Kazakhstan Life & Culture - The Times Of Central Asia

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Transport

Prototype Driverless Taxi Unveiled in Astana

As part of the Nauryz celebrations in Astana, a demonstration run of a driverless vehicle developed at the Daulet Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University (EKTU) was held. In the future, this prototype could become part of the city’s driverless taxi system. The presentation took the form of a public demonstration for residents and visitors to Kazakhstan’s capital. According to the Astana City Administration, the vehicle’s software and test route were developed by specialists from the Luban Workshop, which opened at EKTU in Ust-Kamenogorsk in late 2023 with support from China’s Tianjin Vocational Institute. The project is being implemented as part of an initiative to develop engineering competencies and introduce new technologies, ranging from alternative fuels to AI systems in the transport sector. At the same time, an agreement was signed to establish the Kazakhstan Engineering Center for the Application and Development of Intelligent Automotive Technologies. The demonstration run was organised by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development in collaboration with the capital’s city administration and the IT company Astana Innovations. The test took place at one of the city’s festive venues. Visitors were able to observe the autonomous vehicle in real time and assess its potential for use in an urban environment. According to the organisers, the prototype demonstrated the potential for integrating AI technologies into Smart City systems, including navigation, data processing, and interaction with infrastructure. Authorities view driverless transport as one of the key areas in the development of urban mobility. In the future, such solutions may be integrated into Astana’s infrastructure, including the launch of autonomous taxis. It was previously reported that Kazakhstan plans to launch pilot projects for driverless taxis in the capital as early as 2026. At the same time, work is under way to prepare road infrastructure. Digital “passports” for highways are being developed, which are expected to enable the future use of driverless trucks.

Baikonur

Russian Spacecraft Lifts Off from Repaired Launch Pad at Baikonur

An unmanned spacecraft has launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, marking the first take-off from a key launch pad that was damaged in November. The Progress MS-33 spacecraft is carrying nearly three tons of food, fuel and other supplies for the International Space Station, where docking is scheduled to occur on Tuesday. An antenna used to ensure automatic docking with the space station remained unfolded after the cargo ship launched on a Soyuz-2.1a rocket on Sunday, according to Roscosmos, the Russian space agency. As a result, cosmonaut Sergei Kud-Svichkov, who is on board the space station, will conduct a manual docking of the approaching spacecraft, it said. Cosmonauts regularly train for such manual approaches. Roscosmos had said the launch on Sunday would be the first from Baikonur’s “launch complex No. 31 after its reconstruction — the main platform for the Russian space program.” A spacecraft that launched in November with two Russian cosmonauts and one NASA astronaut safely reached the International Space Station, but damage to the launch pad raised concerns about delays in the resupply of the station. Supplies on the cargo ship currently heading to the space station include fuel, drinking water, food rations, equipment for repairs and maintenance, oxygen, and medical supplies. The craft will remain docked to the station for about six months “before departing for a destructive re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere to dispose of trash loaded by the crew,” NASA said. The U.S. space agency noted that another Russian spacecraft had undocked from the station on March 16, “re-entered Earth’s atmosphere, and burned up harmlessly over the Pacific Ocean.”

