Our People > Duisenali Alimakyn

Duisenali Alimakyn is a Kazakh journalist, translator, and researcher covering literature, culture, and science. His research, including at the George Washington University, has a strong focus on Western narratives about Central Asia over the centuries.

Articles

Gulzira Zhantemir

How a Ballerina from Kazakhstan Built a Career in German Ballet

When Gulzira Zhantemir arrived in Kiel, Germany, in 2017, she spoke virtually no German or English. Behind her were eight years at a ballet school in Almaty and three seasons at Astana Opera; ahead lay an unfamiliar country and theater system in which she would have to prove herself all over again. Nine years later, Zhantemir is completing this chapter as an established member of Ballett Kiel, with a repertoire encompassing classical and contemporary work. In 2023, the Gesellschaft der Freunde des Theaters in Kiel awarded her its Förderpreis in recognition of her work with the company. For Zhantemir, the path to this European career began much earlier, in Kazakhstan, and almost by chance. At the age of four, her mother enrolled her in a dance group at the local Palace of Schoolchildren, a type of extracurricular education center common across the former Soviet Union. Her first classes were not in ballet. Everything changed in the fourth grade, when teachers from the Alexander Seleznev Almaty Choreographic School came to her school looking for children suited to professional training. Her mother enjoyed watching ballet on television and encouraged her to try. At 10, Zhantemir entered the school and began eight years of professional ballet training, with daily classes and rehearsals alongside rigorous academic preparation. She graduated with honors in 2014 and won a gold medal at the Orleu International Ballet Competition that same year. After graduating, Zhantemir joined Astana Opera, the State Opera and Ballet Theatre in Kazakhstan’s capital. She had long wanted to move to Europe. Doing so meant leaving behind an established professional life and starting again with an audition. In 2017, Zhantemir successfully auditioned for Ballett Kiel, part of Theater Kiel, the municipal theater in this northern German city. The move also required her to adapt to a different way of working. “At Astana Opera, there was more time for rehearsals for each production and more space. Theater Kiel is much more compact, and we have one main stage, so we have to plan our time very precisely,” Zhantemir said. Even with those constraints, Kiel offered the professional variety Zhantemir had sought in Europe. “Working abroad gives you an incredible opportunity to train with guest choreographers and teachers from around the world and learn different contemporary and classical techniques,” she said. Outside the theater, other dancers from Kazakhstan and Ukrainian choreographer Yaroslav Ivanenko, who led Ballett Kiel for many years, helped her settle in while she learned German. Gradually, her list of roles grew beyond the classical repertoire. Zhantemir danced both central female roles in Giselle, Giselle herself and Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis. Her repertoire came to include Odette in Swan Lake and Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She also appeared in West Side Story and contemporary productions. Her Kiel roles included Swanilda in Coppélia and Cinderella. With another company, she performed Kitri in Don Quixote. For a ballet dancer, the differences between these roles are significant. Kitri requires virtuosity and temperament, while Giselle calls for...

3 days ago

Artificial intelligence

From Walking Robots to AI Errors: A Kazakh Researcher’s Path to Intelligent Systems

