Articles by Kamila Zhumabayeva

ASTANA – Nick Fielding, renowned British writer, journalist and author of “South to the Great Steppe: The Travels of Thomas and Lucy Atkinson in Eastern Kazakhstan, 1847-1852,” presented his book July 25 at Kazakhstan’s National Academic Library. “This book is about the journey that took place in 1848… That was a very hard winter,” said…

ASTANA, July 19 – The sole suspect in the July 18 attacks on police and government buildings in Almaty has been captured and the city’s red-level terror alert has been lowered to more moderate yellow, authorities announced. A 26-year-old native of the Kyzylorda region was detained less than half an hour after he opened a…

ASTANA – Authorities said three police officers and one civilian were killed July 18 when suspects attacked local police precinct and the department of National Security Committee buildings in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city and commercial centre. A red terror alert has been declared in the city and police are asking citizens to follow the protocols…

ASTANA – Kazakh food products will soon be added to the shelves of American Walmart stores. Samples of certain products have already been transferred to corporate headquarters for examination and quality compliance, according to an Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs (NCE) press release. “Today, we have a unique opportunity to receive clarification from the American…

ASTANA – One of Kazakhstan’s oldest towns surrounded by rich nature and small wooden houses on narrow streets, Karkaraly reminds visitors of villages in Switzerland. The relaxing suburban getaway is the perfect spot to breathe fresh air at a national park, ride a bicycle down smooth slopes, stop by lakes and tour remarkable historic sites.…

ASTANA – Honoured Art Worker of Kazakhstan and director of Astana’s Gorky State Academic Russian Drama Theatre Erkin Kassenov discussed the Central Asian nation’s theatre audience; past achievements, including wrapping up their 115th jubilee season recently; and the theatre’s busy schedule of current and future activities. According to him, Kazakhstan’s theatre scene is different from…

ASTANA – Ardana Botay, a senior pilot and flight navigator at Kazakhstan National Guard’s 3656 military base, is one of few women in the country who decided to tie her life to military aviation. In an interview with The Astana Times, she talked about why it is easier to be on a team with men,…

ASTANA – The Caspian Sea may not be filled with beach resorts or be entirely suitable for recreational use, but entertainment, recreation and health facilities are available to provide essential amenities for a comfortable rest and leisure. Located on the Caspian shores, Aktau (“a white mountain”) is among Kazakhstan’s popular resort spots for water-oriented vacations.…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to begin exporting cars to Russia and Central Asian countries over the next several years. Car production in the country will be localised by 50 percent, meaning at least 50 percent of their components will be produced locally, in the next three to four years, said Kazakh Minister of Investment and…

ASTANA – A group of oil companies led by Chevron have approved a $36.8 billion plan to boost production at Kazakhstan’s Tengiz oil field, the largest oil field in the world, Reuters.com reports. The field already accounts for more than a third of Kazakhstan’s total crude output. The first oil as a result of new…

ASTANA – President Nursultan Nazarbayev visited June 30 and was introduced to the work at the capital’s transport and logistics hub, GLB home construction factory, Tulpar  Talgo factory, Olympic Water Sports centre and Forte Bank’s new building.  He launched a number of projects during a teleconference dedicated to the industrialisation outcome summary for the first…

ASTANA – The Has Sanat art gallery in Astana displays an eclectic mix of foreign and local artists to capital residents – but beyond being just a showplace, the gallery supports the development of art in Kazakhstan, working with artists, maintaining close relationships with them and continuing to follow their work and support them. The…

ASTANA – Capital Day will be more like capital two and a-half weeks, as an array of concerts, festivals, sporting events and shows are scheduled June 20-July 8 to celebrate the city’s birthday on July 6. The Library of the First President will hold exhibitions and foreign embassies will be taking part in the festivities.…

ASTANA – Outlook into the Future: Actual Heritage opened June 23 at the Kazakh National Museum. The museum, the youngest and biggest in Central Asia, was created two years ago in conjunction with the Cultural Heritage state programme. Situated on the country’s main Independence Square, the museum is harmoniously blended into a unified architectural set…

ASTANA – Recent publications have revealed more to the general public about the participation of Kazakhs in European resistance movements during World War II, in particular about former Soviet war prisoners who were sent by Germany to work in France, Holland and Belgium but did not accept their fate and continued to fight against the…

ASTANA – Summer is the time for outdoor activities with friends and family. The capital’s green city parks are the perfect place for enjoying some alone time. One can stroll for an hour or more or spend an entire day at Stolichniy (Capital) Park. From tranquil gardens with paved paths and benches to rides, it…

ASTANA – Kazakh Minister of Foreign Affairs Erlan Idrissov presented detailed information about the current activities of the ministry and highlighted prospective tasks of Kazakh diplomacy in the international arena during his first formal meeting with the public held June 20 in the capital. He emphasised that due to the country’s dynamic development and peace-loving…

ASTANA – Five Almaty men formed an uneasy human chain to rescue a dog that fell into Sairan Reservoir and could not escape due to the steep slopes. The video detailing the operation shot by an eyewitness has gathered millions of views on social media. The rescue, which Maryana Khadeyeva filmed on her smartphone and…

ASTANA – Political analysts and experts say overcoming threats by extremists can be achieved with joint efforts and call upon all Kazakh people to be alert and help law enforcement authorities. The announced threat and danger of terror attacks are certainly real, but law enforcement and government authorities can take certain measures to safeguard citizens…

ASTANA – Approximately 600,000 tenge (US$1,800) was raised for children from orphanages in Atyrau region June 4 during the Abai Keshi charity gala dinner. The event, dedicated to the arts and heritage of famous Kazakh philosopher, composer and poet Abai Kunanbayev, was held for the first time at the Hilton Garden Inn in the Kazakh…

ASTANA – Fitness Park Astana, featuring popular exercises in the capital’s Central Park, is the place to be every Sunday from 10 a.m-1 p.m. The open air event includes cross-fit, yoga, combat battle, cardio-zone and Zumba guided by qualified fitness trainers, with interest in yoga continuing to increase among residents. “We choose five exercises that…

ASTANA – The United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) 50th anniversary and its contribution to sustainable development in Kazakhstan, problems and prospects of linking the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Eurasian Economic Integration are among the highlights of this year’s Astana Economic Forum. Searching to introduce a new model into certain national economies, including Kazakhstan,…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Israel share warm historic, strong economic and common political values. Growing business interests, medical and water technologies, agriculture and the high-tech field are currently developing between the countries. “Kazakhstan and Israel are in very good relations… it’s historic and started even before Kazakhstan’s independence. Jews found refuge during war and it…

ASTANA – The ATOM Project Honourary Ambassador, artist and anti-nuclear weapons activist Karipbek Kuyukov will hold his first exhibition in Astana for ten days beginning May 21. The exhibition at the National Academic Library of Kazakhstan will begin May 21 and run for 10 days. It will be dedicated to the creative drive and the…

ASTANA – From renowned universities and historic and cultural venues to bowling, nightclubs and concert halls, Karaganda is one of Kazakhstan’s largest industrial, economic, science and cultural centres. “Karaganda was a city of mine workers and is very industrial. Authentic cotton fabric garments made in Karaganda are ecologically clean and in high demand among residents…