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Kazakh Nomads and Authentic Tourism: Interview with Mongolia’s Cultural Envoy Dr. Gantemur Damba

This week The Times of Central Asia will be attending the CAMCA Regional Forum, which this year is being held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The CAMCA network is a collection of professionals and policymakers dedicated to sharing ideas, knowledge and inspiration to develop the Eurasia region; its name stands for Central Asia, Mongolia, the Caucasus and Afghanistan. Ahead of the Forum, The Times of Central Asia spoke with Mongolia’s Cultural Envoy, and the Vice Chair of the Asian Ecotourism Network, Dr. Gantumur Damba, about the country's Kazakh nomads, and what the CAMCA program means for Mongolian culture and tourism. TCA: Central Asia is geographically quite close to Mongolia, but Mongolia's culture is distinct. What parts of Mongolian life do you think make journeys here unique for visitors? GD: Indeed. While Mongolia has some cultural similarities with Central Asia due to historical links, it has developed its own distinct identity. We are a unique culture with influences from Buddhism, shamanism and animism in our pastoralist herder’s way of life. Eastern Mongolia is rich in historical sites, including Deluun Boldog, where Genghis Khan was born, and the historical ruins of 13th and 14th-century towns. Central Mongolia is centered on the ancient town of Kharkhorum – with UNESCO-inscribed intangible cultural events – and the beautiful Orkhon Valley. This region is also enriched by Mongolian Buddhist traditions and architectural sites. North Mongolia is the home of nomadic reindeer herders, who have strong shamanistic beliefs. They are one of the last groups in the world to still herd reindeer as their primary way of life. Mongolia's largest ethnic minority are Kazakhs, who live in the country's western regions. What opportunities do visitors to Mongolia have to discover the Mongolian Kazakh way of life? The Kazakhs of Mongolia have distinct cultural practices, and live mainly in western Mongolia, particularly in Bayan-Ölgii province. While they share a common heritage with Kazakhs in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian nations, their experience in Mongolia is shaped by their minority status and the influence of Mongolian culture and Buddhism, alongside their own Turkic language and Islamic traditions. Activities like eagle hunting demonstration events, trekking in the Altai Mountains, and exploring authentic nomadic life offer unique travel experiences. Travelers can experience authentic nomad Kazakh culture through homestays, participating in festivals, and witnessing traditional crafts, traditional music, epic storytelling and vibrant dances like the eagle dance. What places and activities in Mongolia do you most recommend to foreign visitors? Are you working on any new destinations? Mongolia offers a high degree of freedom and flexibility for travelers, especially when it comes to camping and exploring the vast landscapes. There are relatively few restrictions on where you can go and camp, and you can often choose your own route and pace. However, choosing the right travel partner is vital. I categorize our destinations according to three “Ms”. The first M stands for modified places – basically those that are spoiled. That includes Terelj, Kharkhorum and West Khuvsgul Lake, where you will find many resorts,...

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Love and Politics: How the Wives of Alash Founders Sparked a Controversy