What should a robot do after making a mistake? The answer becomes more complicated when the person nearby does not explicitly say something has gone wrong, but merely hesitates, looks confused, or begins to lose trust in the machine. This is one of the problems currently being studied by Kazakh researcher Arman Ibrayeva. Over several years, her scientific interests have developed from mechanics and walking robots to autonomous navigation, medical robotics, and human interaction with intelligent systems. In June 2026, Ibrayeva was among the authors of REPAIR-Bench, a new research benchmark for studying how people respond to robot errors and how interaction can be restored after a failure. The researchers conducted 214 interaction trials involving 41 participants, recording speech, facial expressions, head movements, and users’ preferred responses to different robot failures. The task goes beyond simply detecting a failure. A robot working alongside people needs to understand how its mistake has changed a person’s behavior. One user may become irritated, another confused, while a third may try to repeat the action. The robot’s response should depend on that reaction. For Ibrayeva, this is a continuation of a scientific career that began not with generative AI, but with mechanics. She studied mechanics at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, receiving her bachelor’s degree in 2018 and master’s degree in 2020. She then continued her studies at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, where she conducted research in mechanical engineering. Her official KAUST profile lists robotics, mechanical engineering, and machine learning among her research interests. One of the early areas of her work was walking machines. Ibrayeva studied how their design could be simplified and the number of actuators reduced without losing the required range of movement. Such an approach can reduce energy consumption and simplify robot control. At a robotics conference at KAUST in 2022, she presented a walking robot design with decoupled limb motion. Agriculture was cited as one possible application because heavy wheeled machinery compacts soil and can damage plants. The walking mechanism was designed to move over uneven terrain while placing less load on its actuators. This work later developed into research combining classical mechanics, numerical optimization, and machine learning. A 2025 paper co-authored by Ibrayeva describes several physical prototypes of walking robots, tests on uneven surfaces, and the use of LiDAR for autonomous navigation. Another area was medical robotics. Ibrayeva took part in research on a lower-limb exoskeleton. The authors sought a design capable of reproducing the movements of the human leg with less mechanical complexity and more efficient force transmission. She also worked on autonomous navigation for service robots in rehabilitation medicine. A 2024 study examined a system using 3D LiDAR that allows a robot to map its surroundings, determine its position, and avoid obstacles while moving through a medical facility. At first glance, a walking machine for agriculture, a rehabilitation exoskeleton, and a robot interacting with a person belong to different fields. Yet all these projects involve the same practical problem: a...

2 weeks ago

Cultural Heritage

Mikhail Borisoglebsky’s Dzhangyr-Bai: Kazakh Steppe Culture and a Society in Transition

Among the overlooked literary works of the early Soviet period, Mikhail Borisoglebsky’s Dzhangyr-Bai stands as a fascinating cultural and historical artifact. Published in Moscow and Leningrad in 1926, the illustrated book follows Dzhangyr-Bai, a Kazakh figure of the old steppe order, as he confronts a changing world. It is also a vivid ethnographic portrait of the Kazakh steppe, with close attention to its music, clothing, traditions, and spiritual atmosphere. The surviving illustrated edition shows how literature once acted as a bridge between cultures, documenting a way of life being rapidly reshaped by modernization and Soviet reform. The opening pages immediately immerse the reader in the vastness of the steppe, described as boundless and almost eternal in its quiet. Borisoglebsky presents the Kazakh landscape poetically, comparing it to a calm sea beneath the sky. The rhythm of the seasons defines life there: harsh winters bury the earth beneath snow, while spring brings birdsong, grasslands, and nomadic movement. This introduction is not decorative. The steppe itself becomes a living presence in the story, shaping the mentality and fate of the people who inhabit it. At the center of the narrative is Dzhangyr-Bai, a representative of the old order. Through his character, Borisoglebsky explores the tension between tradition and the “new time” that emerged after the Russian Revolution. The story reflects a historical moment when nomadic customs and clan authority came under pressure from Soviet visions of modernization and social change. Dzhangyr-Bai symbolizes a generation struggling to understand whether change is a threat or an opportunity. One of the book’s most striking aspects is its ethnographic richness. The illustrations included in the edition are valuable visual records of Kazakh culture in the 1920s. Traditional clothing and wedding attire are carefully depicted, along with ornaments and everyday objects. These images reveal the elegance and practicality of steppe life. Headdresses and layered garments, many of them embroidered, show how identity and status were expressed visually in nomadic society. The illustrations of musical instruments are equally important. The dombra and kobyz shown in the book appear as central elements of cultural memory rather than exotic curiosities. Other traditional instruments also appear as part of the same artistic world. In Kazakh culture, music has long carried history and lineage, giving emotional form to memory. Through songs and oral storytelling, generations preserved their worldview long before widespread literacy. By including these instruments, the publication acknowledges the deep intellectual and artistic traditions of the Kazakh people. Another memorable section depicts children’s toys and household objects. These seemingly simple details offer insight into everyday life in the steppe. They remind modern readers that history is carried by ordinary habits as well as political upheaval. Such details transform the book into a historical archive as much as a literary work. Today, Dzhangyr-Bai has value far beyond its original political context. For contemporary readers in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, the book captures a transitional era when ancient nomadic civilization encountered industrial modernity. It records material life while also showing how people understood...

