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

The Yurt : More Than a Humble Abode

Attracted by the region's spectacular, natural landscape, an ever-increasing number of tourists descends on Central Asia each year. For many, one of the highlights, is to experience a night or two in yurts, traditional, humble felt-clad tents which in use for over 2,500 years, were homes to most of Central Asia’s nomads until the 1930’s. [caption id="attachment_21791" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Photo LH: herders' yurts[/caption] Today’s Kazakh, and Kyrgyz herders are semi-nomadic. Winters are spent in villages but during the warmer months, they migrate with their animals to summer pastures and like their ancestors before them, live in yurts. More than a humble abode, the yurt encapsulates the cultural, philosophical, and aesthetic values of both Kazakh and Kyrgyz people; a fact recognized by its inclusion in 2014, in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. [caption id="attachment_21792" align="aligncenter" width="1013"] Photo LH: shanyrak[/caption] To gain a better understanding of the cultural significance of the Kazakh yurt in particular, TCA spoke to Art historian Raushan Yeschanova who explained: “A yurt is not just a dwelling; it is a space that reflects the entire philosophy of Kazakh nomadic culture. It is a house that carries the idea of harmony, freedom and connection with nature. The yurt serves not only as a home, but also as a place for rituals, festivals, and gatherings, making it a central element of Kazakh society." A yurt consists of several key elements, each of which has a meaning beyond its mere function. [caption id="attachment_21793" align="aligncenter" width="1962"] Photo LH: shanyrak in situ[/caption] The Shanyrak or Crown The most cherished component of the yurt, carefully preserved and passed down generations from fathers to sons, the ‘crown’ is a circular structure of steam-bent wood located in the center of the roof to ventilate the interior and allow the escape of smoke from the stove. The cultural importance of the Kazakh shanyrak and Kyrgyz tunduk, is such that it features on the national flags of both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Regarding rules in erecting the yurt, Raushan states: "In spite of the fact that construction is, as they say, a ‘man's business’, women are actively engaged in the construction of the yurt which takes up to three hours. Its assembly is a special ritual in which each element has its own sacral meaning. Only men are permitted to handle the shanyrak which is lifted to the upper part of the frame with a forked pole known as a bakan. Perceived as a symbol of masculinity, women are forbidden to touch the bakan except during childbirth when it is retained in place for them to lean on to ease their labour.” Kerege The circular foundation of the yurt comprises four or more sections of folding wooden lattice linked together on diagonal axes and to the doorframe with braided rope known as saganak. Uyk Traditionally fashioned from wild willow, these long, steam-bent, or straight wooden poles, extend from the kerege and slot into the crown, to form the roof of the yurt. [caption id="attachment_21794"...

7 months ago

Comic Con Astana 24: Mixed Impressions from Delight to Disappointment

Comic Conventions, known as Comic Con, began back in1970 when a group of enthusiasts gathered in San Diego, California to exchange comics. Since then, international festivals promoting comics, pop culture, sci-fi, video games, anime and related films and TV series have soared in popularity, attracting thousands of fans to venues across the globe. Now an annual event, Kazakhstan’s Comic Con was first staged in 2019, and Comic Con Astana '24, running from 25-28 July at the city’s Expo International Exhibition Center, was one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the world of pop culture. Tickets were available online from 15 April as well as at the door. Quick to sell out, the four-day festival attracted over 53,000 visitors from 30 countries. [caption id="attachment_21630" align="alignnone" width="720"] photo TCA : Center stage[/caption] Comprising a comprehensive program representing all aspects of the international comics industry, Astana’s festival included appearances by numerous superstars such as Russian actors Ruzil Minekaev and Anton Lapenko, and Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen renowned for his leading role in the TV series ‘Hannibal’ and as Cliff Unger in Hideo Kojima’s video game ‘Death Standing.’ Representing the home front, presentations were made by over 100 Kazakh authors of graphic novels. In addition to having a unique opportunity to meet their heroes, actors and authors, visitors were able to actively participate in various themed events, masterclasses, autograph sessions, and exhibitions. Professionals and attendees alike, injected great flair to the event by dressing as their favorite heroes to compete for prizes totaling US$ 27,000 in a Cosplay contest. [caption id="attachment_21629" align="alignnone" width="540"] photo: TCA: Cosplay participants[/caption] Response to the organizers’ delivery of a dynamic, wide-spanning program was generally positive, with visitors reporting that the event had met their expectations. Many however, commented that their overall impression was significantly marred by the considerable discomfort caused by lengthy, bottleneck queues of up to three hours to either enter the building or access popular events. [video width="480" height="848" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WhatsApp-Video-2024-08-13-at-17.49.23_d55b7dfb.mp4"][/video] "The program was great, especially meeting our favorite actors,” a guest named Altair, told TCA. “But the queues were simply unbearable. We spent almost half of the day just waiting, and it greatly affected our enjoyment.” Nastya, another guest, also expressed her dissatisfaction over the control of the flow of visitors: "The festival was cool, but the crush, which led to some visitors fainting, made our stay not as comfortable as we would have liked. I hope that in the future, Comic Con will take this into account and improve the organization.” Aruzhan, the third visitor interviewed by TCA, added, "I liked everything, it was especially cool to see stars from all over the world, but I think they should have sold fewer tickets so that everyone was comfortable in the building.” On the other side of the fence, blogger Anastasiz and a guest headliner of the Comic Con, was similarly upset by administrative oversights and in a video post, condemned the fact that because the queues were not closed, hundreds of people, standing in tight...

