Teaching Against Odds: Four Stories from Remote Kazakh Schools
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…
Kazakhstan Participates at Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, Strengthens Ties with German Partners
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…
New Exhibition Unites Finest Uzbek Embroidery Pieces from Six Museums
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…
Kazakhstan Marks 90 Years of Kazakh Poet and First Anthem Co-Author Tumanbai Moldagaliyev
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…
Honoring Art of Eagle Hunting on Kazakhstan’s National Sports Day
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…
New Film about Joshy Premieres in Astana, Highlights His Legacy of Tolerance
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…
From Governance to Economics and Welfare: Key Points from Tokayev’s 2022-2024 Reforms
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…
Kazakh Journalist’s Book Sheds Light on Legacy of Joshy, Genghis Khan’s Eldest Son
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…
Art Needs Soul: Kazakh Artist Kazgulov on Why AI Can’t Replace True Artists
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,…
Kazakhstan, FAO Discuss Priorities for Sustainable Water Management Partnership
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…
Assembly of People of Kazakhstan Reflects on 30 Years of Fostering Peace and Stability
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…
Travel Duo Shares Stories of Kazakhstan’s Beauty and Hospitality
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…
Kazakh Scientist Develops AI to Translate Sign Language into Kazakh
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…
Kazakhstan Seeks Better Terms in Contracts with Foreign Oil Companies
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…
Regional Cooperation and Infrastructure Upgrade are Key to Address Central Asia’s Water Challenges, US Experts Report
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, …
All-Female Orchestra Empowers Kazakh Women to Pursue Their Dreams Through Music
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…
Kazakh Historian’s Books on Turkic Heritage Reach New Audiences with Multilingual Translations
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…
Experts See Strong Growth Potential as Kazakhstan Sends First Kashagan Oil via Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan
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…
Kazakh Expert Highlights Education as Catalyst for Economic Growth
ASTANA – Investment in education could be a powerful catalyst for economic growth, said Dossym Besbay, an entrepreneur in education and medicine and founder of the EPG Human Capital Development Fund. The expanded government meeting on Jan. 28, chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, outlined economic diversification and attracting investments as key government priorities. Improving education…
Kazakh Singer Dimash Qudaibergen Announces New Song
ASTANA – Renowned Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen announced the date of his new song “Love’s Not Over Yet,” which will be released on March 7, he said on his official YouTube channel. The song was specifically written to complement Qudaibergen’s unique voice by an international team led by two-time Grammy-winning producer and composer Walter Afanasieff.…
Investors Turn to Processing Industries as Kazakhstan Moves Beyond Raw Materials
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s foreign direct investment (FDI) is undergoing a major shift, moving from solely raw material extraction to projects focused on domestic processing, said Yernar Serik, an expert on trade and investment policy and the author of Tradereport.kz analytical Telegram channel. During the expanded government meeting on Jan. 28, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the…
Kazakhstan Ships First Kashagan Oil Through Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline
ASTANA – Kazakhstan shipped the first crude oil produced at the Kashagan field to Baku to deliver through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline on Jan. 27, reported KazMunayGas’s (KMG) press service. The first batch of Kashagan oil, in the volume of around 6,000 tons, was loaded on the Taraz oil tanker at the Aktau port on…
Burabai National Park Offers Perfect Winter Escape
ASTANA – The Burabai national park might not top everybody’s winter holiday list, but with fewer crowds and crisp air, it offers a great place to continue the outdoor season, with just a short trip from Astana. Do not be put off by freezing temperatures. As the saying goes, there is no such thing as…
Traditions Reimagined: What it Takes for Modern Families to Balance Heritage and Independence?
What is the key to a happy marriage? Love for one another might be the most common answer. But a recent study by the Kazakhstan Institute of Public Development (KIPD) reveals that parents still play a big role in many important marriage decisions, from wedding preparations to financial allocation—all reliant on Kazakh traditions of honoring…
Kazakhstan’s Updated Red Book to Feature 217 Endangered Species
ASTANA—The new edition of Kazakhstan’s Red Book (the book of endangered species) will include 217 species, reported the Khabar news agency. The updated list excludes 19 species, including two species of mollusks and 17 species of insects. Meanwhile, 11 rare species, including the jungle cat, black vulture, and three scorpion species, have been added. The…
