Ak Orda Presidential Palace

The official workplace of Kazakhstan's president, Ak Orda stands on the left bank of the Ishim River as the centrepiece of the capital's government quarter. Completed in 2004, its white facade and blue-and-gold central dome topped by a spire were designed to project state authority along the main ceremonial axis. Though the interior is closed to the public, the palace anchors a sweeping vista that runs between the Bayterek tower and the pyramid, and its floodlit exterior is a frequent subject for evening photography.