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Cultural Heritage History Obituary Kazakh writer Mukhtar Auezov The New York Times

How The New York Times Came to Publish an Obituary for Kazakh writer Mukhtar Auezov

While browsing old issues of The New York Times, we wondered: “Is there anything here about the Kazakhs or Kazakhstan?” One edition stood out, the June 28, 1961 issue. On page 35, alongside obituaries for several prominent figures, was one for our great writer, Mukhtar Auezov. [caption id="attachment_33412" align="aligncenter" width="378"] “Winner of Lenin Prize in 1959 for 2-Volume Work Dies Mukhtar O. Auezov, the Kazakh poet and philosopher whose two-novel work, ‘Abai’ and ‘The Road of Abai,’ earned a Lenin Prize two years ago, died yesterday in Alma-Ata.”[/caption] The article went on to note that Mukhtar Auezov was born and raised in the Shyngystau region (known today as the Abai District), and later wrote a major work about the life of Abai. It also mentioned that he studied at Leningrad University and authored numerous literary works. In 1960, Auezov visited several U.S. states as part of a Soviet writers’ delegation. Upon returning home, he expressed in interviews his admiration for the towering skyscrapers of New York City. What pleased us even more was that The New York Times included a photograph of Auezov alongside the obituary. This shows that even in the 1960s, American literary circles recognized and took notice of a Kazakh writer. In other words, Auezov left a lasting impression on the American public. Other articles about him may have appeared in the U.S. press, but so far this obituary is the only one we have been able to find. Mukhtar Omarkhanuli Auezov holds the distinction of being the first known Kazakh writer to set foot on American soil. His official visit was well covered by the U.S. press and known to the American public at the time. This likely explains why such a major publication honored him with a dedicated obituary, informing readers around the world of his passing. The gesture reflects a significant level of respect and recognition. Mukhtar Auezov indeed visited the United States from February 17 to March 17, 1960, as part of a delegation of Soviet writers. This trip was part of the “Agreement Between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on Exchanges in the Cultural, Technical, and Educational Fields.” According to the agreement, four American writers visited the USSR in 1959, and in return, a Soviet delegation traveled to the U.S. in February/March 1960. To give readers a closer look at his journey, we are sharing excerpts from Mukhtar Auezov’s diary, where he reflects on the trip. The entries were later published in a bilingual edition, Mukhtar Auezov: Impressions of America, in 2021, in both Kazakh and English. Below are a few details from Auezov’s impressions of the U.S.: That day we toured Washington, D.C. It’s a very beautiful city. No two houses look alike. Even the cars are all different, though there are many, they never repeat. We visited the old part of the city, the area known as ‘Georgetown.’ All the houses here are old, yet highly stylish, elegant two-story homes. There is one...

