Kazakhstan is a country with a predominantly Muslim population but after years of religious suppression under Soviet rule, people are now openly expressing their religious belief. Masjids are overflowing and bad weather and snow notwithstanding, people pray in the streets. In December 1991 Kazakhstan became an independent country and after twenty years Muslim revival is quite evident every Friday.

The Central Mosque of Almaty is an example of the efforts being undertaken to provide prayer facilities to the people but despite the building of new mosques, a large number of worshipers have to offer their prayers in the snow covered streets outside.

Kazakhstan is a landlocked country and has 

bitterly cold winters but a pleasant climate from April to October - although summer temperatures may reach a slightly uncomfortable 30C between July-September.