Kazakhstan’s first crematorium has begun operating in Almaty’s Alatau District, reports Tengrinews. The crematorium is located next to the forensic pathology bureau, far from residential buildings—surrounded by fields and an industrial zone. The facility explained that the site was chosen with the proximity of the relevant institution and sanitary and environmental requirements in mind.

The crematorium is equipped with two-chamber Czech equipment: the first chamber is where the body is cremated, and the second is for afterburning substances to reduce the impact on the environment.

The complex includes rooms for receiving and storing bodies with refrigeration chambers (48 spaces, at +4°C), an autopsy room and ceremonial halls, as well as a block with furnaces. Before the procedure, the body is washed, dressed, and makeup is applied if necessary. A pacemaker is removed before cremation; other implants are usually not extracted. The price of cremation is 240,000 tenge ($518).

Two gas furnaces are in operation. Reaching operating mode requires heating to 800–1100°C and can take up to 35 hours. Cremation is carried out in a wooden coffin without metal parts; the process lasts up to two hours. After cooling, the remains are ground; the average weight of the ashes is about 2.5 kg.

Only those who, during their lifetime, legally оформил written consent (for example, in a will) are eligible for cremation; an oral statement is not sufficient. In cases of criminal death, cremation is not performed. The ashes are placed in an urn for burial in a columbarium or a family grave. Scattering ashes in Kazakhstan is prohibited by law. There is no columbarium in the country yet—Almaty’s akimat said the issue of opening one is being considered.

The crematorium is described as an alternative to traditional burials for the city’s multinational and multi-faith population. Previously, to cremate relatives, Kazakhstan citizens often had to transport bodies abroad, which increased costs. Authorities also point to a shortage of cemetery space in Almaty: most city cemeteries are closed, and new plots are planned to be located in Almaty Region.