Kazakhstan Featurees - The Times Of Central Asia

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Silk Road Treasures: Almaty’s Mountains

Under the banner of "Silk Road Treasures", TCA's people -journalists, editors, authors- share their personal experiences of Central Asia and her people, and by listing their favorite places, literature, films, architecture and archaeological sites, alongside encounters with customs and traditions, provide pointers for readers wishing to visit the region. Vagit Ismailov, Journalist The first thing a travelers notice when descending at Almaty International Airport are the towering snow-capped peaks of the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains. However, alongside their majestic presence which make this city unique, the mountains harbour a constant threat which anyone who has experienced an earthquake whilst inside a high-rise building, will both well understand and fear. Almaty, capital of Kazakhstan until 1997, is one of those cities whose growth is independent of either metropolitan status or the presence of large enterprises. Now one of the most dynamic cities in the post-Soviet space and, perhaps, one of the most prosperous in Central Asia, the ever-evolving city absorbs money from other regions and boasts a wealth of amenities, high-end restaurants and cosy cafes to welcome customers day and night. Inevitably, the population continues to rise and as commented by one of Almaty's akims (mayors), every day, the number of people entering the city is equivalent to Latvia's population of over 1.5 million. As a result, the roads are constantly clogged with traffic, again showing the megacity's restless energy and the potential for further growth. Amidst the boom in development which has spurred the construction of modern residential and business complexes, the city center remains quintessentially Soviet in style, flanked by streets of familiar communist apartment blocs from the sixties and seventies. Today's new builds reach for the sky but under the Soviet regime, high-rise construction was forbidden in Almaty. The only exception was the Kazakhstan Hotel, which standing 102 meters high, is now the city's third tallest building. Constructed in 1977, it was designed to withstand zone 9-point seismic activity, but nevertheless, its survival of several earthquakes is regarded as miraculous. [caption id="attachment_22785" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Hotel "Kazakhstan" Image: @iStock[/caption] The proximity of the mountains and unspoilt natural landscape, provide residents and tourists alike, a perfect place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. The nearby resorts of Shymbulak and Medeo, home to the world's largest ice rink which sits like a diamond in a box of green velvet, offer a range of winter sports facilities. Cable cars traversing deep gorges, operate all year round, aiding access to the high pastures, and panoramic views of the Tien Shan ranges, and numerous, graded hiking trails wind through passes to lakes and waterfalls. Scenery aside, visitors can experience more of what Kazakhstan has to offer by sampling local fayre in various venues and watching demonstrations of eagle hunting, and for lovers of antiquity, there are petroglyphs to be discovered, carved on red rock, and the famous Boroldai Saka Burial mounds, dating back to V-VIII BC. [caption id="attachment_22786" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Medeo. Image: @iStock[/caption] But the threat of the Zailiyskiy Alatau is ever-present. In 1887, ...

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Why Does Energy-Rich Kazakhstan Want Tajikistan’s Uranium?

