Articles by Aiman Nakispekova

ASTANA – Almaty hosted the annual Kitap Fest Almaty book festival on Sept. 9, offering a platform for individuals who cherish creativity and talent, reported the festival’s press service.  This year’s festival edition was dedicated to City Day and revolved around the theme of “National Literature. National Language. National Traditions.” The festival featured a book-illustrated…

ASTANA – Astana Opera is set to debut its “The Steppe Motives in Tbilisi” program at the Rustaveli National State Academic Theater in Georgia on Sept. 23, according to the theater’s press service. The program will showcase both Kazakh and international masterpieces, featuring the theater’s leading soloists. The symphony orchestra and choir of Astana Opera…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is set to open its first Honorary Consulate in Penang, Malaysia, this fall. Datoˊ Wira Louis Ng Chun Hau, the founder and executive chairman of Public Gold Group, a prominent group of companies specializing in physical precious metals trading and minting in Malaysia, has been appointed the Honorary Consul. He discussed his…

ASTANA – The Almatykitap publishing house opened the Ybrai Altynsarin Book House on Sept.5 in Astana, to bolster international collaboration in book distribution, fostering a culture of reading, and preserving national spiritual and cultural values. It is named after a distinguished progressive educator who dedicated himself to promoting forward-thinking education in the Kazakh steppes. This…

ASTANA – The United Nations (UN) Global Compact launches the SDG Ambition program, aimed at expediting the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the strategic and operational activities of businesses, reported the press service of the UN in Kazakhstan.  This six-month educational course, designed by UN experts and partners, marks the first dedicated…

ASTANA – Leveraging its growing economy and skilled workforce, Kazakhstan holds significant potential in the IT sector. The country is committed to strengthening its digital infrastructure and advocating technological progress to attract investments and foster innovation. IT industry development  The IT industry has demonstrated notable advancement, marked by the rise of numerous thriving startups and…

ASTANA – Qazaq kuresi, a form of traditional Kazakh wrestling, has not only gained increasing popularity but also holds a place of cultural significance in Kazakhstan. With roots tracing back to antiquity, the sport has survived through the ages. The basic rules of Kazakh wrestling are straightforward: the objective is to throw your opponent to…

ASTANA – With the revival of Kazakh culture, contemporary literature in the Kazakh language has gained significant popularity and demand today. Bookstores are offering an array of titles covering diverse interests and subjects. The Astana Times presents a curated selection of the top books in the Kazakh language.  The Book of Words (Kazakh classic) Despite…

ASTANA – Astana Arbat, in partnership with the United States Mission to Kazakhstan, hosted special events on Aug. 29 to mark the International Day Against Nuclear Tests and the closure of the Semipalatinsk Test Site. The celebration began with the crafting of origami cranes, an international symbol of peace and unity inspired by Sadako Sasaki,…

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…