Articles by Aiman Nakispekova

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated people on Constitution Day, celebrated nationwide on Aug. 30. As the basic pillar of statehood, the constitution defines the social and political structure, values and strategic vector of the country’s development. “The Constitution, updated following a nationwide referendum, has become a symbol of consolidation of our nation. It serves…

ASTANA – Almaty hosted a two-day international seminar forum on Aug. 17-18, focusing on the engagement of the Kazakh diaspora abroad. The event was organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Migration Agency in Kazakhstan, reported the IOM’s press service. The Kazakh diaspora, estimated to consist of five to seven million…

ASTANA – Murat Zhunusov, a 57-year-old chess player from Kazakhstan, has established himself as an international master and a world champion within the visually impaired community. He was born in the city of Balkhash where his life path unexpectedly intertwined with the game of chess. In an interview with the Astana Times, Zhunusov offers insights…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan observes World Humanitarian Day on Aug. 19, a time to acknowledge and honor the dedicated individuals who tirelessly extend aid to those in need, particularly during crisis and conflict. According to Tatiana Mironyuk, executive director at the National Volunteer Network, the date serves as an opportunity to contemplate the significance of unity,…

ASTANA – According to forecasts by scientists, the Caspian Sea’s water level is expected to decrease by nearly four meters over the next decade. Over the past 15 years, the Kazakhstan part of the water reservoir already experienced a 7.1% decline. The sea surface area had decreased from 113.8 square kilometers in 2008 to 105.7…

ASTANA – Veterinarians dedicate their lives to rescuing and treating animals, striving to provide the best possible care. Victoria Malakhova, a veterinarian from Kazakhstan, spoke to the Astana Times about the challenges of her profession and the most common mistakes pet owners make. Malakhova has 12 years of experience, starting as a junior nurse. Over…

ASTANA – A fragrance or a particular smell can possess remarkable power, evoking cherished childhood memories, for example the aroma of grandmother’s pies, and even influencing our mood, explained Gulzhan Tuzelbayeva, a scientist and founder of the Gulzhan perfume brand, in an interview with The Astana Times. As a young and ambitious entrepreneur, Tuzelbayeva aims…

ASTANA – Seven horses trained by Sapar Baiynuly, a Kazakh residing in Mongolia, achieved top positions in regional-level race competitions. Baiynuly, who hails from the Kerey tribe, shared his insights on the competition and the horse industry in Mongolia during an interview with Kazinform. Can you tell us about the race and the main characteristics…

ASTANA – In Kazakh tradition, amulets play an important role as talismans that are said to fend against evil and usher in good fortune and benefits. They have ancient origins and reflect the country’s diverse cultural practices. According to Gulzada Shokasheva, a scholar in Asian studies, nomadic ancestors lived in harmony with nature throughout ancient…

ASTANA – Kazakh doctor and scientist, Mukhit Kulmaganbetov, who joined the Discrimination of Quantum States team through the Human Eye research project at the Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) in Hong Kong, seeks to investigate the human eye’s capability to differentiate between various quantum states of light. In an interview with The Astana…

ASTANA – Kazakh entrepreneurs from the Mangystau Region will participate in the Le Mondial du Fromage international cheese competition for the first time, wrote the region akimat’s (administration) press service on its Telegram channel on July 22. The competition organizers have granted accreditation to the Kobzev family, founders of the Zheti Lak (Seven Yeanlings) farm. The…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan ranks as Uzbekistan’s third leading foreign trade partner with a turnover of $ 2.19 billion (7.5%) among 183 countries worldwide during the first half of the year, reported the Uzbek Agency of Statistics on July 20.  Uzbekistan exported goods worth $699.3 million to Kazakhstan, while imports reached $1,496.2 million. The previous year,…

ASTANA – Astana Ballet marked its 10th anniversary by presenting a special program that showcased highlights from its remarkable performances over the past decade. The program featured excerpts from popular classical and neoclassical ballets, including “Le Corsair,” “Spartacus,” “Carmen Suite,” “Legend of Love”, “Arular Sherui” (Parade of Beauties), and also works of Brazilian choreographer Ricardo…

ASTANA – The National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C. hosted a fashion show highlighting Kazakh craft traditions as part of the Soul of Tengri program at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, reported Kazinform news agency on July 13.  The show, organized by the Smithsonian Artisan Initiative, the Kazakh Union of Artisans, and Chevron, featured…

ASTANA – INTO University Partnerships, a global education partnering organization launched its new University Access Center (UAC) in Almaty on July 11, bringing its study abroad program to Central Asia, reported the organization’s press service. The UAC, which serves as INTO’s market-facing brand, provides a study abroad solution bringing together education agents, onsite university representatives,…

ASTANA – The Astana Opera’s chamber choir will present a music concert by Kazakh composers at the Kulyash Baiseitova Chamber Hall on July 14, reported the theater’s press service.   The concert program will include Kazakh folk songs and compositions by contemporary national and foreign authors, performed without instrumental accompaniment, known as a cappella. The soloists…

ASTANA – This year, Kazakhstan ranked 62 out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap, climbing three positions, according to the latest report published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in late June. Kazakhstan improved its economic participation and opportunity subindex ranking by one place, coming 28th. The country came 100 in political empowerment,…

ASTANA – Volunteering in Kazakhstan is gaining momentum and has developed distinctively in each region of the country, taking into account economic and climate conditions. Executive Director of the National Volunteer Network (NVN), Tatiana Mironyuk, who participated in research on volunteering and developed several methodologies for social projects, spoke with The Astana Times about her…

ASTANA – The Sayramsu Anizdary (Legends) tourist trail in the Sayram-Ugam National Park, located in the Turkistan Region, was officially opened with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on June 28, the UNDP’s press service reported. The trail underwent renovations, including the addition of entrance gates, viewing points, art installations, information signs,…

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital hosted the Anau Mynau (This and That) exhibition showcasing art, graphics and sculpture works of young Kazakh artists on June 29 at the Kulanshi Art Center.  The exhibition is unique, as three distinct directions of artists are showcased in one space. According to Leyla Mahat, curator of the Kulanshi Art…

ASTANA – The International Institute for Management and Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Center in Lausanne, Switzerland published the results of the World Competitiveness Ranking on June 20, where Kazakhstan took 37th place out of 64 countries with a score of 66.11. Kazakhstan moved up six places compared to last year. The country is ranked ahead…

ASTANA – The Central Asian Alliance to End Gender-Based Violence launched on June 27 in Almaty as part of the United Nations Spotlight Initiative Regional Program for Central Asia and Afghanistan funded by the European Union, reported the UN’s press service. The initiative aims to combat gender-based violence while advancing the fifth Sustainable Development Goal…

ASTANA – American bloggers, writers, and journalists, who recently visited Kazakhstan, believe the world should experience the country’s natural beauty and unique sights, according to the Jibek Joly TV channel. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Kazakh Tourism National Company organized a special press tour of the Almaty Region for journalists. During…

ASTANA – The International Volunteer Forum in Astana resulted in a series of initiatives in the sphere of volunteering, including signing and implementation of the Full Funding Program agreement between the Kazakh Ministry of Information and Social Development and the United Nations, reported the ministry’s press service on its Instagram page. Darkhan Kydyrali, Minister of…

ASTANA – Kazakh Ed-Tech startup CodiPlay focusing on teaching children programming and creating gadgets (IoT projects) based on arcade games, has closed its seed round with $2 million in funding, the company’s press service reported. The comprehensive learning system garnered significant interest from investors, with $1.5 million coming from the Tumar Venture Fund, a Kazakh…