Our People > Stephen M. Bland

Stephen M. Bland

Senior Editor and Head of Investigations

Stephen M. Bland is a journalist, author, editor, commentator and researcher specialising in Central Asia and the Caucasus. Prior to joining The Times of Central Asia, he has worked for NGOs, think tanks, as the Central Asia expert on a forthcoming documentary series, for the BBC, The Diplomat, EurasiaNet, and numerous other publications. Published in 2016, his book on Central Asia was the winner of the Golden Laureate of Eurasian Literature. He is currently putting the finishing touches to a book about the Caucasus. www.stephenmbland.com

Articles

Art and Literature Film Creative Industries

Eurasian Creative Guild Festival Bridges Cultural Divides

The 4th International Festival of Poetry and Visual Arts, "Voices of Friends: Poetry & Art 2024" took place from September 15 to 18 in the scenic Burabay National Park, Kazakhstan. The festival, organized by the Eurasian Creative Guild (London) and supported by various local entities, showcased a vibrant blend of poetry, visual arts, literature, and cinema. It included the 13th Open Eurasian Literary Festival and Book Forum, the third Burabay International Short Film Festival (BISFF), and the inaugural Future Cinema youth film festival. More than 50 creative individuals from 15 countries, including Kazakhstan, the UK, Belarus, Israel, the UAE, and the U.S., participated, bringing a rich tapestry of cultural expressions to the event. The festival featured an array of activities, started with an introductory meeting and progressing through screenings, presentations, and master classes. Highlights included the introduction of youth films and the BISFF screenings, which received over 80 submissions, celebrating diverse stories through film. Noteworthy films, such as In Search of Healing Water: Chunja-Burabay-Dushanbe and Teacher on Stage were showcased. The festival also encompassed literary salons, art presentations, roundtable discussions on tourism, and a charity auction, providing attendees with a deep dive into the creative and cultural industries. The festival concluded with award ceremonies celebrating achievements in film, poetry, and visual arts. Winners in various categories were recognized, such as Best Short Film awarded to As Easy As Closing Your Eyes from the United States, and announcements for future events were made. With over 500 guests, the event underscored its stated objective of celebrating the power of art to bridge cultures and enhance mutual understanding among diverse communities. The next Guild Festival will be held in Scotland later in the year.

4 days ago

World Nomad Games

World Nomad Games 2024: A Golden Spectacle

September 13 sees the final day of the World Nomad Games in Astana, themed as the “Gathering of the Great Steppe.” An extravaganza of color and culture, the Games were about much more than sport, however. As described by Sultan Raev, General Secretary of the International Organization of Turkic Culture, even the sports themselves are “not about physical strength. They are about spiritual endurance.” [video width="848" height="480" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WhatsApp-Video-2024-09-13-at-11.46.04.mp4"][/video] The Games have proven an unmitigated success for Kazakhstan, not only due to the nation’s huge medal haul, but in a diplomatic sense, as well, with important regional leaders in attendance. The Games brought together around 3,000 participants from 89 countries competing for 581 medals across 21 sports, with media outlets from 64 countries applying for accreditation. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has stated that over tens of thousands of foreign tourists will have attended the Games, which will “help showcase Kazakhstan's cultural and sports heritage to a global audience, significantly boosting interest in tourism to the country." On the last day proper of the Games, the finals of the kokpar and the kok boru were staged. Described by Ablai Kondybaev, Deputy Head of the Directorate responsible for preparing and organizing the 5th World Nomad Games in an interview with TCA as the “most famous” events, they are “traditional games akin to polo played with sheep or goat carcasses. Long popular among Turkic people, especially in Central Asia, these fast and furious competitions attract record numbers of spectators.” [video width="848" height="480" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WhatsApp-Video-2024-09-13-at-11.46.041-1.mp4"][/video] Games popularized by Jenghiz Khan - though it is said his horde preferred to use a human torso for a ball – these days, at international events at least, the goat carcass has been replaced by a dummy, known as a serke. Still, with the stampeding horses producing a great wall of dust, the flag-waving partisan crowd were hugely engaged, and it is easy to see why. A scrum of whips and sweating horses snorting, occasionally a horseman would emerge, swinging the serke by a leg. Forecasts had pointed to the finals likely being between the favorites, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, and this proved to be the case, and in the kokpar, Kazakhstan were victorious. However, the hosts had to settle for silver in the kok boru, losing 10-4 to neighboring Kyrgyzstan after beating Turkey 15-1 in the semis in a surprise drubbing. Overall, however, the Games have been a golden event for the nation as a whole. Despite earlier reports indicating that the World Nomad Games would return to Kyrgyzstan in 2026, according to Kondybaev, “it is planned that it will be Uzbekistan” who will stage the next iteration, which would mean another new host nation for this dazzling demonstration of the resilience of nomadic culture and its dramatic resurgence in the era of globalization. As previously reported by TCA, in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony, President Tokayev pointed out that: “Even amid globalization, the nomadic lifestyle that existed for a thousand years is reviving and...