2 months ago

Art and Culture

Japanese Spring Festival Celebrates Central Asia Through Manga

A new cultural bridge between Japan and Kazakhstan was celebrated at the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, where internationally acclaimed Japanese manga artist Kaoru Mori opened her exhibition, Central Asian Cuisine, as part of the international “Japanese Spring” arts festival. The project was organized by the Degdar Humanitarian Foundation with the support of JTI Kazakhstan. The exhibition introduces visitors to the culinary traditions and cultural heritage of the five Central Asian countries through the visual storytelling style of Japanese manga. The Central Asian Cuisine manga project was originally created to mark the 10th anniversary of the “Japan + Central Asia” dialogue, established in 2004 between the Government of Japan and the five Central Asian nations. According to Akmaral Ibrayeva, deputy director of the National Museum, the exhibition is one of the most distinctive cultural projects combining culinary art with national customs and traditions, while also reflecting the unique aesthetics of each country. [caption id="attachment_49172" align="aligncenter" width="624"] Photo: National Museum of Kazakhstan[/caption] Speaking at the opening ceremony, Yasumasa Iijima, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Kazakhstan, emphasized that the “Japanese Spring” festival represents “diplomacy through art,” strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between nations. The ambassador also noted that this is the second exhibition in Astana featuring Kaoru Mori’s manga works at the National Museum. “Manga is read throughout Japan from schoolchildren to the Prime Minister,” the ambassador said. “It has become one of the symbols of modern Japanese culture, and today this genre has conquered the world.” The manga tells the story of young women from the countries participating in the dialogue who introduce their Japanese friend to their national cuisines and traditional dishes. Through vivid illustrations and detailed depictions of cooking methods, the manga serves not only as an artistic work but also as a culinary guide to Central Asian food culture. According to Timur Kurmanchiyev, artistic director of the festival, a renowned musician and Honored Worker of Kazakhstan, the “Japanese Spring” festivals have become the largest and longest-running events dedicated to Japanese culture in Kazakhstan and across Central Asia. [caption id="attachment_49173" align="aligncenter" width="624"] Photo: National Museum of Kazakhstan[/caption] Guests attending the opening ceremony also enjoyed performances featuring traditional dance and choral music, adding a festive atmosphere to the exhibition. The exhibition highlights how art, cuisine, and cultural dialogue can bring nations closer together, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore Central Asian traditions through the lens of Japanese manga artistry.

