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

Nauryz

How Nauryz Was Celebrated in Astana: Traditions, Sports, and the Spirit of Spring

Spring in Astana traditionally begins with one of the country’s most beloved holidays, Nauryz. In 2026, citywide celebrations once again brought together thousands of residents and visitors to open-air venues, where ancient traditions, national games, crafts, and family activities combined to create a vibrant festive atmosphere. In recent years, Nauryz has also taken on a broader role in Kazakhstan’s public life, reflecting efforts to reinforce national identity and cultural continuity in a rapidly modernizing society. In Astana, where public space and national imagery are carefully curated, the holiday takes on a particularly structured and representative form. This year, the city’s central squares were transformed into a large ethno-village. Traditional yurts were set up throughout the area, decorated with national carpets, ornaments, and objects reflecting nomadic culture. Inside, visitors could explore elements of the traditional Kazakh way of life. Wooden tableware, textiles with ornamental patterns, fur decorations, and historical weapons created a strong sense of cultural heritage. The air carried the sounds of traditional music and the smell of freshly prepared dishes, adding to the immersive atmosphere. Craft exhibitions attracted particular attention. Artists and artisans presented paintings and decorative panels inspired by Kazakh ornaments and steppe symbolism. Bright compositions, created using techniques ranging from textured painting to decorative ceramics, showed how these patterns continue to find expression in contemporary art. [caption id="attachment_45761" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image: TCA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_45762" align="aligncenter" width="2365"] Image: TCA[/caption] Traditional games are an integral part of Nauryz. One of the most notable competitions was asyk atu, an ancient Kazakh game in which players use skill and precision to knock down asyks (sheep knucklebones) from a distance. Spectators gathered around the playing area, watching the precise throws of experienced participants. Strength contests were also a major draw. On stages and sports grounds, athletes demonstrated their power and endurance in kettlebell lifting, attracting large crowds. Such competitions have long symbolized the resilience and physical strength associated with steppe traditions. As Nauryz is a family-centered holiday, special attention was given to activities for children. In designated play zones, young visitors could learn about folk customs, take part in workshops, and try on national costumes, alongside more modern раstimes, including digital games and interactive exhibits. Many residents attended with their extended families. Across the festival grounds, elderly people in traditional headwear, parents with children, and groups of young people gathered together, creating a sense of unity tied to the arrival of spring. [caption id="attachment_45763" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image: TCA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_45764" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image: TCA[/caption] Nauryz celebrations in Astana in 2026 showed that the holiday is more than a date on the calendar. It remains a marker of renewal and continuity, with traditions passed down through generations still visible in the modern capital, where people of different ages and backgrounds come together to celebrate. In Astana, Nauryz continues to evolve without losing its core meaning, balancing carefully staged tradition with everyday participation. In a city defined by its future-facing architecture, the holiday offers a reminder that renewal is rooted as much in continuity...

3 weeks ago

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...

3 weeks ago

Women's rights

8 March Women’s Rights Rally Takes Place in Bishkek

A rally in support of women’s rights took place in Bishkek's Maxim Gorky Square on March 8, International Women’s Day. More than a hundred people gathered at the square, including activists, public figures, and city residents who came to support the initiative. The rally has become one of the traditional events held in the capital of Kyrgyzstan on 8 March. For about ten years, marches and public gatherings dedicated to equal rights and women’s safety have been organized in Bishkek on this day. In previous years, participants more often held marches through the city center. However, this time the authorities allowed the event only in the format of a peaceful rally in the park. Initially, the organizers planned a march, but the gathering ultimately took place in Gorky Square. [caption id="attachment_45112" align="aligncenter" width="225"] @TCA[/caption] The rally began during the day and lasted for about an hour. Police officers monitored public order during the event. Participants gathered in small groups, held posters and banners, and discussed issues related to women’s rights and gender equality. Among those present at the rally were Member of Parliament Elvira Surabaldieva, former ombudsman Atyr Abdrakhmatova, as well as human rights defenders, content creators, and public activists. Representatives of various civic initiatives and activists who regularly take part in similar events in Bishkek were also present. Many participants brought posters addressing themes of equal rights and women’s safety. The signs included slogans against domestic violence and calls to protect women’s rights. Posters traditionally serve as the main visual element of such events, helping participants draw attention to issues of gender inequality and the need to address cases of violence. [caption id="attachment_45113" align="aligncenter" width="225"] @TCA[/caption] Rallies dedicated to women’s rights are held in Bishkek every year on March 8. They usually bring together activists and residents who want to remind the public that International Women’s Day is connected not only with celebrations but also with the historical struggle for equal rights. Despite changes in format over the years, such events remain among the most visible civic initiatives in the capital of Kyrgyzstan focused on gender equality and women’s rights.