3 weeks ago

Global Diplomacy World Nomad Games

The Subtle Politics of the World Nomad Games

Attending the World Nomad Games in Kazakhstan, one might be tempted to look for a possible political dimension, or the seeming lack thereof. The 5th World Nomad Games have brought together in Astana more than 3,000 participants from 89 countries competing for 581 medals across 21 sports, with a prize fund of 250 million tenge ($521,000). This dwarfs the 19 nations which participated in the first iteration of the event, hosted in Kyrgyzstan in 2014, where just ten sports were held. Of course, the Games have expanded exponentially since then, and interest from visitors and media alike has also skyrocketed. Kazakhstan's Ministry of Tourism and Sports has stated that over 100,000 foreign tourists will attend the Games, which will “help showcase Kazakhstan's cultural and sports heritage to a global audience, significantly boosting interest in tourism to the country." Also hugely significant is the level of media interest, with outlets from 64 countries applying for accreditation. With competitors, visitors and media from around the globe, clearly the appeal of the Games has expanded far beyond those nations from which the heirs to nomadic civilizations hail. As for its cultural significance, it speaks volumes that the World Nomad Games has been included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Games, however, are also acting as a semi-official summit, as evinced by the attendance of President Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, President Japarov of the Kyrgyz Republic, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan, the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, the Head of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Aisen Nikolayev, the former president of Mongolia, Nambaryn Enkhbayar, the son of Turkey’s President, Bilal Erdogan, and more. Given all this, the World Nomad Games as more than just an event, sporting or otherwise, and have been utilized as part of Kazakhstan's strategic course in pursuit of a balanced and multi-vector foreign policy aimed at ensuring the best interests of the state, whilst positioning the nation as an increasingly important land-bridge between East and West, both in terms of trade and diplomacy. This dynamic neutrality has made the Nomad Games in Astana the first international sporting event since the beginning of Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine in which the Russian team has been able to participate under the national flag. Spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, stated that the “Russian national team, comprising 150 athletes, was welcomed with applause in Kazakhstan’s capital, accompanied by a rendition of “Katyusha.” It’s a celebration of sport and friendship! Kazakhstan has reminded the world of what global sports should be: depoliticized, inclusive, and focused on promoting athleticism rather than being tainted by various perversions.” This, however, does not mean that Kazakhstan is cosying-up to Russia in the slightest. Despite disruptions in trade chains and logistical problems, Astana has followed Western sanctions to the letter, much to Putin’s chagrin. In this ever more open and outward looking nation, rallies against Russia’s invasion have been allowed to be staged. Even the death of Alexei Navalny...

