Renovation of Xi Sinhai Monument commemorating friendship in Almaty
In the heart of Almaty bustles a revamped monument dedicated to the renowned Chinese composer, Xi Sinhai, and the surrounding square has received a stunning makeover, as per our reports.
The newly refurbished monument snugs up tidily at the crossroads of Xi Sinhai Street and Serikbayev Avenue. Almas Abdibayev, the boss at "Kazrestavratsiya," revealed that the restorative journey took a cool two months to complete.
Image Credits: Nurbol Aytmoldayev
The elegant Xi Sinhai monument graced Almaty's landscape in '99. Jiang Wei, the Chinese General Consul, highlighted the statute's significance as a symbol of the thriving cultural bond shared by Kazakhstan and China. During World War II, the composer found a creative home in Almaty, where he forged a beautiful friendship with the esteemed Kazakh composer, Bakhytzhan Baykadamov.
"This charming memorial stands tall as one of the scant material testimonies of the profound friendship between two remarkable artists. Their creative camaraderie was conceived during trying times, yet it has steadfastly withstood the test of time, nurturing a rich legacy of spiritual unity. Today's event not only brings joy but also serves as a potent reminder of the need to preserve the legacies of those who have become symbols of our collective history," she elucidated.
Image Credits: Nurbol Aytmoldayev
Image Credits: Nurbol Aytmoldayev
How the Monument Transformed
According to Abdibayev, the monument underwent a grand metamorphosis, encased in fresh granite, replacing the outdated concrete base with a sturdy stone one.
"Two months of industrious labor brought the transformation to life. There were hardly any challenges – the project plans were already well-thought-out with our clients. The site measures approximately 400 square meters, with 150 square meters devoted to greenery, and the rest sporting a sleek granite pavement. The central exhibit takes the form of a stunning lotus flower. This could well be the only such project in Almaty these days," he disclosed.
Image Credits: Nurbol Aytmoldayev
Image Credits: Nurbol Aytmoldayev
Nighttime illumination, city name signage, and commemorative inscriptions in English, Russian, and Kazakh were also installed.
"The granite trio symbolizes the unity of Kazakhstan, China, and Russia. Our mission was to modernize the monument, making it more enduring yet preserve its essence," he elaborated.
Image Credits: Nurbol Aytmoldayev
Production supervisor, Serik Gabzhaliyev, shared additional insight.
"Once upon a time, the square adhered to a square shape. We've opened it up to inspire a more inviting, open atmosphere. The project incorporated both historical data and contemporary requirements," he revealed.
Images: Nurbold Aimoldayev
Images: Nurbold Aimoldayev
Despite the refurbishment, the monument's inherent concept remained intact.
"We stuck to the core essence of the monument. The revitalized structure now serves as a lasting symbol of our shared cultural legacy and respect for our historical past," Gabzhaliyev emphasized.
The revamped proprietary park space has evolved into an appealing public area. Abdibayev clarified that the initiative for the restoration originated from the Chinese Consulate General.
Images: Nurbold Aimoldayev
Images: Nurbold Aimoldayev
The Fascinating Life of Xi Sinhai
Xi Sinhai was born in 1905 in the Chinese city of Aomen. He received his musical education in Paris before returning to his homeland in 1935 to participate in the anti-Japanese movement. In 1939, he officially joined the Communist Party of China. The next year, he journeyed to the Soviet Union as part of a musical film production, but his return was delayed due to the ongoing war.
Stranded in Almaty with the evacuated "Mosfilm," he struck up an unbreakable bond with the composer, Bakhytzhan Baykadamov. Together, they shared their sustenance. In two and a half years in Almaty, Xi Sinhai unleashed his creative force, spawning his first symphony "National Liberation" and other symphonic works like "Chinese Rhapsody," "Amanjol," and others.
He also delved into Kazakh folk melodies, fostering a genuine cultural bridge between the two peoples. A film about their companionship called "The Composer" was subsequently released.
The street christened in Xi Sinhai's honor was inaugurated in 1998, and the monument subsequently materialized the following year. The inaugural musical score of the symphonic poem "Amanjol" adorned the obelisk.
Today, the memory of the remarkable composer, who braved war, evacuation, and artistic brilliance in Kazakhstan, has attained a captivating, expressive manifestation at the heart of Almaty.
Bonus Reading: Bust of Zamankeldy Nurkadilov Unveiled in Kegen
- The transformation of the Xi Sinhai monument has been an exciting endeavor in outdoor-living and home-and-garden, as it received a grand metamorphosis encased in fresh granite and features a sleek granite pavement that covers approximately 400 square meters.
- In addition to the physical updates, the monument now includes nighttime illumination, city name signage, and commemorative inscriptions in English, Russian, and Kazakh, which falls under the category of education and self-development as it provides valuable information about the monument and its historical significance.
- For the locals, the revamped proprietary park space serves as an appealing public area and a treat in the general news, offering an inviting, open atmosphere with 150 square meters devoted to greenery.
- The Xi Sinhai monument project was a collaborative effort between Kazrestavratsiya and the Chinese Consulate General, reflecting advancements in politics as the two nations work together to preserve historical landmarks and foster stronger cultural bonds.
