Life & Culture - The Times Of Central Asia

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Festival

Khiva Readies for Melon Festival: A Celebration of Heritage and Harvest

Khiva, the ancient Silk Road city in Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region, will host the traditional Melon Festival, or “Qovun sayli,” from August 8–10. The celebration will be held across the historic Itchan-Kala complex and the Arda Khiva cultural space. Organized by the State Tourism Committee and the Khorezm khokimiyat (local government), the festival promotes regional identity and agritourism by highlighting Khorezm’s famed melons. Farmers from across the region will exhibit scores of different melon varieties — around 125 types were showcased last year — in pavilions decorated with traditional designs. More than a fruit fair, the festival offers puppet shows, folk music, national costume displays, and culinary exhibitions, including Khorezm bread and other regional dishes. Artisans will host workshops on handicrafts such as silk weaving and pottery, giving visitors hands-on exposure to Uzbek heritage and traditions. Evening gala concerts featuring local and international performers will take place on August 8–9 in the Itchan-Kala and conclude on August 10 in Arda Khiva. [caption id="attachment_33945" align="aligncenter" width="2224"] Image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] Qovun sayli will also have a competitive edge, with awards sponsored by the regional khokimiyat and private sponsors recognizing standout agronomists, artisans, and performers. [caption id="attachment_33947" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] Melons occupy a special place in Uzbek tradition. Over 150 varieties are grown nationwide, many prized for their sweetness and storied past. In Khorezm, melons are more than food — they are cultural icons. Ancient Uzbek kingdoms would send the fruit as gifts by camel caravan to Baghdad, and to the Russian tsars and Mughal emperors. Writing in 1876, British colonel and explorer Frederick Burnaby noted that the “taste was so delicious that anyone only accustomed to this fruit in Europe would scarcely recognize its relationship with the delicate and highly perfumed melons of Khiva.” The festival has become a cornerstone of Khiva’s cultural calendar, attracting approximately 30,000 foreign and 400,000 domestic visitors in 2024 alone. Tourism officials view Qovun sayli as essential to boosting regional visibility and economic growth, with Khiva’s festivals, including the Lazgi International Dance Festival, a key part of Uzbekistan’s broader push to spotlight cultural tourism.

UNESCO World Heritage List

Ancient Khuttal in Tajikistan Added to UNESCO World Heritage List

On July 12, Tajikistan celebrated a major cultural milestone: at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris, the ancient monuments of Khuttal were officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This marks the fifth site in Tajikistan to receive such international recognition. A Historical Crossroads of Culture and Architecture The newly recognized World Heritage site encompasses 11 archaeological and architectural monuments across the districts of Vose, Danghara, Jaloliddin Balkhi, Farkhor, and Khovaling in Tajikistan’s Khatlon region. Among these are Kalai Khulbuk, Adzhina-Teppa, Khishtepa, Shakhratepa, Manzarteppa, the Mausoleum of Mavlon Tojiddin, and the ancient fortresses of Zoli Zard and Kofirkala. The Kalai Khulbuk complex, once the residence of Khuttal’s rulers, is of particular historical importance. The medieval state of Khuttal flourished from the 7th to the 16th century in southern Tajikistan and played a key role in cross-border trade along the Great Silk Road. According to UNESCO, the monuments “illustrate the diversity of the region's culture and its significant role in the exchange of cultural values.” At its peak, Khuttal included up to 12 cities. Its capital, Khulbuk, featured advanced infrastructure in the 9th-12th centuries, including a palace, citadel, and urban systems well ahead of their time. As Tajik archaeologist Tatyana Filimonova has noted, “the urban culture of Hulbuk was several centuries ahead of Europe,” citing innovations such as centralized heating, sewage systems, and water supply. The listed monuments span various historical periods and artistic traditions from the 7th-century Buddhist monastery Ajina-Teppa, where a 13-meter-long reclining Buddha statue was discovered, to the intricately carved gancha and frescoes of the Hulbuk Palace. Other highlights include Zoli Zard, believed to be the legendary fortress of the Persian hero Rustam, and Manzarteppa, where archaeological excavations continue to yield pottery fragments and cultural artifacts. A Collaborative Effort in Preservation and Recognition The nomination of Khuttal began in 2023, spearheaded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture of Tajikistan, in collaboration with the Institute of History of the National Academy of Sciences, the International Institute for Central Asian Studies, and the CAAL project at University College London. UNESCO commended the scientific rigor and collaborative approach of the submission. Restoration efforts have been ongoing since the early 2000s. Kalai Khulbuk was opened to visitors in 2006, and Ajina-Teppa underwent restoration with UNESCO support in 2008. These sites, along with Kofirkala, Zoli Zard, and Manzarteppa, remain active locations for archaeological and conservation work under the State Program for the Protection of Cultural Heritage. The inscription of Ancient Khuttal on the World Heritage List not only affirms its global significance but also paves the way for increased cultural tourism, international research cooperation, and long-term development of Tajikistan’s rich historical legacy.

