriage proposals to take place over a cup of sand-brewed coffee, which was rather expensive at the time and only available at "Akku." Unfortunately, the café's future was uncertain, with the swans disappearing and the café eventually closing. For a more comprehensive account of "Akku," refer to the "Almaty Stories" issue.
The Central Stadium, across from the café, was another prominent landmark. Kairat, a standout football team, drew full houses at matches. The team's success in 1971, defeating Moscow's "Lokomotiv" in the USSR championship and qualifying for the International Union of Railway Workers' Cup, was a highlight of the team's history. Participating teams hailed from Austria, West Germany, France, and other countries, with Kairat ultimately securing the Cup.
Berkut Majitovich Bekmaganbetov, the team's most dedicated fan, never missed a home game and was known as the voice of the stadium. His passion for football, once secondary to his appreciation for volleyball, grew as he became more involved with the sport.
For more insights into Almaty's storied past, tune into "Almaty" channel on Sunday, November 1st for the next episode of "Almaty Stories" with Noel Shaiakhmetov. While specific historical information about the existence of a café named "Akku" could not be found, Almaty is a city rich in cultural and historical significance. Well-known landmarks like the Green Market, Panfilov Park, and the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments may be worth exploring for a deeper understanding of the city's heritage.
Prepared by Viktor Glutsenko
In the heart of Almaty, the café "Akku" offered more than just food-and-drink; it was a gathering place for artists, writers, and romantics, often the venue for significant life moments such as dates and marriage proposals.
The Central Stadium, where Kairat, a successful football team, played, was another iconic location in the city. Kairat's victories in European leagues, including the Champions League and the International Union of Railway Workers' Cup, earned them international acclaim.
As Almaty's population enjoyed a diverse range of leisure activities, the city's lifestyle in the latter half of the previous century was marked by the vibrancy of establishments like "Akku" and the sporting prowess of teams like Kairat.