Despite having significant uranium resources, Tajikistan does not plan to build a nuclear plant anytime soon, if it all. Quite aware of that, Kazakhstan – Dushanbe’s ally in the Russian-dominated Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) – is reportedly eyeing Tajikistan’s uranium. But why? "I would rather earn a profit from the resources of others than my own," John D. Rockefeller, a prominent industrialist, is often paraphrased as saying. Policymakers in Astana could soon begin implementing such a strategy in regard to uranium. Kazakhstan is the largest producer of natural uranium worldwide. In 2022, the energy-rich nation produced the largest share of uranium from mines (43% of world supply), followed by Canada (15%) and Namibia (11%) (ref). In spite of that, Astana could eventually start purchasing the radioactive element from Tajikistan. On August 22, following Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to Dushanbe, the Tajik Rare-Earth Metals Company, TajRedMet, and Kazakhstan’s national atomic company, Kazatomprom, signed a memorandum of understanding and cooperation in the extraction and processing of uranium and rare-earth metals. Signing such a protocol aligns with Astana’s ambitions to build a nuclear power plant in the country. In that context, Kazatomprom – the world's largest uranium producer – is likely seeking to play an active role in producing uranium fuel for the proposed nuclear plant. Given the global resurgence of nuclear energy and the ensuing “race for uranium,” Kazatomprom is keen to assess the current status of Tajikistan's uranium reserves, and, if feasible, expand its resource base. Uranium is considered one of the main natural resources of Tajikistan. It is believed that the first atomic bomb developed by the Soviet Union contained raw materials from Tajikistan. But after the collapse of the USSR, uranium mining was curtailed in the mountainous country. According to various estimates, 14% of the world's reserves of uranium are located on the territory of the landlocked country of around 10 million people. But compared to other nations, Tajikistan does not have significant uranium mining operations, meaning its uranium deposits remain underdeveloped. However, the fact that Russian companies are interested in exploration and mining of uranium in the Tajikistan suggests that Kazatomprom might have serious competition. It is entirely possible that other foreign corporations will also eventually join the “race for uranium” in Tajikistan. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan will almost certainly be inclined to consolidate its own uranium market. In terms of uranium production in the largest Central Asian state, the Russian State Nuclear Energy Corporation Rosatom is the leader due to its shares in five enterprises operating in Kazakhstan. Since Astana aims to develop closer ties with the West, it is no surprise that France is looking to strengthen its position in the energy-rich country, particularly in its nuclear and uranium sectors. Russia and China are unlikely to give up easily on their ambitions to preserve their influence in the Central Asian nation, however. In 2022, Kazakhstan exported around half of its uranium to China. From January to October 2023, Astana shipped uranium worth $922.7 million to the...

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Mehrdad Mozart : A Model’s View of Kazakhstan’s Fashion Industry

Kazakhstan's fashion industry is rapidly growing, and increasingly, attracting global attention. Within its dynamic environment, new faces, talented designers, and unique projects are emerging which promise to elevate its international status. One such talent is Mehrdad Mozart, a professional model with a wealth of international experience, now living and working in Kazakhstan. Originally from Iran, Mehrdad has enjoyed a chequered career from playing in a rock band to hosting radio & TV shows, and from acting in commercials and movies to judging modeling and talent shows. A model since 2009, he has worked with several global brands including Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and Gucci, and has mentored young people entering the profession. In an exclusive interview with TCA, Mehrdad spoke about his modeling career, his perception of the fashion industry in Kazakhstan, and his personal aspirations. [caption id="attachment_22748" align="aligncenter" width="785"] photo: mehrdadmozart.com -Mehrdad Mozart[/caption] TCA: What inspired you to enter the fashion industry? I think the allure of fashion itself inspired me. I used to get lost in magazines, dreaming of becoming a model and representing high-end brands. Fashion TV became a regular escape, where I absorbed every detail and admired the work of iconic male models like David Gandy, Sean O’Pry, and Tyson Beckford.The influence of legendary brands like Tom Ford, Dior, Hermès, Burberry, and D&G played a huge role in shaping my aspirations. They were the very definition of style and sophistication, fueling my desire to be a part of that world. TCA: How did you get into modeling? My modeling career began when I moved to Malaysia. I didn’t have a portfolio or any connections, so I joined a Facebook group for talents, most of whom were working as extras in films and commercials. That gave me my first break and after a slow start, my modest portfolio eventually caught the attention of talent directors, photographers, stylists, and then, modeling agencies. TCA: What challenges have you had to overcome to get to where you are now? In the beginning, breaking into the industry was challenging. I faced constant rejections from modeling agencies, had no connections, and had to deal with criticism. Staying in shape required intense discipline, and coping with the competitive, high-pressure environment was tough. Unfortunately, diversity remains a significant issue in the fashion world. Middle Eastern models, in particular, encounter additional barriers, making it even more difficult to succeed. Given these challenges, perseverance and determination proved essential to navigating and eventually thriving in this demanding industry. [caption id="attachment_22749" align="aligncenter" width="803"] photo:mehrdadmozart.com -the catwalk[/caption] TCA: You now live in Kazakhstan: What are your initial impressions of its fashion industry? I had heard of renowned Kazakh designers such as Aigerim Akenova and Aida Kaumenova. However, when I first arrived in the capital city, Astana, the fashion scene still felt fairly underdeveloped, with little activity apart from the odd fashion show or commercial shoot. Almaty however, is a different story. The fashion industry here is vibrant and rapidly expanding. Since moving to the city, I've become...

