Articles by Aibarshyn Akhmetkali

ASTANA – At the age of 18, Aliya Moldagulova, a skilled Kazakh sniper, gave her life defending her homeland from the Nazi invasion during World War II. As Kazakhstan marks Moldagulova’s 100th anniversary, it presents an opportunity to go beyond commemorative events and explore the courage and character of a young, strong, and brave Kazakh…

ASTANA – The return and reunion of Kazakhstan’s first peacekeeping contingent with their families brings bittersweet joy and relief after a year-long mission under the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) at the Golan Heights. “We were there to support peace among the local population—that was our mission. I believe our contingent fulfilled its duty 100%.…

ASTANA – The Assembly of People of Kazakhstan was instrumental in integrating diverse ethnic groups into a unified nation, said Marat Azilkhanov, the assembly’s deputy chairman and head of the secretariat, in an article published in Kazakhstanskaya Pravda newspaper. This year marks 30 years since the establishment of the assembly. It will convene for its…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan continues to enhance its global air connectivity with the launch of new international routes this year, which will expand its access to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, reported the Kazakh Ministry of Transport’s Civil Aviation Committee. Earlier, Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev announced Kazakhstan’s plans to launch 19 new air routes.…

ASTANA – Declining oil prices and the U.S. administration’s tariff decisions are key factors behind the recent drop in the tenge exchange rate, according to experts. After U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on imports, global financial markets have experienced increased volatility, fueling fears of a renewed era of protectionism and a potential global…

ASTANA – Turash Abuov is one of Kazakhstan’s few composers who fought in World War II, using his music to capture both the darkness of war and the resilience of bravery. He continued to compose afterward, but his work has long been overlooked. Today, his compositions are finally being reassessed and getting long overdue recognition,…

ASTANA – Prominent Kazakh musicians led by the Otyrar Sazy folklore-ethnographic orchestra celebrated the 100th anniversary of Kazakh composer and conductor Nurgisa Tlendiyev with the best of his works at Qazaq Concert in Astana on April 1. Tlendiyev was celebrated for his extraordinary talent as a composer, creating timeless melodies and orchestral works that resonate…

ASTANA – In a world where teaching has become associated with a low-pay and high-demand profession, some stay committed, bringing education to remote Kazakh villages through the Teach for Qazaqstan program. The Astana Times interviewed four teachers from Abai, a city in the Karagandy Region, to learn how this experience has shaped both them and…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan reaffirmed its commitment to hydrogen development, regional climate cooperation, and enhancing partnership with Germany at the 11th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (BETD) on March 18-19 in Berlin, the Kazakh Energy Ministry reported. Kazakh Vice Minister of Energy Bakytzhan Ilyas addressed the Green Hydrogen – Ramping Up Infrastructure panel at BETD, where he…

ASTANA – The art of Uzbek embroidery was presented at “The Heritage in Stitches” exhibition at the National Museum of Kazakhstan in Astana on March 19. For the first time, the public will see rare exhibits from Uzbekistan’s top museums, including the State Museum of Applied Art, the State Museum of Temurids History, the Samarkand…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan celebrates 90 years of Kazakh poet Tumanbai Moldagaliyev on March 20, revered for love and nature-themed works, including Kazakhstan’s first national anthem. Through his poetic mastery, he captured the beauty of nature, the depth of human emotions, and the spirit of the Kazakh people, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that endures…

ASTANA – On National Sports Day, celebrated on March 20 as part of the ten-day Nauryz festivities, The Astana Times highlights eagle hunting—an ancient traditional sport that continues to hold its rightful place in Kazakh culture. It all begins with kansonar, the period after snowfall that creates ideal conditions for hunters. Fresh snow reveals the…

ASTANA – A new documentary film about the life of the eldest son of Genghis Khan, Joshy Khan, premiered in Astana on March 17. The feature-length documentary, titled “Joshy Khan. The Ruler of the Great Ulus,” provides an expansive look at the life of Joshy Khan. It describes the turbulent political contexts that marked his…

ASTANA – Over the last three years Kazakhstan has undertaken large-scale political, economic and social reforms aimed at building Just Kazakhstan: from modernizing the governance system to improving the welfare of citizens and developing a competitive economy. So what do these reforms entail? The Astana Times offers an overview of the major initiatives by President…

ASTANA – Kazakh journalist and documentary producer Maya Bekbayeva explores a thrilling account of Joshy Khan, Genghis Khan’s eldest son, his life and contribution to the formation of Kazakh statehood in her new book, “Joshy Khan. Ruler of the Great Ulus.”  In an interview with The Astana Times, Bekbayeva shared her experience writing about Joshy…

ASTANA – No matter how advanced technology becomes, artificial intelligence (AI) will never replace true artists for its human touch, spirit, and unique energy that breathe life into real art, said renowned Kazakh painter Alpysbai Kazgulov in an interview with Kazinform news agency. Kazgulov, a master of abstract painting, devoted 48 years to this endeavor,…

ASTANA – The prospects and priorities of the partnership program between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and Kazakhstan in sustainable water resources management and irrigation were discussed at a roundtable held on March 6 in Astana. Viorel Gutu, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia, spoke…

ASTANA – The Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan has played a key role in preserving harmony and unity in the country, becoming a vital foundation for peace, said Marat Azilkhanov, deputy chairman and head of the secretariat of the assembly, during a roundtable dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the assembly in Astana on…

ASTANA – A traveling couple from the United Kingdom, Silke and Kieran, are captivated by Kazakhstan’s diverse nature, vibrant cities and the unmatched hospitality of local people. In an interview with The Astana Times, they shared the joys and adventures of traveling through Kazakhstan. The Scottish couple set out for a 10-year honeymoon world trip…

ASTANA – Kazakh scientist Nurzada Amangeldy is developing a project that will translate sign language into Kazakh using artificial intelligence (AI) in hopes of changing life for the hard-of-hearing community in Kazakhstan. Amangeldy was born in Mongolia. She moved to Kazakhstan with her family after the country gained independence. She is now carrying on her…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is preparing to revise its production sharing agreements (PSAs) with major foreign oil companies, securing more favorable terms for the country and meeting domestic demand, experts say. Kazakhstan’s primary oil production comes from the Tengiz, Kashagan, and Karachaganak oil fields, which were developed in partnership with leading international oil companies. The Tengizchevroil…

ASTANA – The recent report by Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center assessed the state of water security across the five Central Asian countries, encouraging increased regional cooperation, improved state-level water management and infrastructure investment during the report presentation on Feb. 7. The report, titled Water Insecurity in Central Asia: The Imperative for Regional and International Cooperation, …

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s first all-female orchestra founders are convinced that music and solidarity can help Kazakh women follow their passion for art and defy the conventions of women’s traditional roles in society. Four talented women, cellist Botagoz Kaliyeva, violinist Madina Bekmadiyeva, composer Shyryn Bazarkulova, and singer Jordan Arakelyan united with the idea to start a…

ASTANA – Kazakh statesman and scholar Darkhan Kydyrali presented a collection of his books on common Turkic history, “Daşa Yazılan Tarix” (History Written on Stone), translated into Azerbaijani, Kyrgyz, Russian, and Turkish languages in Astana on Feb. 6. “One of the books is dedicated to the Kazakh public and political figure Mustafa Shokai. The themes…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s first shipment of crude oil from the Kashagan field via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline signals a growing partnership between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, with the potential to expand volumes. At the end of January, Kazakhstan shipped its first batch of Kashagan oil, a volume of around 6,000 tons, through BTC. Experts from Azerbaijan…