3 months ago

Shoqan Walikhanov

Shoqan Walikhanov: Kazakh Scholar Recognized in the West

Shoqan Walikhanov gained recognition far beyond the Kazakh steppe, earning admiration in Russian and European intellectual circles. Although his life was brief, he left a lasting impact on Oriental studies, ethnography, geography, history, and folklore research. Western academics especially valued his expedition to Kashgar and his detailed studies of Central Asia. Even today, many scholars writing about the region continue to rely on Walikhanov’s observations and publications. One example of this influence appears in A Century of Russian Rule in Central Asia, a scholarly volume edited by Edward Allworth and published in the United States in 1967. In the book, researchers frequently cite Walikhanov’s articles and reports on Central Asia, recognizing them as important historical sources. Russian Oriental scholars famously compared Walikhanov to “a fleeting meteor” whose brilliance appeared only briefly. The respected orientalist Nikolai Veselovsky also wrote about the high expectations scholars had for his future. Walikhanov’s studies first became known in Europe through the Russian Geographical Society. His works, including Sketches of Dzungaria, Journey to Altyshahr, and Notes on the Kyrgyz, introduced Western readers to the history, customs, and traditions of Central Asian peoples. By 1865, Walikhanov’s reputation had already reached the English-speaking world. That year, The Russians in Central Asia was translated into English and published in London by John and Robert Michell. The book examined the Russian Empire’s expansion into Central Asia, the Syr Darya military frontier, and political relations with the khanates of Khiva, Bukhara, and Kokand. It included Walikhanov’s accounts from his 1858 and 1859 expedition to Kashgar and Dzungaria, identifying him as “Capt. Valikhanof,” a Russian-based transliteration of his name. His writings offered Western audiences rare insights into the geography, political climate, ethnography, and daily life of Xinjiang and neighboring territories. The publication also featured studies by Russian travelers such as Mikhail Venyukov. The authors described the incorporation of the Kazakh steppe into the Russian Empire, the unstable political situation in the Central Asian khanates, and the international rivalry associated with the “Great Game.” [caption id="attachment_48496" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Decree of Emperor Alexander II on awarding Chokan Valikhanov the Fourth Class Order of Saint Vladimir for his journey to Kashgar, 1860. Photo credit: shoqan.kz[/caption] [caption id="attachment_48497" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Clothing of Kashgar Women. Drawn by Chokan Valikhanov, 1858.Photo credit: shoqan.kz[/caption] Modern historians still consider the book one of the most valuable nineteenth-century sources on Russian colonial expansion in Central Asia. At the time, Walikhanov’s observations on Kashgar were regarded as some of the most reliable information available to European scholars about a region that remained largely inaccessible. Western academics admired Walikhanov not only for his scholarship, but also for his role as a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures. English-language studies often describe him as “the first European-educated Kazakh intellectual.” His growing reputation in the English-speaking academic world has also been examined in later research. In the article Chokan Valikhanov and the English-speaking World, British researcher Nick Fielding explains how Walikhanov’s writings attracted the attention of nineteenth-century British scholars. According to Fielding, members of the...

4 months ago

Ballet

From Kazakhstan to International Ballet: Meirambek Nazargozhayev’s Rise

Meirambek Nazargozhayev’s journey is a remarkable story of talent, determination, and transformation. Hailing from the small village of Karaoy in Kazakhstan’s Almaty region, he grew up like many boys in the countryside, playing football and the dombra, with little connection to the world of classical ballet. Today, however, he is a principal soloist at the Royal Danish Theatre, one of Europe’s most prestigious cultural institutions. Ballet was not part of Nazargozhayev’s childhood dreams. His path changed thanks to his aunt Farida, a choreographic instructor in Almaty, who noticed his potential early on and encouraged him to pursue dance. At the age of ten, he entered professional training, marking the beginning of an unexpected but extraordinary career. Creativity had always been part of his life. He recalls being drawn to music and performance from an early age, playing instruments, exploring artistic interests, and taking part in local cultural activities. In 2006, he was admitted to a choreographic school in Almaty, where he trained intensively. Watching dancers glide and leap across the stage left a lasting impression, turning his initial curiosity into a deep passion for ballet. [caption id="attachment_48150" align="aligncenter" width="300"] From a personal photo archive[/caption] With consistent effort and discipline, Nazargozhayev soon began gaining international recognition and winning awards. His artistic path echoes the words of Rabindranath Tagore, who described art as an expression of the inner self. While many of his classmates aimed to join local theaters in Astana or Almaty, Nazargozhayev aspired to build a career abroad. He first moved to Moscow, where he spent eight months working at a major theater, performing key roles and refining his skills. Eager to broaden his horizons, he then turned to Europe, known for its rich ballet traditions and high professional standards. His European career began in Kiel, Germany, where his distinctive style and talent quickly earned him a contract. He flourished there, particularly in contemporary dance, a genre he continues to value deeply. During his time in Germany, he heard a great deal about the Royal Danish Theatre, which soon became his ultimate goal. An offer from a major theater in Madrid followed, promising strong prospects. Shortly afterward, however, he received an invitation from the Royal Danish Theatre, the very stage he had long dreamed of joining. [caption id="attachment_48151" align="aligncenter" width="300"] From a personal photo archive[/caption] “I was in disbelief,” he admits. “I had applied, but I never imagined I would actually be accepted.” After joining the company, Nazargozhayev made an immediate impact by performing a solo role in Jiří Kylián’s ballet 27’52”, an opportunity rarely given to new members. His performance captivated both audiences and colleagues, establishing him as a standout artist. Over the past eight years, he has continued to grow professionally, appearing on major stages across Europe, China, North America, and at the Kremlin Palace. In recognition of his excellence and dedication, the Royal Danish Theatre granted him a lifelong soloist contract, an honor reserved for only the most distinguished performers. He has also performed before the Danish...

