Erkin Oncan
As Astana builds AI infrastructure and eyes 1GW capacity, the real story is distancing from Russia, not pan-Turkic dreams.
According to Turkist/Turanist ideology, Kazakhstan is considered one of the most important components of the envisioned "Greater Turan." This distant relative community in Central Asia has, for some time, been taking concrete steps toward "independence," framed as efforts to break free from "Russian influence."
Such developments are naturally welcomed and supported by Turkist/Turanist circles in Turkey.
Most recently, the Government of Kazakhstan signed a $10 billion agreement with U.S. semiconductor giant Nvidia and the Armenian-American cloud computing company Firebird.ai to develop a "Data Center Valley" in the country.
One of the most critical components of the plan is the creation of a technology hub equipped with artificial intelligence and data center infrastructure. The project is expected to become operational in 2027.
For Astana, the biggest challenge in the short term is the electricity production deficit. However, Kazakh officials are confident that the planned data center will be able to meet its energy requirements.
According to figures reported in the local press, the region's current capacity stands at 300 MW, and this figure is expected to be increased to the 1-gigawatt level annually in the coming period.
In Kazakhstan, one of the deputy prime ministers also serves as the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development: Jaslan Madiyev.
A MIT graduate, Madiyev-popularly known as the "crypto chief"-previously served as the general manager of Binance Kazakhstan. He describes the project as follows: "Kazakhstan is building a national infrastructure in the field of artificial intelligence development. The 'Data Center Valley' will become one of the foundational platforms of the new AI token economy."
Madiyev also stated that the project is expected to generate at least $3 billion in annual export revenue, create new employment opportunities, attract global technology companies to the country, and strengthen Kazakhstan's position as one of the key digital hubs in Eurasia.
Kazakhstan's "Data Center Valley" will be built near the city of Ekibastuz in the northern part of the country. The first phase of the agreement is valued at $5 billion and includes the construction of a 125-megawatt (MW) data center.
Details regarding the second phase of the project have not yet been disclosed.
Firebird representatives, the Armenian-American partner in the project, are also highly optimistic about the initiative in Kazakhstan.
CEO Razmik Hovakimian emphasized the company's ability to "rapidly deploy the most advanced American technologies."
According to statements from the Kazakh government, Ovakimian said: "The project starting in 2027 will elevate Kazakhstan into the top 10 countries in the world."
Meanwhile, the Firebird-Nvidia partnership is also active in Armenia.
The companies are currently working on a large-scale AI development initiative in Armenia as well. The goal of this project is to transform Armenia into an innovative technology hub in the South Caucasus.
Kazakhstan's steps are part of a broader development strategy known as "Digital Qazaqstan." This major transformation focuses on data sovereignty, the digital economy, and AI infrastructure, and is also seen as another step toward distancing itself from Russia, particularly through expected investments from the Atlantic sphere.
The opening of this Western-centered technological ecosystem is also expected to have political implications.
It is important to follow this transformation closely, viewing the region not through the lens of "Turan" narratives, but in light of current political developments.