During the Soviet era, Kazakhstan's national identity development slowed down, with a focus on pan-Soviet internationalism rather than unique cultural traits. Modernist buildings were built in Almaty, including the Kazakh Drama Theater, which has a history dating back to the first Kazakh play in a yurt (nomad house). The theater's construction in 1980, named after Mukhtar Auezov (writer, dramatist) , symbolizes national self-determination. The theater is going to become a center of national rebirth and a new cultural dimension was created as part of the reconstruction project. The project aims to draw a parallel between the theater building and a yurt, introducing cereal plants and apple trees to recreate the steppe atmosphere. The central square is decorated in the style of the national Kazakh carpet "tekemet." The children's area, inspired by medieval settlement architecture, features show jumping horses, kazans (cookware), and a miniature town. The "Sound of the Steppe" area features traditional and interactive musical instruments. The project aims to revive interest in national history and culture, motivating inhabitants to seek a connection to the lost national identity.