A controversy that may appear perplexing to outside observers has ignited debate across Kazakh society. The target of online backlash is journalist Maya Bekbaeva, known for her extensive work promoting Kazakh history, from the era of Khan Jochi, son of Genghis Khan, to notable Soviet-era figures. Two years ago, Bekbaeva released a documentary highlighting the wives of prominent Kazakhs who fought for autonomy within the Russian Empire. A fragment of the film, selectively edited, surfaced on YouTube last week, triggering widespread public reaction. A Controversy with Cultural Implications The edited clip suggested that the founders of the Alash party routinely married Russian women because Kazakh women were “uneducated” and unable to compete, a claim that quickly drew backlash. The storm was fueled by a Facebook post from journalist Mukhtar Tumenbay, who encountered the clip and shared it with commentary that drew a flood of emotionally charged responses. Some commenters accused the film of inciting interethnic tension, implying that Alash leaders chose Russian partners due to the inaccessibility of “proud and chaste Kazakh women.” Bekbaeva responded by clarifying that the excerpt had been misleadingly edited. She reiterated that the film was intended to inspire modern Kazakh women to pursue education and societal advancement. “You could always talk to [those women] about various things. That’s something we should remember when raising girls, don’t rush them into marriage; let them learn and prove themselves. Love prefers equals,” she said, emphasizing the film’s deeper message. Revisiting Alash and Alash Orda To understand the roots of this debate, one must revisit the early 20th century. Following its defeat in the Russo-Japanese War, the Russian Empire entered a period of upheaval. Peripheral regions, including modern-day Kazakhstan, began resisting colonial policies such as the Stolypin reforms, which facilitated the resettlement of Russian and Ukrainian peasants to Kazakh steppe lands, disrupting nomadic traditions and livelihoods. A pivotal moment came on May 16, 1907, when Bakhytzhan Karataev, a descendant of Khan Abulkhair and a law graduate from St. Petersburg, delivered a speech in the State Duma defending the rights of the steppe people. His ideas eventually laid the groundwork for the formation of the Alash party in 1917. Founded by Alikhan Bokeikhanov, Akhmet Baitursynov, and Mirzhakip Dulatov, the Alash movement advocated for autonomy and reform. That same year, the All-Kazakh Congress in Orenburg approved the creation of the Alash Orda Provisional People's Council, a precursor to the modern Kazakh state. The Wives Behind the Leaders Among the Alash founders, two were indeed married to Russian women. Akhmet Baitursynov’s wife, born Alexandra Ivanova, converted to Islam and adopted the name Badrisafa. She supported Baitursynov through exile, imprisonment, and repression, becoming one of the first women deeply involved in the national movement. Alikhan Bokeikhanov married Elena Sevostyanova, daughter of an exiled Narodnik. Despite his mother’s opposition, Elena was Christian, the couple remained together until her death. Some speculate that Bokeikhanov may have converted to Christianity for her, as she was buried with Orthodox rites. Political analyst Daniyar Ashimbayev notes that until...

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The Turkic World in the Heart of Europe: OTS Leaders Discuss Economy, Transport, and Unity

On May 21, 2025, an informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) convened in Budapest, uniting leaders of member countries and observers in the symbolic heart of Europe. The heads of Kazakhstan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, along with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, discussed key areas of cooperation, including the economy, transport, digitalization, and adherence to international agreements. The summit was held under the motto “Meeting Place of East and West.” Tokayev: Uniform Standards Could Boost GDP by 1% Annually Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the need for deeper economic integration among Turkic states and advocated for the rapid adoption of a model law to streamline exports among OTS members. “Uniform standards will ensure annual GDP growth of about 1%,” Tokayev said, highlighting that the collective GDP of OTS countries stands at approximately $1.4 trillion, with mutual trade already exceeding $22 billion. According to him, the potential exists to increase this figure by 1.5 times. Tokayev also stressed the importance of respecting existing agreements within the OTS framework. “The norms established in all agreements, whether procedural, political, or economic, must be strictly observed,” he said. He proposed intensifying joint infrastructure projects, particularly those aligned with the North-South and Middle Corridor transport routes connecting East and West. Kazakhstan, he noted, is modernizing border logistics with China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, including launching a new railway checkpoint. In addition, Tokayev highlighted the need to expand supply chains for oil, gas, uranium, and other resources. He thanked Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for facilitating increased Kazakh oil exports to Europe via Azerbaijan. Unity and Vision from Member States Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov described the summit as laying a “solid foundation for sustainable development,” linking it to the November 2023 summit in Bishkek. President Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan’s emerging role as a Eurasian logistics hub, stating that Baku has invested over $20 billion in the economies of OTS member states. An important development was the announcement that the Turkic Investment Fund, intended to foster economic cohesion, will begin operations soon. Several key documents were adopted at the summit, including the Budapest Declaration, a statement by the Council of Heads of State on Afghanistan, the decision on Uzbekistan’s accession to the Turkic Culture and Heritage Fund, and the extension of Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev’s mandate. The Hungarian Dimension and Cultural Ties Hosting the summit for the first time, Hungary underscored its unique position as an OTS observer. Prime Minister Orbán, who promotes the notion of Turkic roots among Hungarians, has championed closer ties with the Turkic world. Kyrgyz historian Tyntchtykbek Chorotegin pointed out that Hungarian shares structural and grammatical features with Turkic languages, such as suffixation and the absence of prefixes. Cultural similarities extend beyond linguistics. Nomadic traditions persist in both regions, evident in culinary parallels like goulash and kuurdaq, shared housing styles, equestrian practices, and enthusiasm for folk games. European athletes' growing participation in the World Nomad Games further illustrates strengthening cultural bonds. The Budapest summit was more than a diplomatic gathering; it marked...