Cultural Heritage History

A British Scholar’s Glimpse into Kazakh Life a Century Ago

A century ago, in 1925, British historian, writer, and revolutionary Ralph Fox published People of the Steppes, a compelling account of his travels offering rare insights into the life and culture of the Kazakh people. Fox (1900–1936) was no ordinary observer. A journalist, Marxist, and author of biographies on Lenin and Genghis Khan, he traveled through Soviet Central Asia in the early 1920s and spent his final years working at the Marx-Engels Institute in Moscow, where he wrote his last major tome. In the foreword to People of the Steppes, Fox states that his aim was not political propaganda but to record what he had witnessed. His observations, written as he journeyed through the steppe from the Orenburg region to the Aral Sea, provide a vivid portrait of nomadic life. As the train carried him across Turkestan, Fox was struck by the sights outside his window: “For the first time I see, through the train windows, the round black tents of the nomads, shaped like broad beehives, and I whisper to myself that under just such a tent was Chingiz Khan born… Sometimes there passes a family on the march, the elders and children perched above their household goods on the beautiful shaggy Bactrian camels, the youths on horseback, small, sturdy ponies. It is all strange to me and I feel a beauty of slowness and order in their movements, the eternal rhythm of a wandering shepherd's life.” Fox shortly visited a nomadic camp, recording his impressions in the sub-section “The Tents of the Kazakhs”. “We sat on some empty crates and watched the hens scutter across the floor," he wrote, "while his wife, a quiet, kindly woman, brought us a bowl of Kummis (Mare’s milk) to drink." The hospitality of the Kazakhs left a lasting impression: “ They roused me when the meal was ready. ‘The Kazaks, men and women, sat round the pot in the dim tent, for smoke filled all the upper part now, and the sun had set. Brown arms were thrust into the mess, or painted wooden spoons, while we dainty whites were given wooden bowls. ‘The meat was tough and greasy, and to me only the little cakes of dough were palatable, though they were gritty with sand, so I did not eat much… It was all fantastic around that evil-smelling fire.” The next day, Fox encountered a group of Lesser Horde Kazakhs migrating from Siberia along the Syr Darya River. He noted that some had already settled in Torgai, while others aimed to reach the Urals. “ Once there, they would willingly sell off their surplus stock to buy their necessities on the bazaars to last them through the following year, at Kazalinsk, at Jussali, at Perovsk and ‘Turkestan, the great bazaars of the Syr Daria.” Fox also explored the broader historical and cultural context of the Kazakhs, noting that their nomadic lifestyle limited the development of written literature but fostered rich oral traditions and epic poetry: “It is hard to unravel their...

Cultural Heritage History Photography Historic Photo

The Photographs of Prokudin-Gorsky: A Glimpse of a Lost World

Using the emerging technology of color photography, Sergey Mikhaylovich Prokudin-Gorsky (1863–1944) undertook several photographic expeditions to capture images of the Russian Empire. Most of his work took place between 1909 and 1915, though some photographs date as early as 1905. At the time, the Russian Empire stretched roughly 7,000 miles east to west and 3,000 miles north to south. It encompassed one-sixth of the Earth’s land surface, making it the largest empire in history, spanning what are now eleven time zones. [caption id="attachment_32008" align="aligncenter" width="484"] Abutment for a dam and house belonging to the government. [Kuzminskoe] Prokudin-Gorsky, Sergey Mikhaylovich, 1912[/caption]Tsar Nicholas II supported Prokudin-Gorsky’s ambitious endeavor by granting him travel permits and access to various modes of transportation, including trains, boats, and automobiles. His journeys are preserved in photographic albums that include the original negatives. One album also features miscellaneous images, including scenes from other parts of Europe. The photographs capture a broad array of subjects: religious architecture and shrines (churches, cathedrals, mosques, and monasteries); religious and secular artifacts (such as vestments, icons, and items linked to saints, former Tsars, and the Napoleonic Wars); infrastructure and public works (railroads, bridges, dams, and roads); a variety of industries (including mining, textile production, and street vending); agricultural scenes (like tea plantations and field work); portraits, which often showed people in traditional dress, as well as cityscapes, villages, natural landscapes, and blooming plants. Besides being a photographer, Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky was a chemist who is renowned for his pioneering contributions to color photography in the early 20th century. In 1901, he traveled to Berlin to study photochemistry before returning to Russia, where he outfitted a railroad car as a mobile darkroom with the support of Tsar Nicholas II. As he traveled across the Russian Empire, he documented its people and landscapes, eventually earning recognition in Russia, Germany, and France. In 1906, he was appointed head of the photography section of Fotograf-Liubitel, Russia’s leading photography journal. One of his most famous works is a color portrait of Leo Tolstoy, taken in 1908. “By capturing the result of artistic inspiration in the full richness of its colors on the light-sensitive photographic plate, we pass the priceless document to future generations,” wrote Prokudin-Gorsky. As a nobleman, inventor, professor, and pioneer of color photography in Russia, Prokudin-Gorsky had a deep sense of national identity and heritage. Although he was unable to complete his grand project due to the outbreak of World War I and increasing social unrest across the Russian Empire, he still managed to capture photographs in regions such as the Urals, Siberia, Crimea, Dagestan, Finland, and Central Asia, as well as along the Volga and Oka rivers. Unfortunately, much of his photographic archive was lost in the aftermath of the 1917 Revolution. Prokudin-Gorsky created unique black-and-white negatives using a triple-frame method, taking three separate exposures through blue, green, and red filters. This technique allowed the images to be printed or projected in color, often for magic lantern slide presentations. The complete collection of 1,902 triple-frame glass...

