Day of the Capital is observed in Kazakhstan every July 6. This public holiday commemorates the establishment of the capital city, which was initially Almaty before being moved to Akmoly, later renamed Astana, in 1994. The decision to relocate the capital was approved by President Nursultan Nazarbayev in 1997, with the official name change occurring in 1998. The holiday has been celebrated since the city gained its capital status, initially on June 10, but was moved to July 6 in 2006 to coincide with the parliamentary decision and Nazarbayev's birthday. It officially became a national holiday on July 8, 2008, symbolizing the achievements of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In 2019, the capital was renamed Nur-Sultan in honor of Nazarbayev following his resignation.