Nauryz

The History of Nauryz: An Ancient Festival That Continues to Unite Central Asia

Ahead of the Nauryz holiday, The Times of Central Asia looks at the origins and enduring significance of one of the region’s oldest celebrations. More than a seasonal festival, Nauryz reflects a deep connection between people, nature, and cultural identity, a tradition that has evolved over thousands of years and remains central to life across Central Asia. Origins and Meaning Nauryz, also known as Nowruz, is one of the world’s oldest holidays, marking the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year. It is celebrated on the day of the spring equinox, when day and night are approximately equal and nature appears to begin a new cycle. For many communities, the holiday symbolizes renewal, hope for prosperity, and the start of a new stage in life. The name “Nowruz” derives from ancient Iranian words meaning “new day.” This concept lies at the heart of the celebration: the renewal of life and the symbolic rebirth of nature after winter. With a history spanning more than 3,000 years, the holiday spread across Eurasia along the Silk Roads and became embedded in the cultural traditions of Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Caucasus. [caption id="attachment_45687" align="alignnone" width="300"] @depositphotos[/caption] Today, Nowruz is recognized not only as a calendar event but also as a cultural tradition that promotes values such as peace, mutual respect, and harmony with nature. Connection to the Spring Equinox Nauryz is traditionally celebrated during the spring equinox, which usually falls on March 20 or 21, when the Sun crosses the celestial equator and daylight and nighttime hours are nearly equal. Since ancient times, this moment has symbolized the awakening of nature and the beginning of a new agricultural year. Historical sources indicate that different communities once observed various dates in March, often guided by natural signs. Over time, however, the astronomical equinox, commonly observed on March 21, became the most widely accepted date. Medieval scholars paid close attention to this phenomenon. In the 11th and 12th centuries, astronomers such as Omar Khayyam refined calendar calculations to align the start of the year more precisely with the equinox. Alongside scientific knowledge, traditional methods were also used to forecast harvests and weather conditions, including observing seed germination or measuring the length of shadows before the holiday. Today, Nauryz is officially celebrated on March 21 in countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, while UNESCO also recognizes Nowruz as marking the first day of spring. Rituals and Traditions For centuries, Nauryz has been marked by rituals symbolizing renewal, fertility, and prosperity. Among both nomadic and settled communities, it has traditionally been celebrated with public festivities, games, and family gatherings. Common customs include ritual cleansing with water, exchanging gifts, and offering food to neighbors and guests. The altybakan swing is widely regarded as a symbol of spring and joy. In some regions, the ancient practice of jumping over fire has been preserved as a purification ritual. Food plays a central role in the celebration. Although culinary traditions vary by country, they share a...

Yerbol Khamitov

Kazakhstan Celebrates as Paralympic Champion Yerbol Khamitov Returns Home

Dozens of fans, some carrying balloons and bouquets, gathered at Astana’s international airport on Tuesday to welcome Paralympic champion Yerbol Khamitov after he won two medals for Kazakhstan at the Winter Games in Italy. The 28-year-old athlete, who lost part of his leg after being shot in the knee a decade ago, greeted supporters and thanked his coaches and state authorities for their support, which he said contributed to his international success. Khamitov won the biathlon pursuit race on March 13 and finished third in the cross-country skiing sprint on March 10, becoming the first Kazakhstani athlete to win two medals at a Winter Paralympics. “I am glad that I was able to fulfill my promise to raise our national flag on the podium,” he said on social media. “I am not stopping here. I have many plans and new goals ahead. I will make every effort to reach new heights.” Khamitov said he was told in the past that ‘“cross-country skiing is not a Kazakh sport”’ but he wanted to prove to himself and others that “anything is possible.” Khamitov, who competed in martial arts before and after his injury, made his Paralympic debut in Beijing in 2022. Last year, he won his first para biathlon world title at the championships in Pokljuka, Slovakia. The International Paralympic Committee had said he was “among the athletes to watch out for” at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. The events ended on March 15. In Kazakhstan, the paralympian will receive the equivalent of hundreds of thousands of dollars and other benefits for his achievements. Khamitov, who said he comes from a modest background and has experienced hardship, encouraged anyone with physical difficulties to get involved in sports. "I would like to encourage everyone who is currently in this situation, whether they've lost an arm or a leg, are visually impaired, or were born that way, to come and play sports with us," Khamitov told journalists after returning to Astana. His success at the Winter Games has been widely seen as an inspiration for athletes with disabilities in Kazakhstan.

Yerkinbek Ptyraliyev

From VHS Tapes to Cannes and the Academy: Kazakh Cinematographer Yerkinbek Ptyraliyev on His Craft

