Culture - The Times Of Central Asia

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Tourism

Kazakh Nomads and Authentic Tourism: Interview with Mongolia’s Cultural Envoy Dr. Gantemur Damba at CAMCA

This week The Times of Central Asia will be attending the CAMCA Regional Forum, which this year is being held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The CAMCA network is a collection of professionals and policymakers dedicated to sharing ideas, knowledge and inspiration to develop the Eurasia region; its name stands for Central Asia, Mongolia, the Caucasus and Afghanistan. Ahead of the Forum, The Times of Central Asia spoke with Mongolia’s Cultural Envoy, and the Vice Chair of the Asian Ecotourism Network, Dr. Gantumur Damba, about the country's Kazakh nomads, and what the CAMCA program means for Mongolian culture and tourism. TCA: Central Asia is geographically quite close to Mongolia, but Mongolia's culture is distinct. What parts of Mongolian life do you think make journeys here unique for visitors? GD: Indeed. While Mongolia has some cultural similarities with Central Asia due to historical links, it has developed its own distinct identity. We are a unique culture with influences from Buddhism, shamanism and animism in our pastoralist herder’s way of life. Eastern Mongolia is rich in historical sites, including Deluun Boldog, where Genghis Khan was born, and the historical ruins of 13th and 14th-century towns. Central Mongolia is centered on the ancient town of Kharkhorum – with UNESCO-inscribed intangible cultural events – and the beautiful Orkhon Valley. This region is also enriched by Mongolian Buddhist traditions and architectural sites. North Mongolia is the home of nomadic reindeer herders, who have strong shamanistic beliefs. They are one of the last groups in the world to still herd reindeer as their primary way of life. Mongolia's largest ethnic minority are Kazakhs, who live in the country's western regions. What opportunities do visitors to Mongolia have to discover the Mongolian Kazakh way of life? The Kazakhs of Mongolia have distinct cultural practices, and live mainly in western Mongolia, particularly in Bayan-Ölgii province. While they share a common heritage with Kazakhs in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian nations, their experience in Mongolia is shaped by their minority status and the influence of Mongolian culture and Buddhism, alongside their own Turkic language and Islamic traditions. Activities like eagle hunting demonstration events, trekking in the Altai Mountains, and exploring authentic nomadic life offer unique travel experiences. Travelers can experience authentic nomad Kazakh culture through homestays, participating in festivals, and witnessing traditional crafts, traditional music, epic storytelling and vibrant dances like the eagle dance. What places and activities in Mongolia do you most recommend to foreign visitors? Are you working on any new destinations? Mongolia offers a high degree of freedom and flexibility for travelers, especially when it comes to camping and exploring the vast landscapes. There are relatively few restrictions on where you can go and camp, and you can often choose your own route and pace. However, choosing the right travel partner is vital. I categorize our destinations according to three “Ms”. The first M stands for modified places – basically those that are spoiled. That includes Terelj, Kharkhorum and West Khuvsgul Lake, where you will find many resorts,...

