Janaozen or Zhanaozen, formerly known as Novy Uzen, is a city in the Mangystau Region of Kazakhstan located south-east of the city of Aktau. The name of the town means "new river" in Kazakh. Zhanaozen is a city of regional significance. It is completely surrounded by the territory of Karakiya District, but administratively does not belong to the district. It had a population of 147,962 in 2018; the census population in 2009 was 113,014, and that in 1999 had been 63,337.
History
The town of Zhanaozen was founded in 1964, after the opening of an oil field in Uzen. On 21 October 1968 Novy Uzen took the status of a settlement of town type, and since March 20, 1973 the status of a city of regional significance. June 1989 saw large disorders. Novy Uzen was renamed Zhanaozen in October 1993.
In May 2011, workers from the Ozenmunaigas oil field went on strike over pay. The strike was declared illegal by local courts and the state oil company sacked nearly 1000 employees. Some of the sacked workers then occupied the town square in protest. On 16 December 2011 police were accused of firing on them. Fifteen people were killed according to government officials, though opposition sources put the death toll in the dozens. In disturbances that day local government offices, a hotel and an office of the state oil company were set on fire, according to General Prosecutor Askhat Daulbayev. Eighty-six people were injured in the clashes – according to the authorities – and due to shortage of hospital beds in Zhanaozen, many were taken to be treated in the regional capital Aktau, about 150 km away. A state of emergency was declared on December 17, roads into Zhanaozen were blocked, and the local airport was closed for incoming flights. Mobile phone coverage was blocked, as were internet connections.
Trials and allegations of torture and abuse
A trial of protesters began in Aktau in May 2012. Many defendants complained that they had been physically abused, and some even tortured, while in police custody and during interrogation. Some witnesses also claimed they had been threatened by police into giving false testimony. Two further trials of security officials are taking place.
In the media
Popular Kazakh singer Bavyrjan released a song which openly criticised president Nazarbayev for not listening to the complaints of Zhanaozen's demonstrating workers. The song was banned by the government.
Zhanaozen has a cold desert climate with sharp continental influences. Strong winds are present on a big extent of year. Winters not long, but rather frosty. Average winter temperature -5 -7 degrees Celsius, can sometimes reach -15 -17 degrees Celsius. Snow cover low power. Strong winds cause long snowstorms. Summer always hot, droughty and long. Average summer temperature +34 +36 degrees Celsius, can sometimes reach +45 degrees Celsius. The extremely rare rains have storm character. Average annual amount of precipitation of 120 mm. Rainfall is evenly distributed for all year slightly the increase in rainfall is observed during the spring period.
Population
Population of the town with the adjacent villages of Kyzylsay, Tenge and Rakhat for the end of the 2012 reporting period made 129,600 people or 22.2% of the total population of the Mangystau region. In comparison, of 2012 the population increased on 4,500 people due to birth rate growth. National structure - Kazakhs, Russians, Karakalpaks and other nations.
Sport
Sports clubs
Futsal club of Munaishyacting in the championship of Kazakhstan on a futsal.
Sports constructions
Stadium of Amin Tuyakov.
Physical culture-improvements complex of Rakhmet Utesinov.
"Energetik" children-young mans sport school.
Transport
Zhanaozen is a terminal station at the railway connecting it to Gorgan. The city transport is presented by generally passenger "GAZellees" and private taxi. The cost of passenger journey — 40 tenge's, and a taxi — 150 — 300 tenge's.