7 months ago

Astana Prepares to Welcome Visitors in Run-Up to the 5th World Nomad Games

There is a distinctive festive fizz about Astana as the city prepares to host the 5th World Nomad Games. In celebration and in readiness to welcome visitors, the streets, shopping centers, public spaces and even buses, are already festooned with flags and colorful decorations in keeping with this year’s theme “The Gathering of the Great Steppe.” Amid banners bearing the Games' mascots and logo of a solar horseman against a background of Carnelian red, symbolizing energy and vitality, traditionally attired locals, some on horseback and others carrying hunting eagles, proudly roam the streets to promote both the event and their country’s cultural heritage. Taking place from 8 -13 September, the much-anticipated Games will include 21 sports with some 3000 participants from over 85 countries competing in six venues spread across the city: the Astana Arena Stadium, Kazanat Hippodrome Racetrack, Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Wrestling Palace, Alau Ice Palace, Qazaqstan Athletic Sports Complex, and Duman Complex. [caption id="attachment_21497" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] photo TCA: Games banner [/caption] Not exclusive to sport, the Games also include Cultural and Science programs. On a ten- hectare site close to the Kazanat race course, an Ethno-Aul has been erected to house an expansive array of exhibitions, performances and activities related to local customs and cuisine, theater and dance, and traditional craft and music. The equally comprehensive science program, hosted by the National Museum, offers a series of events with a focus on the development of ethno-sports. With the passing years, the Games have become ever-more popular and thanks to the success of a long and concentrated marketing and publicity drive, tours organized by many international travel companies sold-out months ago. As a result, over 100,000 foreign tourists, many of whom have never visited Central Asia, are expected to descend on the city in September. As the Nomad Games approaches, TCA has prepared a list of six must-see sites to encourage visitors to better acquaint themselves with the city, enjoy Astana’s unique atmosphere, and gain a deeper understanding of her cultural and historic heritage as they travel from venue to venue. [caption id="attachment_21472" align="alignnone" width="960"] Photo TCA: Bayterek Tower[/caption] Bayterek Tower Situated on Nurjol Boulevard and erected in August 2002, this 105-metre-high observation tower is a symbol of post-independence Kazakhstan. Its distinctive design was inspired by an ancient Turkic myth in which every year, a sacred bird named Samruk laid an egg (the sun) in the branches of a sacred poplar tree. Once inside, visitors can learn more about the concept behind the tower and its cultural significance, and from the top platform, enjoy breath-taking panoramic views of the city. [caption id="attachment_21474" align="alignnone" width="978"] Photo TCA: Independence Square[/caption] Independence Square At the heart of the city lies Independence Square, surrounded by iconic buildings and monuments. Especially notable is the Kazak Yeli Memorial, a symbol of Kazakhstan’s destiny. Atop its 91- meter tower stands a golden eagle, and around its base, images related to the country’s past and present, from heroic ‘batyrs’ or clan leaders from the Golden Horde and dombra...

7 months ago

Agribusiness Park to be Launched in Kazakhstan’s Akmola Region

The Hungarian company Globalia Ltd is creating agricultural facilities in Kazakhstan’s Akmola region. The new agribusiness park will use industrial technologies developed in Hungary. The eight agribusinesses located at the park will implement sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies, and will allow for products to be traced between the producer and the end consumer. Projects will not require any special funding. The agribusiness park plans to start producing fish farming projects within three years. It will also open a research and development station for growing varieties of various plants. Kazakhstani companies located at the park will have access to new technologies and tools, including the Carbon Farming system, which helps to capture and accumulate CO2 from the soil.

7 months ago

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...

8 months ago