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Empowering Kazakhstan’s Future: Navigating Diplomatic, Energy, and Geopolitical Challenges in the Nuclear Power Referendum

Never short of diplomatic acumen, on September 2, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree on holding a referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) in Kazakhstan. Tokayev’s goal is to ensure that arguments for nuclear energy are compelling and to involve citizens, scientists, and government officials in the decision-making process. However, it's crucial that the public are fully informed about these plans as Kazakhstan finalizes the first stage of its new nuclear development. With demand for electricity soaring, it can be argued that the case for the NPP is compelling. Officials forecast that electricity deficits are set to worsen, leading to a reliance on imports, such as was the case in the 1990s. In the first three months of 2024 alone, tariffs rose by 26%. Electricity in Kazakhstan is currently generated by 222 power plants under various forms of ownership, with 84% coming from fossil fuels, hydropower accounting for 12%, and less than 2% coming from solar and wind installations as of 2019. Renewables had expanded to 5.92% by 2023, but the deficit continues to grow. Old-Timers and Newcomers On October 6 of this year, the Kazakhstani people will give the final answer in a referendum on whether nuclear power will become a component of their everyday lives or whether nuclear-phobia, connecting both the memory of atomic testing at Semipalatinsk and persistent distrust in the ability of officials to build something grandiose without embezzlement, will prevail. The example of the LRT (the project for elevated light-rail transportation in Astana, which was to be implemented back in 2013) stands as a stark monument to corruption which has even penetrated the cultural code of today's youth. One of the first episodes of a then-popular show hosted by politician and businessman, Bulat Abilov, was devoted to nuclear energy and the need to build nuclear power plants. Abilov's inspiration for this topic was Mukhtar Dzhakishev. The former Head of Kazatomprom and Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, on November 10, 2009, Dzhakishev was charged with the theft of Kazatomprom property and the receipt of bribes, and was sentenced to fourteen years imprisonment. Subsequently found guilty on separate charges related to embezzlement, fraud, involvement in organized crime and the abuse of power, he was sentenced to a further ten years to run concurrent to his prior sentence. Dzhakishev was released in March 2020, but this episode has led neither man to change their position - nuclear power plants are the best thing for Kazakhstan in light of coming energy shortfalls. Agitators for the NPP, who also include the General Director of Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants JSC, Timur Zhantikin, and specialists from the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Ministry of Energy, have, however, encountered vociferous opposition. Some still oppose the NPP, such as ecologist Mels Yeleusizov. The arguments among those resistant to construction of the NPP have long remained unchanged, with seismic hazards, radiophobia, and corruption at the forefront. The pressure on emotions has also remained unwavering, with slogans such...

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Special Report: Prospects Look Good for Kazakh Wheat Exports

