Articles by Aiman Nakispekova

ASTANA – In a significant leap toward transparency and innovation, Kazakhstan has made its natural resources more accessible to global investors by removing intermediaries and digitizing subsoil management. The Astana Times spoke with Vice Minister of Industry and Construction Zhannat Dubirova to learn more about the subsoil use platform and how interactive mapping unlocks the…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan marks the Day of Unity of the People on May 1, paying tribute to the country’s rich multicultural identity. Officially recognized as a state holiday since 1996, it brings together more than 150 ethnic groups living across the nation, emphasizing mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and the power of cultural diversity. The history…

ASTANA – Kazakh craftsman Yerzhigit Toktaruly has spent over 20 years mastering the traditional Kazakh craft of saddle-making, working from his home in the Pavlodar Region. Toktaruly shares his creations on TikTok, where he has around 10,000 followers. He also shares step-by-step masterclasses, demonstrating how to make equestrian gear from start to finish. He welcomes…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has launched a network of Active Longevity Centers nationwide to support the social integration of elderly adults and promote active lifestyle. These centers offer free cultural, creative, physical, and educational activities for retirees to improve physical and mental well-being. According to official figures, Kazakhstan’s aging index reached 31.1 in 2024, a 1.6…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan celebrates the 125th anniversary of Sabit Mukanov, a seminal figure in national literature on April 26. A master of multiple genres, Mukanov helped lay the foundation of 20th-century Kazakh culture and remains a revered voice in the country’s literary and intellectual history. Born in 1900 in the Zhambyl district of the North…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has launched a digital project that uses artificial intelligence to track and visualize domestic violence cases in real-time. The project, called Svet Saltanat [the Light of Saltanat], was initiated by technology company Citix, a leader in digital outdoor advertising, and creative agency GForce Grey — the first Central Asian winner of the…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan celebrated its first-ever National Book Day on April 23, a milestone event to promote a reading culture, raise literacy rates, and highlight the value of libraries and books in society. The initiative seeks to inspire people of all ages to rediscover the joy of reading in an increasingly digital world. President Kassym-Jomart…

ASTANA – In Kazakhstan, a wedding is not a single event but a series of traditions observed before and after the ceremony. For Kazakhs, marriage is deeply rooted in customs that have been passed down for centuries, each carrying its meaning. One of the fundamental traditions Kazakhs follow is “adat,” which prohibits marriage between members…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s unique center for children with autism has become a lifeline for families, offering care, support, and a nurturing environment tailored to the needs of every child. Opened last year in the Kostanai Region, the center helps children adapt, grow and thrive. “Our center operates in two shifts and is designed for 200…

ASTANA – While Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14, introduced through Western culture, is widely celebrated in Kazakhstan, a homegrown celebration of love on April 15, known as Kozy-Korpesh and Bayan Sulu Day, is gaining traction. First marked in 2011, it honors the legendary love story from Kazakh folklore.  Unlike the bustling chaos of mid-February, April…

ASTANA – Developing environmentally friendly habits and respect for nature should start at an early age, says Kamila Akimbekova, a Kazakh eco-blogger, influencer, and organizer of sustainable events. In an interview with The Astana Times, Akimbekova shared her journey into environmental activism, her passion for the Darmarka project, and her thoughts on whether people are…

ASTANA – The Bozok Museum-Reserve has ambitious plans to become a major cultural and economic hub, enhancing tourism in Kazakhstan’s capital. Located near the Urker and Ilinka residential districts, the open-air museum will serve as both a historical attraction and a driver of local employment.  Covering 412 hectares, the museum showcases medieval-style fortress structures, including…

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital showcased “The Shaman’s Son” exhibition at Kulanshi Art Space, offering visitors an immersive experience where ancient ritualistic energy blends with contemporary interpretations of mysticism on April 3. Featuring the works of Nigerian artist Moses Zibor and Kazakh artist Saulet Zhanibek, the exhibition forms a cross-cultural dialogue rooted in a shared…

ASTANA – In Kazakhstan, names are closely tied to traditions and customs, often carrying profound meanings. One distinctive aspect of Kazakh naming traditions is the custom of allowing a respected family member to choose a child’s name. While some names are traditional, others reflect important wishes, values, or even protective symbolism. There are thousands of…

ASTANA – For more than a decade, the 28 Loops Public Foundation has been supporting premature newborns in Kazakhstan by providing hand-knitted woolen clothing to help them retain warmth and conserve energy for survival. What started as a grassroots initiative has grown into an international movement, with volunteers in all major Kazakh cities and 13…

ASTANA – Kazakh startup Higgsfield, which has attracted $16 million in investments, is emerging as a competitor to global tech giants OpenAI and Google, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiyev announced during a Mazhilis (the lower house of the Kazakh Parliament) meeting on April 2, reported Kazinform. “Higgsfield is a generative…

ASTANA – Kazakh professor Serik Meirmanov has been appointed vice president of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), becoming the first Kazakh citizen to hold a senior leadership position at a Japanese university. He officially assumed the role on April 1, wrote Olzhas Berkinbayev, head of the press service at Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan celebrates the 100th anniversary of legendary composer and conductor Nurgisa Tlendiyev on April 1. Tlendiyev, known for his contributions to Kazakh music, composed over 500 works across various genres, including songs, kuis [traditional musical composition], romances, overtures, poems, cantatas, operas, and ballets. Born in 1925 in Shilikemer, Ili District of the Almaty…

ASTANA – As Kazakhstan and Sweden mark 33 years of diplomatic relations this April, Swedish Ambassador to Kazakhstan Ewa Ulrika Polano reflects on the growing partnership between the two nations. In an interview with The Astana Times, she highlighted key areas of cooperation—from trade and infrastructure to healthcare and education—while also emphasizing the role of…

ASTANA – Balbals, the ancient stone sculptures of the Turkic people, stand as silent witnesses to history, culture and tradition. Carved from stone, they have preserved the artistic and religious heritage of the early Turkic tribes, offering a glimpse into their way of life. These weathered monuments, dating back to the early Middle Ages, can…

ASTANA – Tea holds a special place in Kazakh culture, serving as a centerpiece of hospitality and social gatherings. Families often unite over tea, and these occasions can last for hours. Nearly every traditional Kazakh custom includes tea drinking, from celebrations to solemn occasions. Whether celebrating the birth of a child or remembering a loved…

ASTANA – The final day of the Nauryznama decade, observed on March 23 as the Day of a Pure Mind and Intentions, is dedicated to environmental awareness. This national ecological initiative symbolizes the country’s transition into the New Year with renewed intentions and hopes. The day encourages public participation in addressing environmental issues and promotes…

ASTANA – As part of the Nauryznama decade, Kazakhstan celebrates National Clothing Day on March 18, a tradition that encourages people to wear national attire. The initiative promotes the country’s cultural heritage and sets an example for younger generations. National clothing has also become a fashion statement, serving as a means of self-expression and a…

ASTANA – For Zhanna Soltanbekova, social entrepreneur and director of the BLUE FOX adaptive physical education center in Ust-Kamenogorsk, physical activity is crucial for children’s development. In an interview with The Astana Times, Soltanbekova spoke about being a mother of a child with special needs, the journey of founding the center, and the challenges she…

ASTANA – Kazakh Ministry of Industry and Construction has announced new projects for exploring and extracting rare and rare-earth metals, reported Kazinform. The country has signed strategic agreements with the European Union, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan, and China to develop its rare and rare-earth metal mining and production sector. As part of these…