Our People > Ilyas Otan

Ilyas Otan

Journalist and Videographer

Ilyas Otan is a photographer, filmmaker, documentarian, producer and tour operator based in Kazakhstan. He has won numerous awards at documentary film festivals, and received grants for his documentary film productions.

Articles

New Kazakhstan Gender Equality Banknotes Gender Stereotypes

Video: Challenging Gender Stereotypes in Modern Kazakhstan

From factory workers to female boxing champions and long-distance lorry drivers, The Times of Central Asia explores the growing challenges to long-held gender stereotypes in modern Kazakhstan, as women feel more emboldened than ever to follow their dreams. [embed]https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/%D0%93%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B4%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5%20%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BF%D1%8B.mp4[/embed] This video was made by UNFPA Kazakhstan with the financial support of the UK Government. All views expressed in the video do not reflect the official position of UNFPA or the UK Government.

1 day ago

World Nomad Games

Video Highlights: World Nomad Games Day Six

On the final day of the World Nomad Games, themed as the “Gathering of the Great Steppe,” TCA took in the Tenge Ilu and the Baige, with a focus on the Kusbegilik (hunting with birds). It's been a blast! Stick with us and let's Go Nomad again in 2026. [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/nomad-game_2.mp4"][/video]

7 months ago

Kok boru Kokpar World Nomad Games

Video Highlights: World Nomad Games Day Five

On the fifth day of the World Nomad Games, themed as the “Gathering of the Great Steppe,” TCA soaked up the raucous atmosphere and took in the finals of the equestrian events, including the ever-popular kokpar and kok boru: [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/nomad-game-1.mp4"][/video]

7 months ago

World Nomad Games

Video Highlights: World Nomad Games Day Four

The fourth day of the World Nomad Games, themed as the “Gathering of the Great Steppe,” saw events taking place across Astana once more. TCA went to the Powerful Nomad competition, and took in national dances and some theatrical sabre combat: [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/4.mp4"][/video]

7 months ago

World Nomad Games

Video Highlights: World Nomad Games Day Three

The third day of the World Nomad Games, themed as the “Gathering of the Great Steppe,” saw events taking place across Astana. TCA went to the Martial Arts Palace and the Alau Ice Palace to take in the in the Koresh (Tatar belt wrestling), Assyk atu, Mas-wrestling, Kurash, and Kazakh kuresi. Watch our video highlights from day three here: [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Nomad_3-day.mp4"][/video]

7 months ago