Archaeology

Rare Dinosaur Fossils Discovered in Kyrgyzstan

Rare dinosaur fossils unearthed in Kyrgyzstan have been identified as species endemic to the region, according to Ayzek Bakirov, acting director of the M.M. Adyshev Institute of Geology at the National Academy of Sciences of Kyrgyzstan. Bakirov shared the findings in an interview with 24.kg. The discoveries stem from a series of joint expeditions in 2025 involving scientists from Kyrgyzstan, Germany, and the United Kingdom. As a result, new Jurassic-era sites, dating back approximately 165 million years, were located near the town of Tash-Kumyr in southern Kyrgyzstan. While these sites hold significant scientific promise, excavation has been temporarily suspended due to a lack of funding. Notably, a new species of theropod, a group of predatory dinosaurs, was discovered in the Tash-Kumyr area last year during earlier fieldwork conducted with researchers from Munich’s Paleontological Museum. “Discoveries of dinosaur remains began in the early 20th century and still continue. New sites are being found, and new species are being studied,” Bakirov noted. He added that more than 30 dinosaur fossil sites are now known across Kyrgyzstan, highlighting the steady progress of local scientific efforts. Elsewhere in the region, significant paleontological discoveries have also been made. In November 2024, scientists unearthed dinosaur fossils estimated to be 85 million years old in Tajikistan’s Sughd region. Excavations took place in the village of Kansai, a site long recognized for its wealth of prehistoric remains, including reptiles, turtles, crocodiles, amphibians, and fish from the Cretaceous period. That expedition, led by Russian and Tajik researchers, built upon Soviet-era studies. Among the participants were Umed Nabiev, a master’s student in paleontology, and ecologist Gafurjon Karimov. The team focused on recovering smaller vertebrates to help expand the understanding of prehistoric ecosystems in Central Asia.

Culture

Comic Con Astana 2025: Kazakhstan’s Premier Geek Culture Festival Set to Break Records

Geek culture has become a vibrant facet of Astana’s tourist appeal, and on July 9, the city kicked off the fourth edition of Comic Con Astana, Kazakhstan’s flagship festival for anime, comics, and cosplay. Over the years, festival-goers have become a familiar sight in the capital's summer streets, embodying characters from across the worlds of comics, gaming, and fantasy. While other Central Asian capitals, including Tashkent, have made similar attempts, it is Astana that has succeeded in establishing a sustainable and growing comic convention. The inaugural Comic Con Astana was held in 2019, but subsequent years were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the political turbulence of 2022. In 2023, however, the festival returned with renewed energy, drawing not only domestic fans but also international guests eager to meet Hollywood actors Michael Rooker and Sean Gunn, known for their roles as Yondu and Kraglin in Guardians of the Galaxy. The guest list also included top Eurasian video bloggers and prominent cosplayers, names that may be unfamiliar to the broader public, but are iconic within the global geek community. That year, organizers reported at least 60,000 attendees. [caption id="attachment_33875" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image: TCA[/caption] In 2024, the festival built on that momentum. A major highlight was the appearance of Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen, famed for his portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in the eponymous TV series, whose popularity kept him signing autographs late into the night, well past the scheduled program. He was joined by Canadian actor Percy Hynes White, who had recently risen to prominence through his role in Netflix’s Wednesday. Now, in 2025, Comic Con Astana is aiming to surpass its own benchmarks. [caption id="attachment_33876" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image: TCA[/caption] "This year, we decided to scale up and break our own record: two venues, Astana Arena and Barys Arena, and an extended five-day program," said Natalina Abrashkin, general producer of Comic Con Astana. "Every year, Comic Con grows in terms of guests, international stars, and economic impact. In 2025, we expect more than 75,000 attendees, including at least 10,000 foreign tourists." Organizers estimate that each foreign visitor spends around 118,000 KZT ($228) per day. With an average stay of three days, the festival is projected to generate over 3.5 billion KZT (nearly $7 million) in economic activity through accommodation, food, transportation, entertainment, and shopping. This year’s expanded program reflects that ambition. Even the two arenas may struggle to accommodate the crowds expected to attend appearances by three Hollywood stars: Andy Serkis, renowned for his motion-capture roles as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings and Caesar in Planet of the Apes, will headline. He will be joined by Esai Morales (Ozark, Titans, Mission: Impossible, La Bamba) and Scott Adkins (John Wick 4, Doctor Strange, Ip Man 4). Their public sessions are scheduled for the festival’s final weekend. [caption id="attachment_33877" align="aligncenter" width="1832"] Image: TCA[/caption] A central feature of Comic Con Astana remains the cosplay competition. This year, organizers have raised the prize fund to 15 million KZT ($29,000). Cosplay has been a cornerstone...

