Our People > Tamila Olzhbaekova

Tamila Olzhbaekova

Journalist

Tamila Olzhabekova is a journalist, award-winning illustrator, and a volunteer, curator and event organizer in the DOSTAR diaspora of Kazakhstan organization. Prior to working for The Times of Central Asia, she has written for Peter Tv, First Line, Five Corners, Sport.Kz, and numerous other publications. A campaigner for interethnic harmony and the protection of stray animals, she studied at St. Petersburg State University.

Articles

Music Art and Culture

Six Key Names in the Music of Kazakhstan

The music of Kazakhstan is a bright reflection of the national identity. From pop classics to groundbreaking hip-hop sounds, Kazakhstani artists are creating more than just songs – they’re blazing a new cultural trail, where every chord and lyric is imbued with a unique identity. TCA has compiled a list of six key names whose music has united generations, captured hearts and made Kazakhstan a prominent spot on the global music map. Dos-Mukasan [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCmlOVdhVLc[/embed] Dos-Mukasan have been one of the most popular bands in Kazakhstan since the late 1960s. The group was created by students of the Kazakh Polytechnic Institute and soon became a firm favorite with the public. They combined folk motifs with elements of rock music, which was revolutionary at the time, and set a new vector for Kazakhstani pop music. Their compositions, such as “Aliya” and “Toi Zhyry”, remain popular and are played at various events, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia among the older generations. Following the release of the movie Dos-Mukasan in 2022, the band gained a second lease of life with a younger audience. Now, the legendary band can be heard on a new generation of headphones, and the number of monthly listens on Spotify has already exceeded 19,000. Roza Rymbayeva [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvdFwnQ1nXU[/embed] Roza Rymbayeva, the “Nightingale of Kazakhstan”, is one of the most famous performers from Soviet-era Kazakhstan. Her career began in 1975 when she became a soloist with the Arai ensemble and quickly gained immense popularity. Rymbayeva continued her career performing on various international stages and won a plethora of awards. Her songs are characterized by strong vocals and deep content, and many, such as “Aliya,” have become true classics of Kazakhstani pop music. Kairat Nurtas [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkPBXZNbKA4[/embed] Kairat Nurtas is one of the most commercially successful performers in modern Kazakhstan. He began his musical career as a teenager, and by the 2010s had become a star of the Kazakh pop scene. His songs, such as “Arman” and “Almaty tүni,” became hits, winning over fans across the country. Kairat is listened to by both the younger generation, who appreciate his modern pop sounds, and more mature listeners, who are drawn to his lyrics and national motifs. Thanks to his charisma and ability to find a common language with different generations, Kairat has a huge army of fans and has a significant influence on the modern pop culture of Kazakhstan. Dimash Kudaibergen [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUARjexCTlQ[/embed] Dimash Kudaibergen is a singer with a unique voice, the range of which reaches six octaves. He became famous globally thanks to his participation in the Chinese show “I Am a Singer” in 2017, where he captivated the audience with his powerful voice. Dimash has won numerous international awards and actively popularizes Kazakh culture abroad, incorporating national themes into his performances. His compositions, “S.O.S” and “Acapella” have been recognized both in Kazakhstan and far beyond its borders. Skriptonit [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkncpcanly0[/embed] Skriptonit (Adil Jalelov) is one of the most influential rappers in Kazakhstan and the CIS. His style...

