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

Education Language

Teacher Alua Zhanatova Outlines the Growing Popularity of the Kazakh Language Amongst Young People

Despite the country gaining independence from the Soviet Union back on 16 December 1991, the predominant language in Kazakhstan has long remained Russian. To address the issue, the government set a somewhat ambitious target that by 2020, 95% of the population would be fluent in Kazakh, and more recently, in late 2023, mooted a “Concept for the Development of Language Policy for 2023-2029". Meanwhile, there are encouraging signs of an increasing interest in the Kazakh language among young people in Kazakhstan. TCA talked to Alua Zhanatova, a teacher and bachelor of TARGU University, about the rejuvenation of the country’s native tongue and its importance for society. TCA: What are your thoughts on the current popularity of studying the Kazakh language? In recent years I have observed significant changes in our young people's attitude towards their native language. For a long time, the Kazakh language was generally perceived as formal and cumbersome but nowadays, young people are becoming more interested in learning and using it in everyday life. TCA: What factors have contributed to the revival of interest in the language? There are several key factors. First, is the noticeable, growth in cultural patriotism, which has led to young people embracing their roots, culture and ancestral language. Second, is the significant impact of contemporary media and social networks on popularizing the Kazakh language. The emergence of bloggers using the Kazakh language, the creation of Kazakh content platforms and active discussion in Kazakh in social networks all contribute to making the language more accessible and appealing. TCA: What role do educational institutions and teachers play in this process? I think educational institutions play a major role. It is important that schools and universities provide good tuition in both the Kazakh language and culture. Many educational institutions have started to develop new curricula that make learning the language more exciting and practical, and the expansion of classes taught in Kazakh in schools and universities is facilitating and spurring students’ desire to learn in their mother tongue. TCA: What is the reaction among young people to new initiatives regarding the use of the Kazakh language? Reactions are mostly positive. Young people who previously dismissed Kazakh, are now showing an interest in learning the language, encouraged by the availability of better resources and new teaching methods. I receive a lot of feedback on how useful and enjoyable it is to learn the language through more engaging activities such as games, quests or even social activities. TCA: How do you see the further development of the Kazakh language among young people? I am optimistic about prospective developments. If existing initiatives continue to develop and new forms and methods of teaching emerge, I am confident that the Kazakh language will become not only an important part of cultural identity, but also an active element of modern life. It is important that efforts continue to keep the Kazakh language alive and engaging for young people. In addition to Alua, TCA also talked to young people from different...

4 months ago

Art and Culture Comics

An Overview of Kazakhstan’s Comic Industry by Oraskhan Zhakup, CEO Khan Comics

TCA: What inspired you to create comics and get involved in the industry? My entry into the comic book industry was intuitive as opposed to a conscious decision. I just followed my passion. It all started when aged 10-12 years old, my friends and I drew comic strips in school notebooks and sketchpads and then stapled them together to create homemade comic books. Over time, this childhood hobby became more serious and we formed a club with several members. In 2003, Pavel Shein, Stas Misyurin and I decided to launch a newspaper titled ‘Comics’ which included three comic strips, each spanning around eight pages. The newspaper was black and white, with a circulation of about a thousand copies. Several issues were printed, providing our entry point into the industry. We then started a comic book magazine. After a long hiatus, we organized a comic book exhibition in 2010, and with work amassed from the show, published our first anthology in 2011. Named ‘KZ Comics’ the 112-page publication, again in black and white, had a print run of 500 copies. It was in this magazine that the Khan Comics logo first appeared. TCA: Tell us more about the Khan Comics Art Studio. The Khan Comics Art Studio in Almaty was originally a place where a few people gathered to create comics and then, a couple of years ago, we extended our practice to include cartoons and animation. Over the last 5-6 years, I have also been experimenting with making toys based on our comics. All of this naturally requires considerable financial and human resources as well as time. But we keep working, making comics and everything related to them. TCA: How has the comics culture developed in Kazakhstan since you entered the industry? Unfortunately, there is no market for Kazakh comics in our country. Regular players are needed for such a market to exist, but there are none. Our studio has been publishing 5-6 books annually for 13 years. Occasionally new players enter the field, but after a year or two, disappear. The popularity of comics in Kazakhstan is not related to the local market, but to global trends spurred by the release of Hollywood movies based on comics, such as ‘The Avengers’ and ‘Spider-Man.’ The popularity of comic books in post-Soviet countries (CIS) is now in its third wave and we are its pioneers. The first began in the early 2000s with the arrival of comics from IDK Publishing, and the second, was associated with manga. TCA: What key events or projects would you single out as the most significant for the development of Kazakh comics? I would cite the ‘Erketay’ and ‘Jetysu’ comic series as our studio’s key projects. ‘Erketay,’ currently being adapted, is an ethno-fantasy based on Kazakh mythology, whilst ‘Jetysu’ is an urban fantasy. Both of these projects are important for us. Although I love 90% of what we produce, ‘Erketay’ stands out as number one. [caption id="attachment_20321" align="aligncenter" width="589"] Jetysu[/caption] [caption id="attachment_20319" align="aligncenter" width="568"]...

