Kazakhstan Tightens Gambling Business Restrictions With Amended Law

ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed legislative amendments on July 8 to tighten the country’s gambling and lottery regulations. The law introduces restrictive and stimulating norms...


Kazakh Folk Dance Ensemble: Beacon of Cultural Diplomacy

ASTANA—The Kazakh folk dance ensemble Birlik (Unity), representing a unique combination of international folk dances and live music, aims to become a benchmark of excellence and professionalism...


Expert Explains Features of Central Asian Academic Curriculum

ASTANA – Educational opportunities in Central Asian states have been improving, but there is still room for significant enhancement in terms of creative and critical thinking skills...


Kazakh President Tightens Law Preventing Vandalism, Property Damage

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law on July 5, increasing penalties for human trafficking, vandalism, and property damage.  State Counselor Erlan Karin commented that...


Astana Welcomes 305 Young Biologists for International Olympiad

ASTANA – The 35th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) for schoolchildren kicked off in Astana on July 7, with 305 young biologists from around the world participating. IBO...


Kazakhstan’s Social Campaign Earns Golden Lion for Shifting Attitudes on Domestic Violence

ASTANA—The Kazakh advertising agency GForce Grey achieved a significant milestone by winning a Golden Lion at the Cannes Lions International Festival held from June 17-21. This festival...


Nation Branding in Kazakhstan and Central Asia: From Post-Soviet Periphery to New Silk Road

For much of the past thirty years, the five post-Soviet countries of Central Asia have been regarded, if at all, by much of the rest of the...


Ancient Sakas: All You Need to Know 

Editor’s note: Discover Kazakhstan is a new column dedicated to exploring the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of the country. Each article explores various aspects of...


Global Enthusiasm for Zhamby Atu, Kazakh Horseback Archery, is on Rise

ASTANA – A sport that combines marksmanship with exceptional equestrian skills, zhamby atu or Kazakh traditional horseback archery, captivates more and more fans in Kazakhstan and around...


National Dombra Day Embraces Rhythm of Kazakh Culture 

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has celebrated National Dombra Day on the first Sunday of July since 2018, fostering a deep appreciation of Kazakh traditions and native culture. The...


Tokayev Highlights TURKTIME Initiatives During Kazakhstan’s OTS Chairmanship

ASTANA – Regional stability, connectivity, and climate action are among the top priorities for Kazakhstan’s chairmanship of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), said President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev...


Kazakhstan Showcases Tourism Opportunities and Nomad Games to International Audience

ASTANA — The Directorate for the Preparation and Holding of the Fifth World Nomad Games hosted a special presentation for foreign diplomats and journalists on July 5...


Kazakhstan, Paradise on Earth

Editor’s Note: The Astana Times has introduced a new section on the website that features articles by our readers. As a platform that values diverse perspectives and...


Kazakhstan Committed to Improve Seismic Safety

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov signed a comprehensive development plan for the seismological industry for 2024-2028 on July 5. According to the Prime Minister’s press...


Astana Marks 26 Years of Transformation and Growth

ASTANA – This year, the Kazakh capital celebrates its 26th anniversary on July 6. This day holds deep historical and cultural significance, symbolizing the country’s achievements. On...


SCO summit in Astana Seeks to Understand Global Redistribution of Power

On July 4, Astana hosted the SCO summit, shaping the future development of Eurasian processes. These processes range from changes in energy supply routes to resolving issues...


Kazakhstan Sets to Implement Ambitious Projects With China, Iran

ASTANA—The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit on July 4 proved highly productive. It facilitated bilateral meetings that led to significant projects for Kazakhstan. Alongside adopting pivotal documents,...


Kazakhstan Highlights Afforestation Efforts at Global Conference

ASTANA — Advisor to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Special Representative on International Environmental Cooperation Zulfiya Suleimenova emphasized Kazakhstan’s commitment to biodiversity and ecosystem preservation, essential for sustainable...


SCO Summit: Kazakh, Foreign Experts Share Insights Following Major Event 

ASTANA – Kazakh and foreign experts shared their views after the 24th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which...


News Digest: Foreign Media on SCO Summit, Kazakh-Chinese Ties and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest includes articles on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)...


Vibrant Array of Events to Celebrate Astana Day

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s vibrant young capital is gearing up to celebrate its 26th anniversary with a grand array of festivities. In honor of this milestone, the city...


Kazakhstan Explores Cooperation Prospects With Mongolia, Turkmenistan & India

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held bilateral talks with foreign high officials following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, which took place on July 4 in the...


Azerbaijan – Kazakhstan Strategic Partnership: A New Geopolitical Axis?

Among the many significant geopolitical consequences of the conflict in Ukraine has been the boost in regional integration between post-Soviet states, which has long been limited to...


World Nomad Games Participants Showcase Equestrian Skills at International Festival 

ASTANA — The participants of the fifth World Nomad Games performed at the international festival in the Almaty Region on July 4.  According to Inbusiness.kz, equestrian competitions...


Outgoing SCO Secretary-General Commends Kazakh Leadership, Summit Success at Media Briefing

ASTANA — Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Zhang Ming congratulated President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the successful summit and Kazakhstan’s presidency during a media briefing on...


SCO Leaders Emphasize Strategic Dialogue and Economic Cooperation at Summit

ASTANA — Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose country assumed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) chairmanship, emphasized the organization’s role as a guarantor of common and sustainable security...


Kazakh President Outlines Strategies to Boost Multilateral Cooperation at SCO+ Forum

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed several key strategies to foster multilateral cooperation among the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states at the inaugural SCO+ format during...


Experts Reflect on Kazakhstan’s Chairmanship as SCO Summit Concludes in Astana

ASTANA – As the 24th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) continues in Astana, experts reflect on the significance of the event in current geopolitical dynamics...


Nurlan Yermekbayev Appointed SCO Secretary General for 2025-2027

ASTANA — Nurlan Yermekbayev has been appointed Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for the period of 2025-2027. His appointment was announced at the SCO...


World Nomad Games Exhibition Introduces Event to SCO Summit Guests 

ASTANA —  The Directorate for the Preparation and Holding of the fifth World Nomad Games launched the Meeting in the Great Steppe exhibition at the Palace of...