3 days ago

life and culture Halloween western influence

Halloween in Kazakhstan: A Creative Celebration of Global Culture

Halloween is an ancient pagan festival firmly rooted in the West, but despite being alien to the country's indigenous culture, it is becoming ever more popular in Kazakhstan, especially among young people. Although embraced by young Kazakhs, Halloween is not celebrated in the classical sense. On the streets you are unlikely to meet crowds of children dressed as witches, ghouls and vampires, collecting candy from houses. Instead, it has become a symbol of fun, freedom of self-expression, and an opportunity to create and experience something new and unusual. In Almaty, Astana, and in other major cities in the country, many clubs, cafes and bars host Halloween-themed parties attended by people in fancy dress. Every year the costumes become more and more creative, for, after all, Halloween is not just an opportunity to dress up, but also a great chance for participants to demonstrate their design and artistic skills. Many of the staged events include contests for the most creative and frightening costumes, as well as themed music, dancing and cocktails, and as student Serzhan from Almaty told TCA, provide “an opportunity to have fun with friends and to reincarnate our favorite characters from movies and TV series.” [caption id="attachment_25000" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Photo: TCA, Tamila Olzhbaekova[/caption] In addition to parties, Halloween movie nights are likewise, growing in popularity. Students and groups of friends gather to watch classic horror movies or novelties of the genre, often at home, but sometimes in student dormitories or cafes. For many, like Camilla, a university student in Astana, it has become an annual tradition: “We get together with friends every year on Halloween, watch horror movies until the early hours and argue whose costume is the creepiest.” Some movie theaters have now begun to support the trend by offering special repertoires for Halloween week, including screenings of films such as “Scream” and “Spellbound”. As is to be expected, social media also plays a key role in popularizing Halloween in Kazakhstan. On platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, local youth use Halloween as an occasion to post creative content: makeup, makeup videos, photo and video shoots with themed costumes. In this context, Halloween has become a kind of cultural phenomenon for self-expression. Companies also use social media to create a festive mood and offer seasonal discounts. Despite its growing popularity, the overall response to Halloween in Kazakhstan remains divided. For some people, it is associated with Western influences that contradict local cultural and religious traditions. For many young people, however, it is simply a fun holiday that has no deep meaning, but rather an excuse to immerse oneself in an atmosphere of mysticism and creativity. “For me, Halloween is not a religious holiday, just an opportunity to have fun with friends,” shared Altair, a student from Almaty. She, like many others, sees nothing contradictory to her culture in the celebration of Halloween, and simply enjoys participating in themed events.

3 weeks ago

Central Asia Art and Culture Film horror film Halloween

Top Five Central Asian Horror Films in the Run-up to Halloween

In the run-up to Halloween, TCA has compiled a short list of the best Central Asian horror films. Although the region is not widely known for its movies in the genre, here are five horror films from Central Asia that are a must-watch. Dästür – Kazakhstan (2023) [caption id="attachment_24810" align="aligncenter" width="619"] Dästür theatrical release poster[/caption] In Dästür, the plot revolves around a girl from a remote aul (village) who is raped by the spoiled son of an influential businessman. The attacker's father does everything in his power to cover up the crime, including arranging a forced marriage in accordance with local traditions. However, after the girl moves into her husband's home, a series of strange and mysterious deaths begin to occur among those responsible for her plight. Invisible – Uzbekistan (2011) [caption id="attachment_24825" align="aligncenter" width="374"] Invisible theatrical release poster[/caption] At the heart of Invisible is a hospital where a mysterious man arrives in critical condition. After a complicated surgery, the doctor begins to sense that something terrifying and inexplicable is affecting the patient. As events unfold, his suspicions are confirmed: some patients appear to be possessed, and he is plagued by hallucinations and unsettling nightmares. Claustro – Kazakhstan (2023) [caption id="attachment_24811" align="aligncenter" width="539"] Claustro theatrical release poster[/caption] Kazakh horror Claustro takes viewers into the mysterious world of confined space. During a holiday party, two casual acquaintances, Kem and Max, retreat to an apartment, only to find themselves trapped as the place refuses to let them leave. Windows and doors lead to new, endless mazes of rooms, creating a feeling of complete isolation. Albarsty – Kyrgyzstan (2017) [caption id="attachment_24812" align="aligncenter" width="524"] Albarsty theatrical release poster[/caption] Albarsty is a psychological horror that immerses viewers in the world of fear, loss, and the supernatural. The main characters, Zamir and Ainura, struggle with a deep emotional crisis following the tragic loss of their child and their inability to conceive again. Seeking comfort and renewed hope, they decide to adopt a boy, Ulan, whom they suspect has brought an unwelcome entity — a demon (albarsty) into their home. Qash – Kazakhstan (2022) [caption id="attachment_24813" align="aligncenter" width="544"] Qash theatrical release poster[/caption] Set amidst the famine of the 1930s, Qash tells the story of a gravedigger, Isatay, who embarks on a risky journey to the nearest town to save his aul. On his way, he meets a mysterious wanderer who shows him a path that leads to nowhere. Qash delves into the theme of survival, immersing the audience in an atmosphere of despair and hopelessness while challenging the moral choices individuals make under extreme conditions.

