Articles by Aruzhan Ualikhanova 

Reviving Wild Heart of Kazakhstan: Iconic Species Return to Protected Landscapes

ASTANA — Kazakhstan is focused on preserving its rare wildlife and actively restoring animal populations by reintroducing species like kulan, tigers and Przewalski’s horses to freely roam its landscapes. Recently, several kulans were reintroduced into one of the country’s national parks, marking a significant step in restoring this species. Earlier, Kazakhstan also welcomed Amur tigers…

Almaty Volunteers Find Homes for Abandoned Akitas and Shibas

ASTANA — In Almaty, a dedicated group of volunteers is working to rescue abandoned dogs, providing them with medical care, finding temporary shelters, and seeking out responsible new owners. So far, over 70 animals have found loving homes, and another 10 are currently in foster care, reported Khabar Agency. This mission began in response to…

Unus Safardiar Brings Sculptural Masterpieces to Astana’s National Museum

ASTANA — Unus Safardiar’s stunning exhibition, “The Second Ascent,” opened in the National Museum of Kazakhstan in Astana on Sept. 19 and will run till Nov. 17. The British artist, originally from Samarkand, Uzbekistan, has already seen his monumental sculptures, dedicated to the transformation of the world, displayed in cities like London, New York, St.…

Revealing Kazakhstan’s Hidden Wildlife: Glimpse Through Lens of Camera Traps

ASTANA — The vast expanses of Kazakhstan hide true natural treasures — rare and endangered animals that inhabit the depths of its nature reserves. Among towering mountains, boundless steppes, and dense forests, these creatures live, seen by only a fortunate few in the wild. The camera traps placed in these pristine areas allow to witness…

Dimash Qudaibergen Reunites with Fans in Astana for Spectacular Two-Day Concert

ASTANA — The long-awaited two-day concert of world-famous Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen electrified the Astana Arena stadium on Sept. 13-14, captivating thousands of fans with his signature vocal prowess and mesmerizing stage presence. Qudaibergen reunited with his fans on home soil for the first time in two years—since his 2022 concert in Almaty. The concerts…

Behind Scenes at Kazakhstan’s Mint: Making of Tenge

ASTANA — According to a report by the Association of Financiers of Kazakhstan on monetary transactions in the first half of the year, the growth rate of non-cash transactions has slowed down significantly, decreasing threefold. Does Kazakhstan need more printed paper banknotes, and are cash payments still popular as a payment instrument? The National Bank…

Young Artists Shine at National Museum’s 10th Anniversary Exhibition in Astana

ASTANA — An exhibition Children and Art opened in honor of the 10th anniversary of the National Museum of Kazakhstan in Astana on Aug. 1.  This unique project dedicated to children’s creativity started at the museum in 2016. In the first two years, the project hosted 12 exhibitions from 10 children’s art schools of Astana.…

Recent Bronze Age Discoveries Unveiled in Kazakhstan

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s rich archaeological landscape continues to reveal stunning insights into ancient civilizations. Recent discoveries across the Akmola, Pavlodar and Karagandy regions have uncovered significant artifacts and burial sites dating back to the Bronze Age. Stone carving discovery in the Akmola Region A remarkable archaeological find has been uncovered in the Akmola Region of…

Recent Discoveries in Kazakh Archaeology: Ancient Cities, Artifacts and Burials

ASTANA — Kazakhstan has emerged as a significant site for remarkable archaeological discoveries, revealing the area’s rich history and culture of ancient civilizations. Several important findings have been made, including the ancient capital of the Kimak Khaganate, the intriguing burial mounds of the Saka and Hunnic-Sarmatian periods, and a necropolis from the Golden Horde era.…

Legendary Sacred Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan

ASTANA — In the North Kazakhstan Region, there are two unique bitter-saline lakes: Minkeser and Teke. They are considered “sacred’ by the locals and capture the imagination of the visitors.  This article, originally published in Kazinfo, explores the lakes and the fascinating legends associated with them. Minkeser Lake Minkeser, located in the Mamlyut District, just…

In Footsteps of Warriors: Historical Legacy of Kazakh Batyrs

ASTANA — Efforts have been underway in the North Kazakhstan Region since 2019 to research and popularize historical and cultural heritage sites associated with the names of Kazakh batyrs (warriors), reports Kazinform news agency.  The inclusion of nine batyr burial sites in the region’s sacred map and the creation of memorial complexes at these sites…

Rare Coin Discovered in Almaty Region  

ASTANA — For the first time in Kazakhstan, a rare type of coin has been discovered by researchers from the Tanbaly Reserve Museum in the Almaty Region. This find occurred during excavations in the Kogaly Valley conducted by the International Historical and Archaeological Expedition, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Culture…

‘Art of Traditions’ Contemporary Exhibition Unveils in Astana 

ASTANA — The exhibition “Art of Traditions,” a collaboration between Italian photographer Gabriele Galimberti, Austrian artist Norbert Brunner, and the Kazakh creative team ADYR-ASPAN, was unveiled at the National Museum of Kazakhstan in Astana on May 17. The exhibition features a mix of contemporary art forms, including conceptual art, installation, video art, performance and photography.…

Biopic on Kazakh Outstanding Figure Akhmet Baitursynov Set for Nationwide Release

ASTANA – The full-length biopic “Songy Ukim” (The Last Sentence in Kazakh), a historical drama about outstanding Kazakh educator, poet, linguist, and influential public figure Akhmet Baitursynov, will be released in cinemas nationwide starting May 23. The film’s plot encompasses all stages of Akhmet Baitursynov’s life, from his groundbreaking creation of Kazakh language science to…

Rare Manuscripts and Books from 18th-20th Centuries Discovered in Kyzylorda Region

ASTANA — Researchers from the National Center of Manuscripts and Rare Books discovered valuable artifacts spanning the 18th to 20th centuries during a recent expedition to the Kyzylorda Region on April 3, reported the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan.  Alongside a collection of rare books, the team uncovered remarkable finds of manuscripts dating…

Photo Exhibition Sheds Light on Kazakh Nomadic Well Construction

ASTANA — Kazakh scientists have recently uncovered techniques used to build ancient nomadic wells. These wells, found in the Kazakh steppe, were sophisticated underground structures constructed for varying water needs and durations of use. A photo exhibition in Almaty, titled ‘Ethno-expedition,’ showcases these methods, reports Jibek Joly.   The intricacies of well construction across the Kazakh…

Dive into Astana’s Weekend Wonderland of Art and Magic

ASTANA — The bustling capital of Kazakhstan is gearing up to host a weekend brimming with a variety of events catering to diverse tastes and interests. From mesmerizing art exhibitions to entrancing magic shows, the city promises a delightful array of experiences. The Astana Times editorial team has prepared a guide to the must-attend events…