Our People > Tamila Olzhbaekova

Tamila Olzhbaekova

Journalist

Tamila Olzhabekova is a journalist, award-winning illustrator, and a volunteer, curator and event organizer in the DOSTAR diaspora of Kazakhstan organization.
Prior to working for The Times of Central Asia, she has written for Peter Tv, First Line, Five Corners, Sport.Kz, and numerous other publications. A campaigner for interethnic harmony and the protection of stray animals, she studied at St. Petersburg State University.

Articles

Air Pollution

Choking on Smog: Kazakhstan’s Ust-Kamenogorsk forced to suspend in-person schooling amid rising air pollution

The city of Ust-Kamenogorsk in eastern Kazakhstan has once again found itself at the center of an environmental scandal, with polluted air and unfavorable weather conditions causing deteriorating health among its citizens and forcing schoolchildren to move to distance learning. Smog in the city: complaints and consequences In the last week of November, unfavorable weather conditions hit Ust-Kamenogorsk, aggravating the problem of air pollution. Citizens complained of worsening health: headaches, nausea, vomiting, coughing, and fever. Children, who have to breathe polluted air on their way to school, are particularly affected. Parents have repeatedly expressed their outrage, demanding action. In response to the latest complaints, the authorities transitioned some 53,000 of the city's schoolchildren to distance learning on November 28-29. This marked the first time in the city's history that education was suspended due to the environmental situation. Weather forecasters say that the unfavorable weather conditions will continue until at least the end of November. This means that Ust-Kamenogorsk residents will continue to suffer from smog, and children will probably remain in distance learning. Environmentalists weigh in Azamat Tauyrbekov, head of the Department of Ecology for the East Kazakh region, said that environmental agencies are working hard these days, conducting air measurements throughout the city. However, inspections of enterprises are complicated by bureaucratic procedures: access to production facilities requires an official application with evidence of violation. On November 28, joint inspections took place at two large enterprises in the region: Kazzinc and an oil extraction plant. So far, the results of the inspections have not been published, but activists and citizens continue to insist on the need for more transparent controls over emissions. Citizen frustration boils over Residents of Ust-Kamenogorsk are discussing the air pollution situation on social networks, sharing their complaints and worries. In comments on the Instagram platform one can see messages such as: - "It is impossible to breathe, even at home." - "My head hurts, I feel weak, feverish, have a sore throat, watery eyes, stuffy nose." - "How is it possible to poison almost 400,000 people? We pay taxes to be destroyed?" - "There is a taste of metal and acid in my mouth." Despite the fact that the problem has become a reason for creating memes and jokes about smog, reactions such as these reveal the deep dissatisfaction and anxiety of the city's residents. People are starting to openly demand that authorities strengthen control over emissions from enterprises and take real measures to improve the environmental situation in the city.

1 year ago

Tashkent

New Project in Tashkent Offers Free Housing to Residents of Wooden Homes

Residents of wooden houses in Yangikhayot will be relocated to new apartments, and an arboretum will be created in their place. Residents of wooden two-story houses in Tashkent's Yangikhayot district will be relocated to the Yangi Mahalla residential complex in two to three years, with families receiving free accommodation in the new complex. The project, the cost of which is estimated at 1.5 trillion-som ($117 million), will affect 409 wooden houses in the Yuldosh (Sputnik) massif, where more than 21,000 people reside. The resettlement will affect 4,341 families, who will be relocated to modern apartment buildings in Gulshanobod mahalla. The project includes the resettlement of residents and landscaping, Yangikhayot District Hokim (head of the local executive authority), Hayot Inogamov and Tashkent Invest Chairman, Bakhrom Shokirov told a November 28 news conference. An arboretum surrounded by perennial trees will replace the old wooden houses. Tashkent Invest developed the resettlement program with the support of the hokimiyat and district administration. The company itself will not participate in the construction of the new houses, but will act as an intermediary between the state and construction organizations, overseeing the fulfillment of the social obligations of investors, and ensuring resettlement of the families. This project will not only improve the living conditions of thousands of residents, but will be an important step towards improving the environmental situation in the neighborhood by creating a new park on the site of the outdated development.

