A replica of the Eiffel Tower, roughly 30 to 40 meters tall, has been erected in the village of Zhalpaktal in the West Kazakhstan region. The landmark was gifted by the 2006 graduating class of the local school.
Photos and videos of the tower quickly spread across social media. In the comments section, users have called it a «new landmark» and jokingly noted that there is now no need to travel to Paris to experience a French atmosphere. Many also point out that the tower looks especially striking in the evenings when it is illuminated.
Zhalpaktal is located about 300 kilometers from Uralsk. The village has preserved a tradition for more than 10 years in which school graduates marking milestone anniversaries after graduation make major gifts to their home village. Over this period, parks, playgrounds, sculptures and a fountain have been built, according to KTK television channel.
According to reports, the tower is expected to open for climbing, with the surrounding area planned as a recreational and photography space.
The project received mixed reactions online. Some users believe the village would have benefited more from practical improvements, such as road repairs. Others argue that the unusual initiative has brought nationwide attention to Zhalpaktal and could help attract tourists.