Anthrax

Anthrax Outbreak Reported in Northern Kazakhstan

An outbreak of anthrax has been confirmed in the Akmola region of northern Kazakhstan. According to official data, at least seven people have been infected after coming into contact with contaminated livestock. Kazakhstan’s Minister of Agriculture, Aidarbek Saparov, identified the source as unvaccinated and unregistered animals grazing near an old cattle burial ground located approximately seven kilometers from the villages of Magdalinovka and Novomarinovka. Ten infected cattle have been identified and culled. “There are many questions for the owners of these animals. They were not registered anywhere,” Saparov said at a press briefing. Authorities have imposed a quarantine, carried out disinfection procedures, and restricted access to the affected pastures. Sanitary measures have also been intensified in nearby settlements. The Ministry of Health reported that 19 individuals underwent medical examinations, with seven cases confirmed in laboratory tests. One patient is in serious condition, while the remaining six are in stable condition. Four of these cases had been previously reported. Saparov also dismissed speculation that contaminated meat had entered Astana’s markets. "We checked everything, even the door handles. All samples tested negative. Suspicious meat was immediately seized," the minister stated. The outbreak in the Atbasar district has exposed long-standing deficiencies in Kazakhstan’s veterinary oversight and livestock registration systems. Although the country maintains an electronic livestock registration system, its usage is inconsistent, particularly in remote regions where many farmers fail to register or vaccinate their animals. In response, the government has pledged to tighten regulatory enforcement. Inspections will begin in the affected areas, with violators facing increased fines. Authorities also plan to target so-called “dealers,” middlemen trading in unregistered livestock. “This is not just about private property. It is a threat to public health,” Saparov added. The quarantine in the outbreak zone will last a minimum of 15 days. Authorities will assess whether to lift the restrictions following additional inspections. Anthrax is a dangerous bacterial infection transmitted from animals to humans, primarily through contact with infected meat or contaminated soil. Outbreaks occur periodically in Kazakhstan, particularly in areas where Soviet-era cattle burial sites remain unregistered and unmapped. Regional veterinary officials have warned that many of these burial grounds have not yet been properly identified, posing a continuing risk to grazing livestock. In recent days, Minister Saparov proposed introducing criminal liability for the sale of meat that bypasses veterinary and sanitary controls.

Art and Culture

QazElles Brings Kazakh Culture to France

Since 2023, the Association of Kazakh Women in France — QazElles, a name blending "Kazakhstan" with the French word elles (meaning "women") — has gained international recognition for its impactful initiatives well beyond the borders of France. Today, QazElles unites 40 accomplished women living in cities across France, all of whom have personal or professional ties to Kazakhstan. Its diverse membership includes students from leading Parisian universities, engineers at prominent French companies, entrepreneurs, and professionals in the creative industries. The association was established a few years ago in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in France. “QazElles represents bright, strong, and accomplished daughters of their homeland who dedicate their free time to promoting Kazakh identity in France, building a supportive community of like-minded women," says Madina Kulmanova, president of QazElles, who has lived in France for over 20 years. "Many of us have no close family here in France. This association became our family." Despite its relatively recent founding, QazElles has already organized several high-profile cultural events, all carried out on a fully volunteer basis by Kazakh women living in Paris. In 2023, the group operated a chalet at La Défense, the largest Christmas market in the Paris region, for over a month. Showcasing Kazakh artisans, it quickly became a crowd favorite. Long queues formed for traditional manti (steamed dumplings filled with meat, pumpkin, and dough) and handmade felt slippers. For two consecutive years, a miniature Kazakh aul (village) has come to life during Nauryz (March 21–22) on Place des Ternes, just steps from the Arc de Triomphe. Much like in Kazakhstan, the celebration features a yurt, traditional games, folk music, and festive cuisine. This year, several thousand visitors, mostly local Parisians, many encountering Kazakh culture for the first time, explored the aul. Inside the yurt, guests experienced a guided audio tour written and narrated by Aliya Syzdykova. Outside, dancers from the Kazakh city of Shymkent performed in the square, while artisans sold out of tyubeteikas (traditional embroidered caps). Among the exhibitors was QazElles member Kamila Florenti, a jeweler who creates a distinctive line of delicate silver pieces inspired by Kazakh motifs. "We love this project because it brings people together. There was so much kindness, warmth, and friendship. I think we truly gave Parisians a little journey into a real Kazakh celebration,” shares Madina Kulmanova, her emotion clearly visible. QazElles quickly discovered that the way to a Parisian’s heart is through culinary exploration. One of the association’s most celebrated initiatives was a “four-hands” dinner featuring two renowned chefs: Artem Kantsev from Astana and Frédéric Simonin from Paris. The event was held at Simonin’s Michelin-starred restaurant, where the two chefs collaborated on a unique menu that blended the bold flavors of Kazakh cuisine with the finesse of French culinary tradition. Among the standout dishes was camel meat manti wrapped in coffee-infused dough, served with a sauce made from kurt (a salty, dried fermented dairy product popular in Central Asia) and French cheeses. The success of the event...