4 months ago

Science

Researchers in Kazakhstan Develop Central Asia’s First Digital Food Atlas

Researchers at Nazarbayev University in Astana have unveiled Central Asia’s first digital food atlas, a tool designed to improve how diets in the region are measured and studied. The development is expected to strengthen research in public health and nutrition. Developed by the Central Asia Food Innovation Lab (CAFI Lab), the atlas addresses a long-standing gap in public health research: the lack of accurate, region-specific data on dietary habits. As the researchers note, even minor errors in estimating portion sizes can lead to significant distortions in calculating calorie and nutrient intake. Until now, specialists in Central Asia have largely relied on Western or East Asian dietary databases. However, the structure of the regional diet, characterized by high consumption of red meat, flour-based foods, and dairy products, limits the accuracy of such tools. [caption id="attachment_47557" align="alignnone" width="300"] @NU[/caption] The atlas introduces a standardized approach based on two previously developed regional datasets: the Central Asian Food Dataset (CAFD) and the Central Asian Food Scenes Dataset (CAFSD). It includes 115 items, ranging from traditional dishes such as beshbarmak, plov, and manty to commonly consumed foods such as pizza, cereals, and ice cream. Each item has been digitized under laboratory conditions with precisely measured portions, an essential factor for accurate dietary assessment. “This is not just a visual guide,” said Dr. Mei Yen Chan, assistant professor at the university's school of medicine. “It aligns with international standards and allows researchers in Central Asia to generate data that are globally comparable.” At the same time, the atlas represents only a first step. It does not directly calculate calorie content and requires an additional analytical layer. As the authors note, regional dishes vary widely in composition and preparation methods, while “hidden” components, such as fats, broths, and density, make precise assessment difficult. In theory, caloric value is calculated as the sum of the energy provided by all ingredients (e.g., 4 kcal per gram of protein and carbohydrates, and 9 kcal per gram of fat). In practice, however, accurate calculation would require weighing every ingredient, an approach rarely feasible in real-life settings. Visual atlases therefore serve as a practical compromise, helping estimate portion size and approximate calorie intake, albeit with some margin of error. Even AI-based systems still struggle to accurately analyze complex, multi-ingredient dishes. [caption id="attachment_47558" align="alignnone" width="300"] @NU[/caption] In this context, the project’s significance extends beyond calorie counting. By standardizing portion sizes, the atlas addresses a fundamental prerequisite for reliable dietary assessment and the advancement of digital nutrition technologies. Beyond research, the atlas supports the development of AI-driven health applications. The datasets are already being used to train machine learning models, including multi-task deep learning systems capable of recognizing dishes, estimating nutritional value, and supporting digital health tools from mobile applications to telemedicine platforms. The findings have been published in the international peer-reviewed journals Nutrients, IEEE Access, and Scientific Reports, and are available in open access. The research team is currently working to expand the project by incorporating detailed nutritional data and is seeking additional...