1 year ago

South Korea

The Impact of Korean Culture on Kazakhstan: Personal Stories and Impressions

In recent years, Korean culture - including K-pop and doramas (dramas) - has gained incredible popularity in Kazakhstan. It has had a significant impact on young people, offering not only entertainment, but also support, motivation, and new opportunities to socialize and express themselves. To better understand how Korean culture is influencing life in Kazakhstan, TCA talked to young people about their stories and experiences. [caption id="attachment_26045" align="aligncenter" width="585"] Image: TCA[/caption] Alua, 22, computer club administrator For me, as an insecure teenager, K-pop and doramas have been a tremendous support and help in shaping my personality. Songs about self-love, with words of encouragement and motivation give many teens a foothold they often can't get from their environment. The doramas teach us and show us that nothing is impossible, that everything is in our hands. They also show young girls what healthy relationships should look like. That's what I love about Korean culture, the lack of gender boundaries and the promotion of healthy attitudes. I think this kind of influence has a great effect on the youth of Kazakhstan. Doramas are television series produced in South Korea and other Asian countries. They cover a wide range of genres: romance, drama, comedy, sci-fi, historical subjects, and more. Doramas are known for their high-quality productions, plot twists, and colorful characters. [caption id="attachment_26046" align="aligncenter" width="585"] Image by Nastya, from the official BTS film festival in Kino Park, Astana[/caption] Nurlan, 19, student at a pedagogical faculty I like Korean culture because of its unconventionality. For example, K-pop groups such as BTS have always fought against male stereotypes and I’m inspired by it. I think it's really great, because in Kazakhstan there are big problems with the perception of gender roles. In addition to male stereotypes, they are also breaking down female stereotypes through female groups like BLACKPINK, who present themselves as confident girls who are not afraid of getting their own way. Also in Kazakhstan, many convenience stores like the Korean 7/11 are opening up where you can eat noodles and tokpoki, and sit with friends, just like in the doramas. I really like it, and I’m happy that Korean trends that are reaching us in Kazakhstan. [caption id="attachment_26049" align="aligncenter" width="585"] Image: TCA[/caption] Sarah, 21, store administrator and student I started getting into Korean culture back in 2010, when my sister showed me the dorama Boys More Beautiful Than Flowers. After that, K-pop and doramas helped me not to get discouraged during difficult moments, offering an interactive culture that nurtured a sense of love and support. Even if it wasn't fashionable then and I was made fun of, K-pop kept me going. Now, however, it’s a worldwide phenomenon, and that’s nothing short of heartwarming. So many people around the world have discovered a whole new genre of music, movies, TV series and things in the Korean media space, such as albums and photocards, fan-sites, merch, and concerts. Doramas and shows like Running Man and Apartment 404 have become my favorite part of celebrity promotion in Korea....

1 year ago

Silk Road Treasures

Ninety One: Revolutionizing Kazakh Music and Fighting Stereotypes

Ninety One revolutionized Kazakhstani pop music by pioneering the Q-pop genre. With their vivid images, deep lyrics and courage in expressing themselves openly. They broke gender stereotypes and inspired a new generation of artists. How it started Ninety One were founded in 2014, based on the "K-Top Idols" project, which sought to create Kazakhstan's first idol group. Initially, the jury selected two participants: A.Z. (Azamat Zenkaev) and Zaq (Dulat Mukhamedkaliev). Later, after additional auditions, they were joined by Bala (Daniyar Kulumshin) and Alem (Batyrkhan Malikov). The fifth member was Ace (Azamat Ashmakyn). The producer of the group, Yerbolat Bedelkhan, sought not only to create a new musical team, but to lay the foundation for the development of a new genre - Q-pop (Qazaq pop) - to unite Kazakh culture with modern pop music and bring it to an international audience. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9QIgf50sh4&ab_channel=GAKKUTV[/embed] A challenge to society and initial successes Released in 2015, Ninety One's debut music video for the song “Ayyptama” (Don't blame me), was a breakthrough. The daring style of the members - bright clothes, makeup and skirts - caused heated debates in still conservative Kazakhstani society. Many criticized the group for being “unconventional,” but young people quickly accepted the new format, seeing in it the freedom of self-expression. Despite pressure, canceled concerts and criticism, Ninety One continued to make steady progress. Their work has been recognized both at home and abroad. The hits “Qalay Qaraisyn” (How do you look at it?), “Su Asty” (Underwater) and “Taboo” (with Irina Kairatovna) gained popularity, and the group's albums became a cultural phenomenon. In addition to music, the band found time to test themselves on the silver screen. On August 24, 2017, the film, Ninety One, dedicated to the history of the group and their path to success, was released. The film was directed by Askar Uzabaev, and the producers were Asel Sadvakasova and Erbolat Bedelhan. The picture entered the top three leaders at the Kazakhstan box office, reaping 32,672,000 tenge on the first weekend of its release alone. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sciYs_H0Ifo&ab_channel=1kino.kz[/embed] Contributing to the fight against gender stereotypes Ninety One broke stereotypes about how men should look and behave in Kazakhstani society. They showed that a colorful apparel, experimentation with fashion and openness to new ideas are not a weakness, but a strength. The group inspired young people to boldly express themselves, overcome the fear of judgment, and break with outdated stereotypes. They became an inspiration for new artists, playing a key role in the development of the Q-pop industry. Ninety One's fan base grew so large that they gave themselves the nickname “eagles” after the symbol which was the band's signature gesture: crossed palms representing a bird, the symbol of the national flag of Kazakhstan. Today, Ninety One remain one of the most successful musical groups in Kazakhstan, actively touring, releasing new albums and continuing to attract the attention of international audiences. In 2023, the group released the album GAP, which became a huge hit. Among the most popular tracks is “АPEREM AI”...

