Articles by Aiman Nakispekova

ASTANA – While Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14, introduced through Western culture, is widely celebrated in Kazakhstan, a homegrown celebration of love on April 15, known as Kozy-Korpesh and Bayan Sulu Day, is gaining traction. First marked in 2011, it honors the legendary love story from Kazakh folklore.  Unlike the bustling chaos of mid-February, April…

ASTANA – Developing environmentally friendly habits and respect for nature should start at an early age, says Kamila Akimbekova, a Kazakh eco-blogger, influencer, and organizer of sustainable events. In an interview with The Astana Times, Akimbekova shared her journey into environmental activism, her passion for the Darmarka project, and her thoughts on whether people are…

ASTANA – The Bozok Museum-Reserve has ambitious plans to become a major cultural and economic hub, enhancing tourism in Kazakhstan’s capital. Located near the Urker and Ilinka residential districts, the open-air museum will serve as both a historical attraction and a driver of local employment.  Covering 412 hectares, the museum showcases medieval-style fortress structures, including…

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital showcased “The Shaman’s Son” exhibition at Kulanshi Art Space, offering visitors an immersive experience where ancient ritualistic energy blends with contemporary interpretations of mysticism on April 3. Featuring the works of Nigerian artist Moses Zibor and Kazakh artist Saulet Zhanibek, the exhibition forms a cross-cultural dialogue rooted in a shared…

ASTANA – In Kazakhstan, names are closely tied to traditions and customs, often carrying profound meanings. One distinctive aspect of Kazakh naming traditions is the custom of allowing a respected family member to choose a child’s name. While some names are traditional, others reflect important wishes, values, or even protective symbolism. There are thousands of…

ASTANA – For more than a decade, the 28 Loops Public Foundation has been supporting premature newborns in Kazakhstan by providing hand-knitted woolen clothing to help them retain warmth and conserve energy for survival. What started as a grassroots initiative has grown into an international movement, with volunteers in all major Kazakh cities and 13…

ASTANA – Kazakh startup Higgsfield, which has attracted $16 million in investments, is emerging as a competitor to global tech giants OpenAI and Google, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiyev announced during a Mazhilis (the lower house of the Kazakh Parliament) meeting on April 2, reported Kazinform. “Higgsfield is a generative…

ASTANA – Kazakh professor Serik Meirmanov has been appointed vice president of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), becoming the first Kazakh citizen to hold a senior leadership position at a Japanese university. He officially assumed the role on April 1, wrote Olzhas Berkinbayev, head of the press service at Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan celebrates the 100th anniversary of legendary composer and conductor Nurgisa Tlendiyev on April 1. Tlendiyev, known for his contributions to Kazakh music, composed over 500 works across various genres, including songs, kuis [traditional musical composition], romances, overtures, poems, cantatas, operas, and ballets. Born in 1925 in Shilikemer, Ili District of the Almaty…

ASTANA – As Kazakhstan and Sweden mark 33 years of diplomatic relations this April, Swedish Ambassador to Kazakhstan Ewa Ulrika Polano reflects on the growing partnership between the two nations. In an interview with The Astana Times, she highlighted key areas of cooperation—from trade and infrastructure to healthcare and education—while also emphasizing the role of…

ASTANA – Balbals, the ancient stone sculptures of the Turkic people, stand as silent witnesses to history, culture and tradition. Carved from stone, they have preserved the artistic and religious heritage of the early Turkic tribes, offering a glimpse into their way of life. These weathered monuments, dating back to the early Middle Ages, can…

ASTANA – Tea holds a special place in Kazakh culture, serving as a centerpiece of hospitality and social gatherings. Families often unite over tea, and these occasions can last for hours. Nearly every traditional Kazakh custom includes tea drinking, from celebrations to solemn occasions. Whether celebrating the birth of a child or remembering a loved…

ASTANA – The final day of the Nauryznama decade, observed on March 23 as the Day of a Pure Mind and Intentions, is dedicated to environmental awareness. This national ecological initiative symbolizes the country’s transition into the New Year with renewed intentions and hopes. The day encourages public participation in addressing environmental issues and promotes…

ASTANA – As part of the Nauryznama decade, Kazakhstan celebrates National Clothing Day on March 18, a tradition that encourages people to wear national attire. The initiative promotes the country’s cultural heritage and sets an example for younger generations. National clothing has also become a fashion statement, serving as a means of self-expression and a…

ASTANA – For Zhanna Soltanbekova, social entrepreneur and director of the BLUE FOX adaptive physical education center in Ust-Kamenogorsk, physical activity is crucial for children’s development. In an interview with The Astana Times, Soltanbekova spoke about being a mother of a child with special needs, the journey of founding the center, and the challenges she…

ASTANA – Kazakh Ministry of Industry and Construction has announced new projects for exploring and extracting rare and rare-earth metals, reported Kazinform. The country has signed strategic agreements with the European Union, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan, and China to develop its rare and rare-earth metal mining and production sector. As part of these…

ASTANA – Kazakh and Indian experts discussed trade relations and the role of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) in boosting economic ties during a special event on March 11 at Maqsut Narikbayev University. The discussion highlighted the importance of cooperation and the route’s potential to drive the region’s economic growth. Participants noted that the…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is working to become a regional leader in GovTech by using digital technologies to improve public services, simplify government processes, and drive economic growth. The country’s strategy includes artificial intelligence (AI), e-government services, and blockchain, to make governance more efficient and accessible. Global recognition  Kazakhstan ranks 10th on the United Nations Global…

ASTANA – The Caspian seal population has declined by 90% over the past century, dropping from 1.2 million in the early 20th century to an estimated 75,000 to 270,000 today, according to independent environmental experts. Since 2000, mortality rates have increased sharply, with hundreds or even thousands dying each year. Experts attribute the decline to…

ASTANA – The increasing number of women in aviation reflects a gradual shift in attitudes toward traditionally male-dominated professions. Kazakhstan has taken steps at the highest levels to promote gender equality in aviation. The country has implemented a law on state guarantees of equal rights and opportunities for men and women, a national gender equality…

ASTANA – The LM Kulanshi creative space hosted the GASYR project’s presentation, a visual narrative featuring 100 portraits of residents ranging from zero to 100. More than a collection of photographs, the exhibition explores the passage of time, life, and generations in Kazakhstan. Each portrait tells a story, revealing the essence of an era through…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has 34 female pilots out of 1,459, while globally, women make up only 5% of airline pilots. The country’s aviation sector employs more than 9,500 women, including 2,005 flight attendants, 104 air traffic controllers, and about 400 professionals in engineering and technical roles. These figures were highlighted at a workshop on gender…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan-British Technical University (KBTU) announced plans to cooperate with MAIRE, an Italy-based company specializing in industrial plant engineering and natural resource transformation, to enhance international collaboration in research and education. The partnership aims to foster innovation and workforce development to support the global energy transition. The three-year agreement includes guest lectures by MAIRE…

ASTANA – The nation celebrated the 179th anniversary of renowned Kazakh poet and improviser Zhambyl Zhabayev on Feb. 28. Zhabayev was a master of epic poetry and improvisation, a wise zhyrshy (narrative poet), and a storyteller whose work helped shape civic and political poetry. His influence extended beyond his poetic talent—he pioneered a new direction…

ASTANA – Kazakh traditional headdresses are experiencing a resurgence among young people, blending cultural heritage with modern design. Brightly stylized hats have become a popular fashion statement, serving as a means of self-expression and a symbol of cultural identity. This renewed interest is driven by a desire to stay connected to history and heritage while…