4 months ago

Art and Culture Czech Republic

Kazakh Art Abroad: Interview with Saida Sheikhova

Saida Sheikhova is a well-established artist from Kazakhstan, now living in Prague, whose work has garnered an international following. In conversation with TCA, Saida shares her creative path, sources of inspiration, and the challenges and opportunities faced in promoting her art abroad. TCA: What inspired you to take up painting? I started drawing at the age of three. There was an art class at day-care and I spent all my time there. My drawing teacher, Elvira Saparbayevna, noticed something unique in me. By way of encouragement, she introduced me to different materials, techniques, as well as work by famous artists, and I became more and more immersed in the art world. Hearing stories about what inspired people in the past to create art, I found it strange that most were motivated by religious or historical subject matter and determined to follow a different path. TCA: How did your career develop? I enrolled in the Art School Vivat, opened by my kindergarten teacher, where I gained a basic knowledge of art history and gathered together a huge portfolio. During that period, I participated in several exhibitions, including ‘Friendship of the Peoples of the World’ at the Museum of the President of Kazakhstan in 2019, as well as auctions and UN projects. I devoted my summer vacations to drawing, which led to my winning the International Festival ‘Children Draw the World Asia’ in 2017, organized by UNESCO. During the pandemic, I entered and won awards in online competitions on themes of ecology and animal protection within the framework of the UNESCO’s 'Children Draw the World' project. After graduating, I wanted to study in Europe and then if possible, move on elsewhere. Prague was the most affordable option and getting a visa was relatively straightforward. On arriving in the Czech Republic, I participated in exhibitions and competitions at the university. Thanks to the Erasmus+ exchange program, I spent a semester in Italy, where I discovered new techniques and approaches to creativity which helped define both my style and how I wanted to showcase my work. [caption id="attachment_19993" align="aligncenter" width="447"] @ssayashh[/caption] TCA: What inspires your art? Inspiration comes unintentionally. It can be a beautiful shot from a movie, stories of friends, a vivid emotion, or current problems. When an idea pops into my head, I try to sketch it out or write it down so that I always have something to draw in the future. TCA: How does Kazakh culture influence your practice? Kazakh culture influences my perception and interpretation of things in many ways. I often hide or insert traditional Kazakh objects and ornament in my art and use their symbolism to enhance the concept behind the work. I also raise social issues related to contemporary problems in Kazakh society. TCA: What are the challenges in representing your art abroad and how do you overcome them? The main challenges relate to cultural differences and language barriers. Certain topics, relevant in Kazakhstan, may not be understood in Europe. For example, body positivity...