1 year ago

Art and Culture

Six Key Names in the Music of Kazakhstan

The music of Kazakhstan is a bright reflection of the national identity. From pop classics to groundbreaking hip-hop sounds, Kazakhstani artists are creating more than just songs – they’re blazing a new cultural trail, where every chord and lyric is imbued with a unique identity. TCA has compiled a list of six key names whose music has united generations, captured hearts and made Kazakhstan a prominent spot on the global music map. Dos-Mukasan [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCmlOVdhVLc[/embed] Dos-Mukasan have been one of the most popular bands in Kazakhstan since the late 1960s. The group was created by students of the Kazakh Polytechnic Institute and soon became a firm favorite with the public. They combined folk motifs with elements of rock music, which was revolutionary at the time, and set a new vector for Kazakhstani pop music. Their compositions, such as “Aliya” and “Toi Zhyry”, remain popular and are played at various events, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia among the older generations. Following the release of the movie Dos-Mukasan in 2022, the band gained a second lease of life with a younger audience. Now, the legendary band can be heard on a new generation of headphones, and the number of monthly listens on Spotify has already exceeded 19,000. Roza Rymbayeva [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvdFwnQ1nXU[/embed] Roza Rymbayeva, the “Nightingale of Kazakhstan”, is one of the most famous performers from Soviet-era Kazakhstan. Her career began in 1975 when she became a soloist with the Arai ensemble and quickly gained immense popularity. Rymbayeva continued her career performing on various international stages and won a plethora of awards. Her songs are characterized by strong vocals and deep content, and many, such as “Aliya,” have become true classics of Kazakhstani pop music. Kairat Nurtas [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkPBXZNbKA4[/embed] Kairat Nurtas is one of the most commercially successful performers in modern Kazakhstan. He began his musical career as a teenager, and by the 2010s had become a star of the Kazakh pop scene. His songs, such as “Arman” and “Almaty tүni,” became hits, winning over fans across the country. Kairat is listened to by both the younger generation, who appreciate his modern pop sounds, and more mature listeners, who are drawn to his lyrics and national motifs. Thanks to his charisma and ability to find a common language with different generations, Kairat has a huge army of fans and has a significant influence on the modern pop culture of Kazakhstan. Dimash Kudaibergen [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUARjexCTlQ[/embed] Dimash Kudaibergen is a singer with a unique voice, the range of which reaches six octaves. He became famous globally thanks to his participation in the Chinese show “I Am a Singer” in 2017, where he captivated the audience with his powerful voice. Dimash has won numerous international awards and actively popularizes Kazakh culture abroad, incorporating national themes into his performances. His compositions, “S.O.S” and “Acapella” have been recognized both in Kazakhstan and far beyond its borders. Skriptonit [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkncpcanly0[/embed] Skriptonit (Adil Jalelov) is one of the most influential rappers in Kazakhstan and the CIS. His style...

1 year ago