Culture

From Classic to Avant-Garde: How “Night at the Museum” in Almaty Bridged Eras

Last Sunday evening marked a notable event in Almaty’s cultural calendar. The A. Kasteyev State Museum of Art opened its doors after hours for the annual “Night at the Museum,” coinciding with International Museum Day on May 18. This day traditionally underscores the importance of museums as spaces of memory, dialogue, and inspiration. This year’s theme, “Tradition and Modernity in a Changing World,” was embodied in a dynamic and multifaceted program that transformed the museum into a vibrant dialogue between different eras and cultural layers. [caption id="attachment_31947" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] @TCA/Andrey Alimov[/caption] Visitors entering the museum in the evening found themselves immersed in an atmosphere where classical art harmoniously coexisted with contemporary interpretations. The space itself took on a new dimension, allowing the audience to engage with art beyond its typical daytime context. The evening’s program catered to a wide audience. In addition to the museum’s permanent collection, which features masterpieces of Kazakh and global art, guests participated in a variety of special events. Themed tours exploring the interplay of tradition and modernity offered deeper insight into the works on display, revealing new dimensions in the creativity of both Kazakhstani and international artists. [caption id="attachment_31955" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] @TCA/Andrey Alimov[/caption] Musical performances added to the ambiance, with live music enhancing the emotional experience and reinforcing the power of artistic expression. A standout feature of the night was a fashion show held in the museum’s central hall, where models showcased traditional Kazakh costumes with hand embroidery and gold accents, reimagined with a modern flair. These designs underscored how elements of cultural heritage continue to inspire and evolve in contemporary settings. The Kasteyev Museum, Kazakhstan’s largest art institution and a key player in Central Asia’s cultural scene, was established in 1976 and named after Abylhan Kasteyev, a pioneering figure in Kazakh visual art. The museum’s collection exceeds 25,000 pieces, spanning ancient decorative and applied arts to works by 20th- and 21st-century masters. It features not only Kazakh artists, but also significant works from Russian, European, and Eastern traditions. Through exhibitions, educational initiatives, and cultural events, the museum plays a central role in preserving and promoting artistic heritage. [caption id="attachment_31953" align="aligncenter" width="960"] @TCA/Andrey Alimov[/caption] “Night at the Museum” has grown into more than just an event, it is a celebration of art that unites generations, perspectives, and creative approaches. For one night, visitors experienced a space where history meets the present, and art became more accessible, resonant, and profound. It is noteworthy that similar events took place across Kazakhstan’s major cities. Official data indicates the country is home to around 300 museums, which collectively receive approximately 6.5 million visitors each year.

Culture

Record-Breaking Carpet Unveiled at Tulip Festival in Kazakhstan

A massive felt carpet crafted by 100 master artisans has been officially recognized by the Kazakhstan Book of Records during the international “Qyzgaldaq Mura” (“Tulip Heritage”) festival in the Zhambyl region. Measuring 200 square meters, the carpet was created using the traditional wet felting technique and adorned with tulip motifs, symbolizing the region’s cultural identity. Renowned designer Aidarkhan Kaliev developed the carpet's ornamentation, celebrating both craftsmanship and the region’s natural heritage. The finished work will be installed under protective glass at Auliye-Ata Airport, where it is expected to become a regional cultural landmark. The festival attracted approximately 5,000 participants from Kazakhstan and abroad, including guests from Germany, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, the Netherlands, Russia, China, Turkey, and India. The event featured historical exhibitions, national games, artisan displays, and a vibrant concert program. The region’s tulip fields, home to 18 species, 10 of which are listed in the Red Book of endangered species, were a highlight for visitors. Despite its cultural success, the festival drew logistical criticism. Numerous attendees reported transportation difficulties, with some being dropped off 10 kilometers from the venue and forced to walk. Aspandiyar Seisebayev, head of the Zhambyl Region Department of Entrepreneurship and Tourism Development, attributed the issues to unexpectedly high turnout and challenging terrain in the mountainous area.

Culture

Kyrgyzstan Proposes Closure of All Rural Libraries

Kyrgyzstan's Cabinet of Ministers has submitted a draft bill for public consultation that proposes the closure of all rural libraries across the country, citing declining readership and poor infrastructure as the primary reasons behind the move. According to the draft law, the heads of rural administrations are required to assess the operational efficiency and relevance of local libraries within three months. Libraries deemed underutilized or ineffective are to be closed, with their book collections transferred to school libraries in the same regions. The Ministry of Culture reports that Kyrgyzstan currently has 1,050 libraries: 859 rural, 9 regional, 64 district, and 116 urban. Of these, 51 libraries are considered structurally unsound, while 214 require major repairs. “Unfortunately, even those institutions that remain open often suffer from extremely low attendance. Data on the number of visitors and subscribers are often invalid and may be distorted, creating an illusion of library activity. This creates a misconception about the demand for services that do not actually meet the needs of the local population,” reads the bill’s explanatory note. The document’s authors estimate that over half of the country’s libraries are effectively non-operational and argue that functioning cultural institutions lack sufficient material and technical support. With the growth of digital technologies, traditional libraries, particularly in rural areas, are losing popularity, especially among younger generations, according to the proposal’s initiators.