Kazakh cinematographer Yerkinbek Ptyraliyev has built an international reputation through his collaborations with director Adilkhan Yerzhanov. Their film The Masters, released in 2014, was selected for the Cannes Film Festival and later screened at major festivals in Venice, Berlin, and other international venues. In 2024, Ptyraliyev became the first Kazakh cinematographer invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, he spoke about the role of a cinematographer, the technical challenges of filming night scenes in the steppe, and why the Kazakh school of cinematography is increasingly recognized as a distinct brand. TCA: You recently returned from the Berlin International Film Festival, where your team’s new film, Adilkhan Yerzhanov’s Turghaud, was screened. What are your impressions? Yerkinbek: Very positive. Our film was received very warmly. There was an engaging discussion after the screening, and it is always valuable to receive immediate feedback rather than hearing reactions later. We sat in the theater and listened to what the audience was saying. It was especially interesting to hear their interpretations. There were many different perspectives. TCA: Does the perception of foreign audiences differ significantly from that of Kazakh audiences? When I watched the film, it seemed primarily aimed at a domestic audience. Yerkinbek: I think every filmmaker wants their work to be seen everywhere. I am convinced that cinema has no borders. This year, the Golden Bear at the Berlinale went to a Turkish film, a movie entirely in Turkish, about Turks and Turkey, but shot in Berlin. That did not prevent it from winning. Language and national context are not limitations; on the contrary, they are resources. We need to support them both in everyday life and in cinema. Adilkhan’s films are universal precisely because he speaks about issues that matter to any modern person. That is why they resonate beyond our own country. TCA: I remember receiving accreditation for the Cannes Film Festival as a journalist when Adilkhan Yerzhanov was invited there for the first time with the film The Hosts, which you shot. Did that open the door to major cinema for you? Yerkinbek: Absolutely. It was my debut film and such an immediate success. After that project, foreign directors began to notice me. For example, I started receiving invitations to work in Turkey, where I shot two contemporary dramas. The first passed relatively quietly, but the second attracted significant attention from Turkish audiences. It was directed by Nazif Tun. Until then, he had spent his career making television films and series, but that project was his feature-film debut. I watched his previous work, it was very close to cinematic language, even though he himself insisted it was television rather than cinema. TCA: Did you ever consider moving to Turkey? The market there is still larger than ours. Yerkinbek: No. In recent years I have not even had the opportunity to go there. First, the timing has not worked out. Second, not every story resonates with me. So far,...

Chocolate

How a Family-Run Mini-Factory in Almaty Ships Chocolate to Belgium and Switzerland

Nurlan and Zhaniya Orynbayev are Kazakhstani chocolatiers known for creating distinctive desserts inspired by national traditions. Their creations include sweet yurts, chocolate mountain landscapes, a chocolate version of the Kazakhstan Hotel filled with zhent (a traditional dessert made from roasted millet, butter, and honey), chocolate with kurt, and other culinary experiments. Nurlan is also a musician and a member of the Kazakhstani hip-hop group Dayinball. In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, the couple spoke about how the chocolate version of one of Almaty’s main landmarks was created, what sweets Kazakh consumers prefer, how to choose high-quality kurt, and how the global cocoa bean shortage has affected their business. TCA: Nurlan, you are sometimes called the “Kazakh Willy Wonka.” It seems you were among the first chocolatiers in Kazakhstan. How do you feel about that? Nurlan: In fact, my wife Zhaniya was the one who started our chocolate business. She was the first to learn confectionery techniques and how to work with chocolate, and then she taught me. I simply began posting videos of the process on social media, and they became popular. Now the brand is often associated with me, but the real mastermind behind the project is Zhaniya. She develops all the ideas and recipes. Our coffee shops, our confectionery line, the brand image, and at least 60% of our products are thanks to her. TCA: So is Zhaniya the driving force behind your chocolate mini-factory? Nurlan: You could say that. She has a deep understanding not only of confectionery but of gastronomy in general. She can taste a dish and almost break it down into its components, what has been added and which ingredients work well together. I did not have that kind of intuition. I had never worked with food or desserts before. But gradually I became more involved and began to understand the process better. TCA: Zhaniya, you are said to have come up with the chocolate shaped like the Kazakhstan Hotel. Tell us about it. Zhaniya: Yes, that was my idea. It is a chocolate structure weighing about 130 grams, made in the shape of the famous hotel. We produce it in both milk and dark chocolate. We experimented with fillings for a long time, but eventually settled on zhent, a traditional Kazakh dessert made from roasted and ground millet with butter and sugar. Customers really like it. TCA: You used to make this dessert only for Nauryz, but now you produce it year-round? Zhaniya: Yes, and it happened almost by accident. Once, a restaurant critic connected with the World’s Best Restaurants ranking visited us. We treated her to various chocolates, but she liked the chocolate with zhent the most. She wanted to buy more, but we had run out. We did not want to disappoint her, so we urgently decided to make a new batch and began searching for good talkan, one of the ingredients in zhent. We found it and quickly prepared everything. The process was quite chaotic. Our daughter...