According to the International Grains Council, Kazakhstan's wheat harvest for the 2024/2025 season is expected to reach 16 million tons. As the harvesting campaign begins, the country's lack of elevator capacity and the problem of mainline railroads are concerns. Idle trains are still a problem, which leads to the introduction of regular restrictions and bans on the acceptance and shipment of wheat due to congestion on the railroad. Market participants note that the railroad cannot cope with the volume of shipments during the autumn rush, with its infrastructural ceiling on shipments at only 1 million tons of grain per month. This leads to a collapse at border railroad crossings and, consequently, a price drop in the domestic market. One obvious solution is to expand Kazakhstan's elevator capacity and grain storage facilities; this is one of the reasons for the increased load on the railroad infrastructure. Thus, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, 191 licensed grain-receiving enterprises have a total storage capacity of more than 13.2 million tons. In addition, agricultural producers have storage capacities for 15.8 million tons of grain, which, as the ministry assures, is enough to store grain considering the projected harvest. Also, according to the ministry, the construction of new grain storage facilities and the expansion of existing ones are envisaged. In 2024-2026, it plans to operate five granaries with a capacity of 30,200 tons. The national railway company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) has already established a grain headquarters, involving representatives from local executive bodies, the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken," and shippers. This headquarters ensures adequate transportation for the upcoming season's harvest. As Salamat Abzhaliyev, Deputy General Director for Marketing and Planning of KTZ-Gruzovye Transportations LLP, noted during the briefing held at the end of August, for seven months of the current year, the total volume of grain loading on the network of railroads of the country amounted to 4.7 million tons. Only in Kazakhstan did wheat transportation increase by 3%, amounting to 1.1 million tons. An important factor affecting the efficiency of transporting grain and milling products is the availability of specialized wagons. In addition to boxcars, grain carriers are designed to transport these specific cargoes. Today, the total fleet of boxcars and grain cars on the railroad is about 16,000 and 12,000, respectively. According to KTZ, this fleet is sufficient to fulfill all agreed transportation plans. According to forecasts of the International Grain Council, the export of Kazakhstani wheat in the 2024/2025 season is projected at 10 million tons. During the first six months of the year, 2.4 million tons of wheat have already been shipped. The main buyers of domestic grain are traditionally Uzbekistan, China, Tajikistan, Italy, and Afghanistan. Grain exports to China have grown 5.7 times in the last three years, which makes China a key export destination. China is ready to accept large volumes of grain from Kazakhstan. Today, the country buys about 10 million tons of wheat worldwide, including from Kazakhstan. However, further development of trade is constrained by limited transportation...

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Kazakhstan: Tokayev Delivers Address to the Nation

A new political season has started in Kazakhstan. Following tradition, it opened with a joint session of the chambers of Kazakhstan's parliament, at which the head of state, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, delivered his regular Address to the Nation, this year entitled: Fair Kazakhstan: Law and Order, Economic Growth, Social Optimism. As predicted by State Counselor, Yerlan Karin, the president's new address contained over a hundred initiatives, instructions, and proposals that “develop the line of reforms laid out in his previous messages and election platform.” Tokayev began his address by mentioning the parliament's adoption of 102 laws in the previous session, including norms on public control, countering human trafficking, science and technology policy, heat and energy, etc. Social issues, especially child protection, remain a top priority and whilst many systematic steps have been taken to improve people's welfare, the president emphasized that much work lay ahead. “The people of Kazakhstan today live in a completely new political reality," he stated. "Over the past five years, large-scale reforms have been implemented; the political system has radically transformed. Fundamental changes are taking place in public consciousness; the level of legal culture of citizens is increasing, and new models of behavior and new values are taking root in society. The renewal of political and public life, as well as the mentality and cultural norms of the nation, has begun. The construction of "Fair Kazakhstan" is underway, and what is especially important is that all this fully corresponds to the people's aspirations. Therefore, we will continue to follow our course steadfastly and not turn off the path." Expanding on how the past five years have changed the country, Tokayev explained, "Since 2021, about 2.5 thousand akims of villages have been elected, which is ninety percent of the total number of heads of rural settlements. In the remaining villages, elections will be held after the expiration of the terms of office of their akims. The average age of newly elected akims is 46 years. Sixty percent will have no previous experience of working in public service, and their number includes entrepreneurs and members of various parties. The corps of akims elected by the people has been largely renewed." The head of state recalled that in the fall of last year, Kazakhstan began to hold elections for the first time for akims of districts and cities of regional significance. Under the new rules, 45 akims were elected in all oblasts. According to the president, the latest election system will go even further. “After a comprehensive study of the election results and analysis of the work of elected akims, it was decided to finally switch to the new system from next year. In the future, akims of districts and regional cities will be elected only through direct elections, which will be held as the powers (i.e., rotation terms) of incumbent akims expire,” Tokayev emphasized, calling it another essential step in the transformation of the political system and stressing that if required for the development of the state, reforms will...

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