National Symbol Aport apple Apple Cultural Heritage Almaty Agriculture

Kazakhstan Launches Ambitious Project to Revive Legendary Aport Apple

Kazakhstan has launched a major initiative to restore one of Almaty's most iconic symbols, the Aport apple variety. The Return of a National Symbol According to the National Agrarian Scientific and Educational Center (NANOC), new Aport orchards will be planted in the Almaty region starting in 2025, covering an area of 110 hectares. The project, set to run through 2028, plans to introduce approximately 25,000 seedlings. Funding has already been secured, and experts from KazNII Horticulture LLP have begun implementing the roadmap. “We are confident that the revival of this variety will be an important step in the development of domestic horticulture and will provide Kazakhstanis with high-quality and tasty fruits,” NANOC stated. The first harvest is expected in eight years. According to scientific forecasts, yields could reach up to 57.7 kilograms per tree in the early stages and up to 100 kilograms as the orchards mature. Aport apples are known not only for their distinctive aroma and taste but also for their durability: with proper storage, they remain fresh until March, and with modern preservation methods, even until June. A Fruit Steeped in History The Aport apple is more than just a fruit, it’s a cultural brand of Almaty. With its large size, vibrant color, and rich aroma, the Aport became a hallmark of the city. Historical records show that in 1865, a peasant named Yegor Redko brought Aport seedlings from Russia’s Voronezh Province to the town of Verny (modern-day Almaty). Within a decade, the variety flourished in the unique climate of the Zailiyskiy Alatau, revealing its full potential. By the early 20th century, Aport apples had gained international acclaim. At an exhibition in Germany in 1908, the variety won a prize. Since then, it has been recognized as a Kazakhstani brand. In 2023, the Aport was officially patented as a national product. Justice Minister Azamat Eskarayev has announced efforts to register the Aport as an international brand, including in European countries. Decline and Recovery Challenges The decline of the Aport apple began in the late 20th century, driven by rapid urbanization and the commercial development of former orchard lands. According to Saule Kazybayeva, Deputy Chair of the Board at the Kazakh Research Institute of Fruit and Vegetable Growing, the Aport was replaced by hardier and more commercially viable varieties like Golden Delicious. Moreover, the Aport requires specific care and environmental conditions, making it less appealing for mass production. Another setback has been the degradation of its genetic qualities. The traditional method of grafting Aport onto wild Sivers apple stock is often not properly followed, especially by private farms, resulting in a loss of the variety’s signature flavor. The Current Outlook According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Aport orchards now cover 2,500 hectares across Almaty and Zhetysu oblasts, with around 416,000 trees in total. Almaty itself has about 230 hectares of Aport orchards. However, local authorities acknowledge that both the orchard area and fruit quality are in decline, largely due to disease susceptibility. Despite these challenges, a revitalization program...

