Articles by Aibarshyn Akhmetkali

ASTANA – Ahead of the International Day for Biological Diversity, annually celebrated on May 22, Kazakhstan presented its national benchmarks for biodiversity conservation in its Concept on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity for 2025-2035. The draft was developed by the Committee of Forestry and Wildlife of the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources…

ASTANA – The Astana Opera audience was treated to a thrilling display of talent with a May 16 premiere of three one-act ballets by a world-renowned French choreographer Roland Petit. The three ballets were presented as part of the Operaliya 2025 International Festival. Petit’s name holds a special place in the history of 20th-century ballet,…

ASTANA – On May 12, Kazakhstan celebrates the 95th anniversary of Anuar Alimzhanov, a prominent Kazakh journalist and historical writer whose works brought to life key figures of Kazakh history, from the renowned 10th-century philosopher Abu Nasr Al-Farabi to the 19th-century poet and warrior Makhambet Utemisov. Alimzhanov could write engagingly and summarize complex historical circumstances…

ASTANA – There is something satisfying about wandering through the cool and silent museum halls, but behind the scenes there is an equally interesting noise, bustle, and distinctive scent of ongoing work. What different types of roles are available within museums? The Astana Times is bringing together three museum professionals from various fields, who offered…

ASTANA – Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will pay an official visit to Kazakhstan on May 11-12, reported Akorda press service.  The talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev are expected to focus on the prospects for strengthening the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE),…

ASTANA – Night skies across Astana and Almaty lit up with a spectacular firework display and drone show, celebrating Victory Day on May 9 in honor of the 80th anniversary since the end of the Great Patriotic War as part of World War II.  In his official congratulatory message, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the…

ASTANA – The Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its profound concern over the escalating tensions between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in an official statement released on May 8. “We urge all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint to prevent any further escalation. Kazakhstan remains committed to the settlement…

ASTANA – Clear ice that stretches as far as the eyes can see, a vast horizon, and the feeling of complete freedom — what more could you ask from a cycling ice venture across a frozen lake? In February, two Polish cyclists Ryszard Jakubowski and Jakub Rybicki set out to ride the entire length of…

ASTANA – The first exhibition as part of the series of “Perception of Central Asia Through the Eyes of Western Explorers and Travelers of the 19th-20th Centuries” opened on April 29 at Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU), showcasing the works of the renowned Hungarian orientalist and traveler Armin Vambery. Jointly organized by MNU and the Embassy…

ASTANA – Two recent studies on energy transition in Kazakhstan provide an in-depth analysis of both expert and public perceptions of current energy transition policies. The papers were presented during a roundtable, organized by the Institute of Public Policy and Administration of the University of Central Asia and the Department of Political Science and International…

ASTANA – The passing of the head of the Catholic church, Pope Francis, has prompted some of the most heartfelt condolences around the world from believers and non-believers alike. In an interview with The Astana Times, Archbishop Tomasz Bernard Peta, Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Saint Mary in Astana, reflects on the legacy of Pope…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Germany came together at the German Training Week – Green Hydrogen, launched on April 22 in Astana, as a strategic initiative to unlock Kazakhstan’s potential as a future hub for green hydrogen production. The training week is organized as part of the Project Development Program for Green Hydrogen Projects implemented by…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and South Korea presented their progress on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) across the public sector at a diplomatic seminar in Astana on April 21, as part of a broader effort to ensure AI delivers tangible public benefits. Ambassador of Korea to Kazakhstan Tae-ick Cho said that Korea is promoting AI…

ASTANA – At the age of 18, Aliya Moldagulova, a skilled Kazakh sniper, gave her life defending her homeland from the Nazi invasion during World War II. As Kazakhstan marks Moldagulova’s 100th anniversary, it presents an opportunity to go beyond commemorative events and explore the courage and character of a young, strong, and brave Kazakh…

ASTANA – The return and reunion of Kazakhstan’s first peacekeeping contingent with their families brings bittersweet joy and relief after a year-long mission under the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) at the Golan Heights. “We were there to support peace among the local population—that was our mission. I believe our contingent fulfilled its duty 100%.…

ASTANA – The Assembly of People of Kazakhstan was instrumental in integrating diverse ethnic groups into a unified nation, said Marat Azilkhanov, the assembly’s deputy chairman and head of the secretariat, in an article published in Kazakhstanskaya Pravda newspaper. This year marks 30 years since the establishment of the assembly. It will convene for its…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan continues to enhance its global air connectivity with the launch of new international routes this year, which will expand its access to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, reported the Kazakh Ministry of Transport’s Civil Aviation Committee. Earlier, Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev announced Kazakhstan’s plans to launch 19 new air routes.…

ASTANA – Declining oil prices and the U.S. administration’s tariff decisions are key factors behind the recent drop in the tenge exchange rate, according to experts. After U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on imports, global financial markets have experienced increased volatility, fueling fears of a renewed era of protectionism and a potential global…

ASTANA – Turash Abuov is one of Kazakhstan’s few composers who fought in World War II, using his music to capture both the darkness of war and the resilience of bravery. He continued to compose afterward, but his work has long been overlooked. Today, his compositions are finally being reassessed and getting long overdue recognition,…

ASTANA – Prominent Kazakh musicians led by the Otyrar Sazy folklore-ethnographic orchestra celebrated the 100th anniversary of Kazakh composer and conductor Nurgisa Tlendiyev with the best of his works at Qazaq Concert in Astana on April 1. Tlendiyev was celebrated for his extraordinary talent as a composer, creating timeless melodies and orchestral works that resonate…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…