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Uzbekistan Plans to Restore Khiva’s Outer Fortress, Draw Tourists

The walls of Dishan-Kala, the remnants of a 19th century fortress in the Uzbek city of Khiva, have been deteriorating for many years. Now the Uzbek government plans to restore destroyed sections of the walls, remove some nearby buildings that are cluttering the historical structure and turn the site into a major tourist attraction. The goal is to transform Dishan-Kala, the outer fortress, into a landmark similar to Ichan-Kala, the walled inner town at Khiva that is a UNESCO world heritage site and home to multiple cultural sites, exhibition sites and artisan shops. Some 1 million foreign tourists and 3.5 million local people visited Ichan-Kala in 2024, and it is expected to draw 2 million foreigners and nearly 5 million domestic tourists by the end of this year, the Uzbek Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change said in a statement on Tuesday. The new development campaign aims “not only to preserve Dishan-Kala but also to unlock and enhance its full tourism potential,” the ministry said. Uzbekistan’s growing tourism industry depends in large part on its rich historical legacy in places such as Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, but the development of the industry has sometimes conflicted with concerns about the preservation of ancient sites. Last year, despite UNESCO’s concerns, Uzbekistan pushed ahead with plans for a big tourist complex next to the historical center of Bukhara, a jewel of medieval architecture in Central Asia. In 2021, UNESCO’s world heritage committee referred to development and tourism pressures in Khiva. It also said it regretted the demolition of large areas of Dishan-Kala, noting that it had served as the residential neighborhood for the fortified inner city and that the links between the two parts of ancient Khiva should be strengthened. Built in 1842, the fortress walls of Dishan-Kala are currently in a state of neglect. Some 2,000 meters of its 6,200-meter wall have been destroyed, and another 2,500 meters are in “critical condition,” the ecology ministry said. “For many years, illegal constructions sprang up around the wall, leaving virtually no space for access or movement along its perimeter,” it said. Photos of Dishan-Kala show trash and piles of debris alongside crumbling walls, in contrast with the well-maintained Ichan-Kala area. The plan is to remove 55 residential and other buildings near the Dishan-Kala walls and install parks, landscaping and a pedestrian alley.

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From Classic to Avant-Garde: How “Night at the Museum” in Almaty Bridged Eras

Last Sunday evening marked a notable event in Almaty’s cultural calendar. The A. Kasteyev State Museum of Art opened its doors after hours for the annual “Night at the Museum,” coinciding with International Museum Day on May 18. This day traditionally underscores the importance of museums as spaces of memory, dialogue, and inspiration. This year’s theme, “Tradition and Modernity in a Changing World,” was embodied in a dynamic and multifaceted program that transformed the museum into a vibrant dialogue between different eras and cultural layers. [caption id="attachment_31947" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] @TCA/Andrey Alimov[/caption] Visitors entering the museum in the evening found themselves immersed in an atmosphere where classical art harmoniously coexisted with contemporary interpretations. The space itself took on a new dimension, allowing the audience to engage with art beyond its typical daytime context. The evening’s program catered to a wide audience. In addition to the museum’s permanent collection, which features masterpieces of Kazakh and global art, guests participated in a variety of special events. Themed tours exploring the interplay of tradition and modernity offered deeper insight into the works on display, revealing new dimensions in the creativity of both Kazakhstani and international artists. [caption id="attachment_31955" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] @TCA/Andrey Alimov[/caption] Musical performances added to the ambiance, with live music enhancing the emotional experience and reinforcing the power of artistic expression. A standout feature of the night was a fashion show held in the museum’s central hall, where models showcased traditional Kazakh costumes with hand embroidery and gold accents, reimagined with a modern flair. These designs underscored how elements of cultural heritage continue to inspire and evolve in contemporary settings. The Kasteyev Museum, Kazakhstan’s largest art institution and a key player in Central Asia’s cultural scene, was established in 1976 and named after Abylhan Kasteyev, a pioneering figure in Kazakh visual art. The museum’s collection exceeds 25,000 pieces, spanning ancient decorative and applied arts to works by 20th- and 21st-century masters. It features not only Kazakh artists, but also significant works from Russian, European, and Eastern traditions. Through exhibitions, educational initiatives, and cultural events, the museum plays a central role in preserving and promoting artistic heritage. [caption id="attachment_31953" align="aligncenter" width="960"] @TCA/Andrey Alimov[/caption] “Night at the Museum” has grown into more than just an event, it is a celebration of art that unites generations, perspectives, and creative approaches. For one night, visitors experienced a space where history meets the present, and art became more accessible, resonant, and profound. It is noteworthy that similar events took place across Kazakhstan’s major cities. Official data indicates the country is home to around 300 museums, which collectively receive approximately 6.5 million visitors each year.

