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

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...

1 week 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...

2 weeks 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...

3 weeks 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...

1 month 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.

1 month ago