Atyrau, often referred to as the oil capital of Kazakhstan, has seen rapid growth over past decades, sprawling along the meandering banks of the Ural River just 30km from its mouth on the Caspian Sea. The region is home to Kazakhstan’s largest oil fields, both onshore and offshore. One of the oldest parts of the city, Zhilgorodok, was constructed during the second world war by prisoners of war to house workers for the nearby oil refinery. The refinery remains operational today but is regarded by local people as a significant source of pollution. Across the river lies the ‘American village’, a ...
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