Orthodox Church Cemetery Orthodoxy Cultural Heritage Osh

Kyrgyz Orthodox Bishop Urges Osh Authorities to Preserve Historic Cemetery

The head of the Orthodox Church in Kyrgyzstan has appealed to the mayor of Osh, the country's second city, to halt the planned demolition of an old cemetery as part of a large-scale urban reconstruction project. According to the bishop, the site is not only a burial ground but also an important historical monument tied to the lives of many generations of citizens. The Osh City Hall is currently undertaking an extensive redevelopment of roads, squares, and public spaces, as outlined in a municipal report. However, among the affected areas is an ancient cemetery dating back to 1870, which local clergy and historians consider an architectural and spiritual heritage site. For years, residents have voiced concerns to local media about the deteriorating condition of the cemetery. They claim that the site, located in the city center, has been neglected, misused for cattle grazing, and subjected to unauthorized construction. “Many graves here are not only examples of architectural art but also serve as a historical record of the diverse peoples of Kyrgyzstan,” local residents stated. The cemetery has been closed to new burials since the 1980s, but it contains mass graves of World War II veterans and other individuals who played a significant role in the development of Kyrgyzstan and Osh. Orthodox Bishop Savvatiy of Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan formally requested that the Osh City Hall preserve the cemetery, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance. He stressed that economic considerations should not take precedence over heritage preservation. “In many countries, old cemeteries are transformed into memorial complexes and historical landmarks,” Savvatiy noted. “For example, Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, Highgate in London, and Recoleta in Buenos Aires attract visitors from around the world and serve as places of remembrance and respect. The Russian cemetery in Osh is also part of the city's cultural heritage and should not be lost.” As of now, city officials have not issued an official response to the bishop’s appeal.

Art and Literature Cultural Heritage

The Journeys of Kazakh Fairy Tales to the United States

The Kazakh people have always been dedicated to preserving and advancing their culture and literature and sharing them with the world. Over the thirty-plus years since independence, the Kazakh state has actively sought valuable historical records and archival materials about its people. It is remarkable to discover that during the Soviet era, numerous Western travelers explored Kazakhstan’s territory, documenting their observations on traditions, daily life, religion, and political perspectives in books that were later published in English. In the fall of 2023, with funding from the Bolashak program, I started a project to research the history of the Kazakh people and steppe based on the English-language accounts of Western travelers who visited the steppe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although I started this project when I was working as a newspaper reporter in Kazakhstan, there was no way to access the database of large libraries abroad. Nineteen Kazakh Fairy Tales and Mary Lou Masey Kazakh-American relations did not begin solely after the collapse of the Soviet Union but can be traced back to the late 19th century. This is evident from old books written in English and printed by major American publishers, which I discovered in archival collections. While exploring the catalogs at George Washington University’s Gelman Library, I came across an intriguing book titled Stories of the Steppes, retold by Mary Lou Masey and illustrated by Helen Basilevsky. Published in 1968 by the David McKay Company, Inc. in New York, this book reflects Masey’s fascination with Central Asian culture. Having traveled to the region with her husband, Jack, she introduced American readers to its rich heritage through this collection. The book features 19 folktales from Russian sources, not as literal translations but as engaging retellings that remain faithful to the original plotlines. [caption id="attachment_29332" align="aligncenter" width="207"] The cover of Stories of the Steppes, retold by Mary Lou Masey [/caption] In this work, Masey presents traditional Kazakh folktales, including fairy tales, satirical stories about daily life, humorous tales and stories about animal, as well as narratives about both wise and foolish individuals. In the preface, she notes that while some reflect Russian cultural influence and others share common elements with global folklore, the collection remains distinctly Kazakh. It captures a unique way of life and showcases the remarkable artistry of the wandering storytellers who passed these tales down through the generations. [caption id="attachment_29333" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Illustration of the fairy tale "The One-Eyed Giant" from the book by Mary Lou Masey, 1968[/caption] As I flipped through the pages of this book, I became curious about its author. A writer and researcher with a background in International Studies, Masey earned her B.A. from Ohio State University with a major in Russian. She authored four children’s books published by David McKay: Branislav the Dragon (1967), Stories of the Steppes (1968), The Picture Story of the Soviet Union (1971), and Teddy and the Moon (1972). In adapting Kazakh folktales for Western readers, particularly children, Masey prioritized preserving the essence and richness...