4 months ago

TCA Interviews

Kazakhstani Neurosurgeon Galymzhan Issabekov on Brain Research in Berlin

In an era of globalization, science has become an increasingly borderless field dedicated to advancing human well-being. This is especially evident in neuroscience, where ongoing discoveries are deepening understanding of the human brain, one of the body’s most complex and least understood organs, while shaping the future of medicine. Among the emerging researchers in this field is Kazakhstani neurosurgeon and PhD scholar Galymzhan Issabekov. Issabekov is part of a new generation of scientists building international careers in research and medicine. His academic path began at Peking University, where he received medical training and developed a strong foundation in research. He later completed a residency in functional neurosurgery in Beijing, combining clinical practice with scientific work and focusing in particular on hemispherectomy, a complex procedure used to treat severe pediatric epilepsy. [caption id="attachment_46916" align="aligncenter" width="300"] From G.Issabekov's personal archive[/caption] Seeking further professional development, Issabekov continued his training in Japan. With support from the Takeda Science Foundation, he joined Tokyo Women’s Medical University as a fellow, working alongside neurosurgeon Professor Takaomi Taira. This period was instrumental in shaping his research interests and integrating him into the international scientific community. He is currently based in Berlin, where he conducts research at Charité University Hospital. His work focuses on improving deep brain stimulation (DBS), an advanced therapy used to treat Parkinson’s disease. The procedure involves implanting electrodes in deep brain structures to regulate abnormal neural activity. As Issabekov explains, some DBS procedures are performed while the patient is conscious. During these operations, neurophysiologists monitor electrical brain activity in real time, providing neurosurgeons with highly precise, navigation-like guidance. This enables the accurate placement of electrodes in extremely small regions such as the subthalamic nucleus. Experienced specialists can even identify these areas through the distinct patterns, or “sounds,” of neuronal signals, reflecting a high level of surgical precision. Together with his colleagues, Issabekov is developing a new intraoperative protocol that allows for simultaneous brain stimulation and real-time monitoring of neural responses. Previously, combining these processes posed significant technical challenges. The new method is expected to offer deeper insight into the mechanisms of DBS and support more individualized treatment approaches. The research team has reached an important stage, with initial findings now being prepared for publication. Early results indicate strong potential for meaningful scientific advances. Despite working abroad, Issabekov maintains close ties with Kazakhstan’s academic community. He is co-founder and vice president of the Global Central Asian Science and Technology (CAST) Association, which connects more than 150 researchers from Kazakhstan and across Central Asia in over 30 countries. The organization supports early-career scientists by facilitating international placements and promoting global collaboration. “Many Kazakh researchers abroad are willing to contribute to the development of science in their home country,” Issabekov said. “What has been missing is a structured platform to connect them. Our association aims to fill that gap. We also help participants in the Bolashak program, particularly within the '500 Scientists’ initiative, find suitable research institutions and laboratories overseas.” Beyond his scientific work, Issabekov highlights a broader...

4 months ago

Literature

Literary Competition Showcases Outstanding New Kazakh Novels

The “Modern Kazakh Novel” competition, with the support of Shukhrat Ibragimov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), was launched last year as a national cultural initiative. The project was designed to stimulate the growth of contemporary Kazakh prose and foster closer ties between authors and readers. With more than 3,000 submissions, the competition highlighted the Kazakh public's interest in literature. Eight authors reached the final stage of the competition. Seven finalists were each awarded 3 million tenge ($6,300), while the winner of the grand prize received 15 million tenge ($31,500). A notable achievement of the initiative was the publication of the shortlisted works. A thousand copies of each novel were printed and officially presented to the public. Of these, 750 copies were transferred to the National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan, allowing the books to be distributed widely through the national library network. [caption id="attachment_46360" align="aligncenter" width="300"] @ERG[/caption] The finalists were Duman Ramazan (with a novel called Trial), Kuanysh Zhienbay (The Final Stop in Aralkum), Nurzhan Kuantaiuly (Unfaithful Game), Askar Altay (Cascade), Murat Almasbek (Two Shores), Kuat Borash (Repentance), and Aiyum Akyltai (Debt). The grand prize was awarded to Zhusipbek Korgasbek for his novel The Wolf from Cologne. Plans have also been announced to adapt the work into a feature film. In his message to participants, ERG's Chairperson Shukhrat Ibragimov highlighted the value of national literature and expressed confidence in contemporary writers. He stressed that national values remain vital for younger generations, as they connect historical heritage with the demands of a rapidly evolving world shaped by innovation and digital technologies. Ibragimov also noted that one of literature’s key roles is to shape new characters that reflect the realities of each new era. In this context, such competitions create meaningful opportunities for emerging writers and help reinterpret national identity from fresh perspectives. According to jury chair Qaynar Olzhai, the initiative was initially intended to support novels written in the Kazakh language. Over the course of a year, hundreds of applications were received. From 220 promising novel projects reviewed by experts, five finalists were originally planned. However, due to the unexpectedly high quality and quantity of submissions, the sponsor agreed to expand the shortlist by adding two more finalists. [caption id="attachment_46361" align="aligncenter" width="200"] @ERG[/caption] Ultimately, every meaningful achievement is rooted in intellectual and spiritual development. From pilots and mountaineers to global business leaders, many groundbreaking ideas originate from reading and literature. In this sense, the “Modern Kazakh Novel” project is an effort to support the creative community and encourage literary innovation.