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How Orthodox Christians Celebrate Easter in Central Asia and Around the World

In 2025, Orthodox Christians will celebrate Easter on April 20. This central event in the Orthodox liturgical calendar is marked with solemnity and joy across Orthodox-majority countries such as Russia, Belarus, Georgia, Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, and others. In Central Asia, Orthodox Christian communities also observe the holiday, maintaining centuries-old traditions despite being religious minorities. Kazakhstan On the night of April 20, Easter services will be held in all Orthodox churches across Kazakhstan. According to the Semirechensk Metropolitanate, the Holy Fire from Jerusalem will be brought to the Ascension Cathedral in Almaty, where Metropolitan Alexander will lead the liturgy and Easter procession. The service will begin at 23:30 and will be broadcast live on the Metropolitanate's official YouTube channel. A ceremonial arrival of the Holy Fire is scheduled for 17:00 on Easter Sunday at the cathedral. Uzbekistan In Uzbekistan, the focal point of Easter celebrations is the Holy Dormition Cathedral in Tashkent. Each year, Metropolitan Vikenty of Tashkent and Uzbekistan brings the Holy Fire from Jerusalem. In 2024, he celebrated Easter Matins with Bishop Savvatiy of Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan. Earlier that year, Vikenty made another pilgrimage to the Holy Land to receive the flame. Tajikistan In Dushanbe, Easter is traditionally celebrated at St. Nicholas Cathedral. In 2024, dozens of worshipers, including members of the Russian diplomatic mission and the ambassador, attended the festive liturgy. Following the service, a traditional procession took place, and parishioners received blessings along with kulich (traditional Easter bread) and other Easter treats. Turkmenistan Turkmenistan is home to approximately 485,000 Orthodox Christians, around 9% of the population. The Russian Orthodox Church operates through 12 churches organized under a Patriarchal benefice. While official celebrations are relatively modest, traditional Easter practices are still observed, particularly in urban centers. Russia In Russia, Easter remains the most significant church holiday. Services begin on Saturday evening with a midnight vigil, followed by festive Matins and the Divine Liturgy. The faithful greet one another with “Christ is risen!” and respond “Truly risen!” In the morning, families gather around tables adorned with kulichi, paskha (a cheese dessert), and colored eggs, which are traditionally used for “egg battles.” Easter Traditions Worldwide Because Orthodox churches use the Julian calendar and most Western churches follow the Gregorian calendar, Easter dates typically differ. However, in 2025, both calendars align, and Easter will be celebrated on the same day. Traditions vary widely around the world. In Poland, congregants bring willow branches and blessed food to churches, and festivities continue with "Wet Monday," a water-splashing custom. Bulgarians dye eggs and enjoy family feasts. In Greece, fireworks mark the midnight celebration, and tables are filled with magiritsa soup and roast lamb. In France and Germany, the Easter bunny and chocolate eggs dominate the holiday. Italians serve colomba cakes and lamb dishes, while the British favor hot cross buns and organize egg hunts. In Spain and Poland, dyed eggs are used for games and decoration. In Australia, Easter is celebrated with countryside festivals and egg hunts. Sweden observes a four-day holiday beginning on...