1 month ago

Korean Culture

The Influence of Korean Culture on Uzbekistan: Personal Stories and Impressions

From fan meet-ups in shopping malls to Korean universities and supermarket shelves stocked with beauty brands, Korean culture in Uzbekistan has long ceased to be a niche interest. Yet behind bright music videos and conversations about Korean standards lies a more complex picture. For some, it represents a sense of community and part of personal identity; for others, it is a passing trend or even a source of disappointment. How exactly is the Korean wave structured in Uzbekistan, and why is its influence perceived so differently? The answer lies in personal stories and observations. How the Korean “Wave” Is Structured in Uzbekistan When discussing the influence of Korean culture in Uzbekistan, it is important to recognize that this is not a single, monolithic phenomenon. Rather, it consists of several parallel streams that have gradually entered everyday life. These include popular culture — K-pop, television dramas, fan meetings, and new urban leisure formats — as well as consumer practices such as cosmetics, fashion, and gastronomy. Institutional ties also play a role, including language centers, university programs, cultural associations, and humanitarian initiatives. In academic discourse, the concept of the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, refers to the global spread of South Korean cultural products and associated lifestyles beyond the country’s borders since the late 1990s. Mass media, internet platforms, and carefully designed state cultural policy have played key roles in this process. In Uzbekistan, Hallyu has taken on a particular resonance. Here, Korean culture is not merely a trend introduced through new media; it is also part of the country’s social fabric. Uzbekistan has a historically significant Korean community composed of descendants of Koreans resettled during the Soviet period. For many people, interest in contemporary South Korea is therefore linked not only to fashion or pop culture but also to questions of identity, memory, and intergenerational dialogue. Pop Culture and Urban Aesthetics The most visible and widely discussed channel of influence is youth pop culture. It is through this sphere that the Korean wave becomes most noticeable. Researchers in the region describe K-pop as one of the main drivers of Hallyu’s popularity in Central Asia, including Uzbekistan. Interest in music often leads to language learning, the formation of fan communities, and increased online engagement. For many, everything begins with a music video, bright, dynamic, and visually polished. Then come fan chats, dance cover groups, and attempts to analyze song lyrics. Music becomes a form of social glue, bringing teenagers together in Telegram channels, on university campuses, and in shopping malls where spontaneous flash mobs take place. Alongside this runs what might be called the drama channel. Korean television series in Uzbekistan are no longer a niche interest. Academic publications analyze their growing popularity and explore why this format has proven so resilient and widely appealing. The explanation is often found in a combination of emotional storytelling, family-centered plots, and visual aesthetics that resonate with local audiences. Pop-cultural influence does not remain confined to screens; it spills into the city itself. In 2023, Korea...

1 month ago

Healthcare

Psychological Support in Kazakhstan: Growing Demand, Changing Stigma, and the State’s Move Toward Regulation

Just a few years ago, conversations about psychotherapy in Kazakhstan were conducted in hushed tones, as if acknowledging “weakness” or personal failure. Today, mental health is gradually entering the public sphere: teenagers seek support, parents attend training sessions, and adults increasingly view therapy as a practical tool for emotional self-regulation. Alongside this cultural shift, the support infrastructure is expanding. At the same time, the state’s role is growing, with authorities publicly emphasizing quality control, from creating a registry of specialists and setting educational requirements to introducing digital tools for early risk detection in children. Normalization as a New Stage The most significant change in recent years has been in public perception. Psychotherapy is increasingly regarded not as a “last resort,” but as a routine service, comparable to consulting a doctor or lawyer, but focused on emotions and behavior. Seeking professional help is gradually ceasing to signal a crisis and is becoming part of everyday self-care. This shift has been gradual. For many years, the psychological support market developed spontaneously through private practice and online consultations, without unified standards or regulatory oversight. At the same time, public attitudes evolved from caution and stigma in the post-Soviet period to a more pragmatic and open approach to mental health. Changes are particularly visible where access to support has become less accessible. On December 1, 2024, schools introduced a system of anonymous text appeals via QR codes. By February 2025, 25,000 messages from teenagers had been recorded. Similar dynamics are observed at the “111” contact center. While 17,000 calls from children were received in 2024, since the beginning of 2025, 110,999 appeals have been registered, most submitted via QR codes. The increase in these figures reflects not only the scale of existing problems but also a lower threshold for seeking help. When support is accessible anonymously and quickly, teenagers are more likely to take the first step. Simplified access is becoming a key driver behind the emerging “normalization” of psychological assistance. Statistics and Personal Experience: Changing Attitudes Toward Therapy Growing demand for psychological support reflects broader social pressures and the prevalence of mental health conditions. According to the World Health Organization, globally, depression affects approximately 4% of the population, with regional variations. Kazakhstani analytical publications referencing international comparisons have cited comparable or slightly higher estimates, suggesting that depressive disorders may affect up to 4.4% of the population, approximately 732,700 people nationwide. System capacity indicators also highlight pressure on services. Data from mental health centers indicate that more than 300,000 individuals are registered in such institutions. Public statements have drawn attention to staffing shortages among psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. Official workload standards reportedly provide for one psychiatrist (including narcology specialists) per 20,000 registered residents and one child psychiatrist, psychotherapist, psychologist, or social worker per 60,000 people. Children represent a particularly sensitive category. According to data from the Ministry of Health published by Kazinform, 204,408 people are registered with mental disorders (excluding psychoactive substance use), including 44,781 minors. A diagnosis of schizophrenia is recorded for...

1 month ago