5 months ago

Frankfurt Book Fair

Frankfurt Book Fair Director: Kazakhstan Could Become Future Guest of Honor

In recent years, Kazakhstan has become increasingly active at the Frankfurter Buchmesse, the Frankfurt Book Fair. Each year, a national stand brings together publishers and literary institutions that engage with international partners and expand professional networks. Participation in this global event has supported a range of initiatives aimed at introducing Kazakh literature and culture to a broader international audience. On this occasion, we spoke with Juergen Boos, Director of the Frankfurter Buchmesse, about opportunities for entering the global publishing market and the significance of becoming a Guest of Honor at the Frankfurt Book Fair. TCA: As the world’s largest book fair, what new mission or direction is the Frankfurter Buchmesse pursuing today? Juergen Boos: Frankfurter Buchmesse today serves not only as the world’s leading marketplace for rights and content but also as a global platform for cultural exchange and professional dialogue. In a rapidly evolving geopolitical and technological environment, our mission is to strengthen international publishing networks, uphold freedom of expression, and facilitate sustainable cooperation across regions. We aim to connect established and emerging markets alike, encouraging long-term partnerships that extend well beyond the fair itself. TCA: What major changes have you observed in the global publishing industry in recent years? Juergen Boos: The publishing industry is undergoing significant structural transformation. Digital distribution channels, audio formats, evolving licensing models, and the growing application of artificial intelligence are reshaping the sector. At the same time, we are witnessing gradual diversification in the global publishing landscape. Regions that previously had limited international visibility are increasingly seeking engagement beyond their domestic markets. Central Asia is among those regions demonstrating a clear interest in strengthening its international profile, which adds valuable perspectives to the global literary conversation. [caption id="attachment_45243" align="alignnone" width="300"] Photo credit: Frankfurter Buchmesse[/caption] TCA: How are digital technologies and artificial intelligence transforming the book market? Juergen Boos: Digital technologies and AI are influencing translation processes, metadata management, copyright issues, discoverability, and market analysis both positively and negatively. On the positive side, AI can increase efficiency and expand access to content. We are already seeing AI evolve from an experimental tool into an integral part of everyday publishing practice. For me, however, literature remains fundamentally human in its origin and intention. Storytelling, cultural nuance, and intellectual depth cannot be automated. The key challenge for the publishing sector lies in integrating technological innovation responsibly while preserving creative integrity and editorial independence. TCA: Can literature help strengthen mutual understanding between nations? If so, how? Juergen Boos: Yes, I believe it can. Literature allows readers to understand other societies through lived experiences rather than political abstractions. Through translation and international circulation, books foster empathy and cultural literacy. Book fairs provide a structured professional framework for such exchange. They enable sustained relationships between publishers, authors, and institutions, thereby contributing to long-term cultural understanding. TCA: Has the importance of books and cultural dialogue increased in today’s geopolitical climate? Juergen Boos: In times of uncertainty and polarization, the role of thoughtful cultural dialogue becomes even more significant. Books create...

6 months ago

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