4 weeks ago

World Nomad Games

Day Four at the World Nomad Games: Mighty Deeds at a Global Gathering

On day four of the World Nomad Games, themed as the “Gathering of the Great Steppe,” TCA attended the finals of the Powerful Nomad competition, and spoke to visitors from the West about what had drawn them to Kazakhstan and the Games. “I'm an American traveling around the world,” Andy from Houston, Texas, one of a group of friends who’d met on the road in Central Asia told TCA. “I’ve wanted to come to the World Nomad Games for quite a few years, now, but haven't got the chance. I'm traveling full-time this year and figured I’d swing by Kazakhstan and check it out.” “It’s so cool to be here and see all the sports and cultures together,” Liam from Vancouver, Canada, added. [caption id="attachment_23061" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] “We knew about the World Nomad Games from having lived in Kyrgyzstan,” Allison from Miami told TCA. “So, when we found out about this one, we decided to come because it's been on the bucketlist. It's been a blast!” “We’re here because we’re doing the five Stans; When we arrived, we found out this event was going on, so we figured we had to come. We really want to see the hunting with birds. Everyone's been very welcoming, and the food has been good,” Lauren from San Diego said. “I’m traveling in Kazakhstan because I wanted to do horseback stuff,” said Hellie from the UK. “I’ve never been to Kazakhstan before. I was curious about the Games, and it’s amazing how much I’m learning here. The tents from the regions are really cool.” [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_3959.mp4"][/video] Reflecting the cosmopolitan crowd, on the field for the final of the powerful nomad strongman competition were athletes from around the globe: Cyprus, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Romania, China, Nigeria, Iran, Belarus, Spain, Kuwait, Russia, India, and Kazakhstan. Given the response from the raucous, flag-waving home crowd, you didn’t need to be able to hear the announcer to know which was the Kazakh competitor, but warm and hospitable as ever, all of the competitors were well supported, particularly the ebullient Jerry from Nigeria. [caption id="attachment_23063" align="aligncenter" width="2391"] Image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] In the opening discipline of squats with a 100-kilogram bag – with four objects protruding which made it resemble a carcass - the hulking men strained every sinew, with some faring better than others, whilst one keeled over as if having suffered a hernia. It came as no surprise, as outside the arena a smaller, lighter weight set up to challenge spectators saw many fall afoul. Next up was pulling a trolley weighing 200 kilos, which resembled a horse carriage. “Bad luck; it was his first time trying,” the ever-comedic commentator chipped in after the participant from Kuwait managed three meters. Others fared far worse. The standout, however, was the tallest man in the competition, the entrant from Iran, who managed a staggering twenty-six meters. [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_3968.mp4"][/video] “Wow!” the announcer chimed. “It will be very difficult to bring...

4 weeks ago

World Nomad Games

The World Nomad Games Day Three: A Feat of Spiritual Endurance

Though the World Nomad Games are often defined as an “international sport competition dedicated to ethnic sports,” the event is so much more. As described by Sultan Raev, General Secretary of the International Organization of Turkic Culture, even the sports themselves are “not about physical strength. They are about spiritual endurance.” Today, TCA took in the wider cultural context behind the Games, exploring the celebration of identity which the event represents. [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_3871-1.mp4"][/video] At the very heart of the Games, the Ethnoaul acts as a huge showcase for cultural heritage. Each day, the Dumandy dala (Joyful Steppe) concerts offer a platform for groups from all over the country: ethno-folklore ensembles, Kazakh national orchestras, soloists, dance troupes, and more. From dueling dombras - a traditional two-stringed instrument - to traditional Kazakh music vaguely akin to rap in which the protagonists air their grievances, nomadic culture is truly alive here, not just as a historical curiosity, but as a vibrant heart belonging to the people; a heart which is equally at home in the modern world. [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_3867.mp4"][/video] Indeed, as stated by President Tokayev in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony: “the great nomadic life will never cease to exist. Even amid globalization, the nomadic lifestyle that existed for a thousand years is reviving and taking a new shape. Modern nomads are making efforts to reclaim a central place in history. We are moving and traveling easily all over the world in search of education and job opportunities.” Since Estonia became the first country to offer a “digital nomad visa” in 2020, sixty-five more nations have followed suit, with their number continuing to expand. Nomad culture, it seems, is alive and kicking. [caption id="attachment_22985" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Reconstruction of the costume and weapons of an 11th century Sarmatian leader; image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] The Ethnoaul hosts yurts from across the nation, where representatives of regions have gathered to display their distinct history and traditions, from a reconstruction of the costume and weapons of an 11th century Sarmatian leader whose remains were found in a burial mound in Atyrau in 1999, to the Shymkent region’s focus on the mercantile activities which made the Great Silk Road great. With a traditional purple-suited ensemble from Akmola playing as young girls in long green dresses and sequined headdresses pirouette, it certainly makes for a tremendous feast of colors, sights and sounds. [caption id="attachment_22986" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Young dancer twirl; image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] This sense of national pride in tradition is not lost on visitors from neighboring lands, as evinced by the preponderance of Kyrgyz men in traditional kalpaks - the tall, traditional felt hat designed to allow air to circulate whilst resembling a peak from the Tien Shan Mountains. [caption id="attachment_22987" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] A group from Akmola serenade the croed; image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] The Games act as a showcase for these identities, and an opportunity to at once celebrate and reenforce them whilst sharing them with the wider...

4 weeks ago