On November 4th, a historically significant twinning ceremony was held between the city of Taraz in Kazakhstan and Ancient Olympia in Greece. The agreement was signed at the Temple of Hera, an ancient site revered by the Greeks. It’s here that the rules of the original Olympic Games were kept, and where the Olympic Flame is ceremonially lit every two years, symbolizing the continuation of an ancient sporting tradition.
Bakhytzhan Orynbekov, the Akim (Mayor) of Taraz, views this partnership as an opportunity to foster mutual growth. He believes that it will enhance exchanges in various sectors, including culture, sports, tourism, science, and education. These fields are seen as key areas of development that can benefit from international cooperation.
Georgios Georgiopoulos, the Mayor of Ancient Olympia, echoed these sentiments. He expressed enthusiasm about forming bonds of friendship and brotherhood with Taraz. With a rich history stretching back 2000 years, Taraz has been a significant cultural crossroads between the East and West. This makes it an ideal partner for Ancient Olympia, which itself has a storied history dating back to antiquity.
In a meeting with representatives from Ilia’s business community, both parties agreed to strengthen economic ties and cultivate relations between their respective regions and business circles. This agreement underscores the importance of international collaboration in fostering economic growth and development.
Ancient Olympia is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and also for hosting the International Olympic Academy. This institution is the primary educational and cultural arm of the International Olympic Committee and plays a vital role in promoting the values and ideals of the Olympic movement. The initiative to twin Taraz and Ancient Olympia was spearheaded by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Greece and the Kazakh-Hellenic Business Council, demonstrating the importance of diplomatic and business relations in fostering cultural ties.