3 weeks ago

Recreation Tourism Tashkent Nature Hospitality Silk Road Treasures

Secret Spots Favored by Tashkent’s City Dwellers

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, has a wealth of unique attractions, each with its own history and atmosphere. Residents, from students to entrepreneurs, have their favorite corners where they return again and again. Here some of a few recommended by locals to TCA. [caption id="attachment_24632" align="aligncenter" width="1100"] photo: uzbekistan.travel Eco Park[/caption] Eco Park Located in the city center, the Eco Park is especially popular amongst students seeking somewhere to relax, take a break from their studies and immerse themselves in nature. “Here you can not only walk around, but also learn and be inspired by new ideas.” Saeed, 19, Programming student [caption id="attachment_24625" align="aligncenter" width="900"] photo: www.tripadvisor -Seoul National Park[/caption] Seoul National Park Easily accessible by bus from the city center, Seoul National Park offers a taste of Korea in its landscaping and various pavilions. Passionate about Korean culture, Samira often visits the park to relax and socialise with friends. “This place has become my little world where I can enjoy nature and feel part of Korean culture.” Samira, 17, High school student [caption id="attachment_24624" align="aligncenter" width="680"] photo: www.afisha -Patriki Coffee Shop[/caption] Patriki Coffee Shop For Dilshot, aside from its excellent coffee, the cozy atmosphere of Patriki is a perfect and inspirational spot in which to complete tasks on his computer. “There is always cool music here, and I can focus on my projects without being distracted by noise.” Dilshot, 22, Programmer [caption id="attachment_24626" align="aligncenter" width="900"] photo: www.tripadvisor - Café 1991[/caption] Café 1991 Nasiba, prefers to chill in Cafe 1991; a venue renowned for its excellent menu and which she favors for its elegant and stylish atmosphere. “It is my place of rest. I like to relax here after work, enjoy delicious food and socialize with friends.” Nasiba, 30, Cafe Administrator [caption id="attachment_24627" align="aligncenter" width="680"] photo: www.gazeta.uz - Chinorkent[/caption] Chinorkent Mountain Resort Lured by the great outdoors, Gafur likes to escape his daily routine and the hustle and bustle of the city by heading for the picturesque mountain resort of Chinorkent. Located in Tashkent's Bostanlyk district, 65 kilometers from the center, the resort has a cable car to transport visitors within ten minutes to an observation deck offering panoramic views. “The tranquil atmosphere makes it a perfect place to relax.” Gafur, 22, Entrepreneur

1 month ago

kelin Kazakh Films

Image of Kelin in Kazakh Films

In Kazakh culture, a special place is occupied by the traditional relationship between yene (mother-in-law) and kelin (daughter-in-law). This relationship is a reflection of family values and cultural norms that have developed over the centuries. In recent years, the theme of yene and kelin has been actively developed in Kazakh cinematography, where directors and screenwriters reveal the depth of these relationships, emphasizing their complexity and multifaceted nature. In a traditional Kazakh family, yene plays an important role. She not only passes on domestic and cultural traditions to the younger generation but also helps the kelin to adapt to the new family. In turn, the kelin is responsible for managing the household and caring for the family, which is perceived as an important and honorable part of her social role. However, this relationship, based on mutual respect and support, is often not without its difficulties. As in any culture, traditions are sometimes the cause of conflict and tension. These complexities, caused by societal expectations and personal ambitions, are reflected in Kazakhstan films, which increasingly focus on the role of the kelin in modern life. The cinematography of Kazakhstan has become a powerful tool for researching and discussing traditional family relations. One of the most popular films on this topic is the comedy film Kelinka Sabina. In this film, the main focus is on the difficulties a young kelin faces when she enters a traditional family. The movie not only demonstrates the clash of cultures but also shows how the characters learn to accept each other despite the differences in outlook and habits. Kelinka Sabina became a sensation in Kazakhstan, not only for its comedic scenes but also for its heartfelt and poignant moments that invite viewers to reflect on family values. The film explores the dynamics between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law while humorously addressing the integration of modernity and tradition, highlighting the challenges of adapting to new ways of life. Another landmark film on this subject is Daughter-in-law is Also Human, which takes a more serious and in-depth look at the issue of female self-identification in traditional society, touching on important topics such as gender stereotypes, prejudice against women, and their role in modern Kazakhstan. The main character has to face the fact that she is expected to fully commit to the traditional role of a kelin, but she strives to maintain her personal space and rights. Her story of self-assertion serves as an example of how young Kazakh women can fight for their rights and change established stereotypes and expectations set by generations. Another film in the same series, Kelinka is Also a Person 2, takes a significant step in addressing the role of women in Kazakh society by broadening perceptions of what it means to be a kelin in the modern world and opening up a discussion on gender roles and women's rights. The image of the kelin in Kazakh films epitomizes the complex and multifaceted aspects of Kazakh culture. The relationship between yene and kelin extends beyond a simple...

1 month ago