4 months ago

life and culture Cultural Heritage

A Permanent Piece of ‘Home’: The Trend for Kyrgyz Ornament Tattoos

An interview with Master Tattoo Artist, Zarema Kubanychbekova In recent years, there has been a growing interest in representing traditional, national ornament in the art of tattooing in Kyrgyzstan. TCA met Zarema Kubanychbekova, a talented tattoo artist with nine years' experience, to discuss this trend and its peculiarities. TCA: How did you become involved in the tattoo industry? I first picked up a tattooing machine on October 17, 2015, almost 9 years ago. It was challenging but exciting. I have been drawing since early childhood, literally from kindergarten, and subsequently all my activities were somehow connected with creativity, but I never imagined that my life would be connected with tattooing. The decision to embark on this path was absolutely spontaneous, but after completing my first piece, I was in no doubt that it was exactly what I wanted to do. [caption id="attachment_19780" align="aligncenter" width="431"] Zarema[/caption] TCA: What can you say about the popularity of tattoos incorporating traditional Kyrgyz motifs? There is definitely a trend, and it is good to see. I believe that it is mostly because people have begun to value their roots and culture. A lot of tattoos are made for people who travelling abroad, want something to remind them of home. Tourists regard them as souvenirs of their time spent in Kyrgyzstan whilst locals want something to remind them of their origins. TCA: What features of Kyrgyz ornament do you use most frequently in your work and what do they symbolise? Some time ago, we collaborated with a client on the idea to ‘embroider’ the ornament on the skin. In other words, to replicate the texture of threads to make it resemble a ‘tush-kiyiz’ or traditional wall-hanging. It came together somehow by itself, although the initial request was for a simple contour work, and the result was both highly unusual and beautiful. I often create patterns inspired by petroglyphs using point by point (dot work), which is interesting, because motifs were originally applied to these ancient stones by almost the same method. Each ornament has its own unique meaning, and people generally choose those which best resonate with them. [caption id="attachment_19779" align="aligncenter" width="476"] artist's own tattoo[/caption] TCA: Do you consider such tattoos a form of self-expression? Yes; in recent years I have noticed more and more, people's desire to express themselves through their ethnicity and love for their land. It's great! TCA: What are the difficulties or peculiarities of creating tattoos from traditional motifs compared to other styles? There are no particular difficulties as such. There was however, a case whereby my client and I consulted with a woman specialist in runes/ornaments to clarify how best to marry two symbols so that when combined, they would not lose their meaning. [caption id="attachment_19781" align="aligncenter" width="494"] Zarema[/caption] TCA: How do you view the future of this current trend in Kyrgyzstan? I think the theme of Kyrgyz ornamental tattoos will always be relevant. Time passes, the world changes, but our roots remain solid.

5 months ago

Rule of law Saltanat Nukenova Bishimbayev Murder Trial Women's rights Domestic Violence Legislation Judiciary Security

“I Hope Saltanat’s Family Can Find Peace” – Women of Kazakhstan Speak Out on Bishimbayev’s Sentence

On November 9, 2023, former Kazakh Minister of the National Economy, Kuandyk Bishimbayev was caught on surveillance cameras arguing with and then brutally beating his common-law wife, 31-year-old Saltanat Nukenova, for around eight hours outside a restaurant he owned in Astana. A forensic examination showed that she had been strangled, but the cause of death was recorded as traumatic injury to the brain. The high-profile case which was live-streamed garnered international attention. Despite pleading not guilty to premeditated murder, Bishimbayev was sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment for torturing and murdering Nukenova, and his cousin Bakytzhan Baizhanov to four years for his part in covering up the crime. Prosecutor Aizhan Aimaganova, who became widely-known during the trial, said in an interview with Tengrinews.kz that she believes the verdict will change the country forever. "Family and domestic violence is a pressing problem... I hope that after this trial, women will realize that going to law enforcement is not useless. It is necessary to talk about problems. I think now any domestic tyrant will think twice before raising his hand," she said. [caption id="attachment_18029" align="aligncenter" width="872"] Prosecutor Aizhan Aimaganova; image: Press service of the Astana Court[/caption] While the length of the sentence is a victory for advocates against gender-based violence, both within Kazakhstan and in the many parts of Europe where the trial was also followed closely, many Kazakhs feel it is still too early to say that justice has been done. In an open discussion that is rare in Central Asia, many citizens are posting their concerns on social media that the Nazarbayev-era official will find a way to get out of prison early: there is already speculation that Bishimbayev, a former member of the country’s elite, will leverage his political connections to secure an early release – or be recognized as terminally ill. Following the verdict, TCA took to the streets of Kazakhstan to ask women their opinion. "I finally feel relieved,” Sara, an SMM manager from Astana told TCA. “Twenty-four years is a justified sentence in my opinion. Although tragic, this case drew public attention to a great many issues, such as the need for both a new law against domestic abuse and charities to support victims of domestic violence, which is very prominent in Kazakhstan. The whole country watched the case unfold, and that attention was put to good use since many other domestic violence cases got the attention they deserved. I hope that our justice system will make sure that Bishimbayev doesn't get a chance to get out early and serve his full sentence. The same applies to Baizhanov." "Considering various aspects, including the status of his family and the presence of his children, this sentence is probably objective, especially given the jury's involvement,” 21-year-old journalist, Kamila told TCA. “The main issue now is to prevent his release on parole once the unrest subsides, though I know this is only possible if the victim’s family give their consent.” "From an objective point of view, 24-years for a brutal...

6 months ago