Culture Kazakhstan Food Almaty Food industry ice-cream kazakh flavors steppe spirit UMAMI

Ice Cream Flavored with Kurt, Tara, and Balkaymak Presented in Almaty

An Almaty-based company, UMAMI, has launched a new line of ice cream inspired by traditional Kazakh flavors. The collection features three distinct varieties: kurt, tary, and balkaymak. Balkaymak is a rich, creamy dessert, sometimes prepared with flour and honey, and typically served warm alongside bread or pastries. Tary refers to roasted millet, a staple often enjoyed with tea. Kurt is a protein and mineral-rich dried fermented milk product, deeply rooted in Kazakh culinary heritage. UMAMI’s project aims not only to surprise the palate but also to integrate national gastronomy into a modern context, creating what the team hopes will become a new symbol of Kazakh culture. “You'll find it interesting in your mouth,” promises brand co-founder and technologist Oksana Kim-Flayosk. A Flavor Journey in Every Scoop Among the standout offerings is the cream kurt ice cream, made using authentic kurt. The UMAMI team sampled dozens of variations from different producers before selecting the ideal base. The flavor unfolds in stages: a brackish start, followed by a sour note, and ending in a sweet finish. To elevate the experience, UMAMI recommends serving the kurt ice cream in a baursak, a traditional Kazakh fried dough delicacy. Kim-Flayosk likens this combination to a local version of the Italian dessert maritozzo, where a sweet bun is filled with cream. “We put a ball of ice cream in the baursak, and that's our national version of maritozzo,” she explained. While all three flavors were tested in baursaks, kurt was the undisputed favorite among tasters. Nauryz Roots and Steppe Spirit The Tary & Talkan flavor, originally created for the Nauryz holiday five years ago, was so well received that it earned a permanent spot in UMAMI’s lineup. The recipe combines black tea infused with milk, roasted millet ground into talkan, and a dairy base, evoking the spirit of the Kazakh steppe. The third offering, Balkaymak & Irimshik, is rich and textured, featuring bits of irimshik (a type of curd) to accentuate the contrast between its caramel and creamy elements. “I wanted there to be texture, to be able to chew. First creamy, then caramel, and then creamy again,” said Kim-Flayosk. Prior to finalizing the recipe, UMAMI conducted a public survey to better understand what balkaymak means to different people. Responses varied widely, from cream skimmed from spring milk to a boiled mixture of sour cream, flour, and sugar. Modernizing Tradition Kim-Flayosk emphasized UMAMI’s commitment to preserving and popularizing Kazakh culinary identity. “We are a local brand. We see society’s interest in traditions and want to be part of a culture that popularizes Kazakhstani products,” she said. The company plans to launch souvenir boxes featuring all three flavors in the coming month, offering a gastronomic symbol of Kazakhstan to locals and tourists alike. Non-standard ice cream flavors are increasingly part of a global trend. Around the world, producers are experimenting with combinations like mustard and dill, eel, black pepper, garlic, chili, and even beer. In this diverse international context, UMAMI’s Kazakhstani creations stand out not just for...

Culture

Uzbek Artifacts from Italian Museums and Private Collections to be Exhibited in Tashkent

A collection of Uzbek cultural heritage masterpieces housed in Italian museums and private collections will be showcased at an upcoming exhibition in Tashkent. The event coincides with the opening of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan. As part of the preparations, a delegation from the Center for Islamic Civilization, led by its director Firdavs Abdukhalikov, visited Italy in mid-February. During the visit, negotiations were held with representatives of several museums and private collectors, who expressed support for the international exhibition. Over the centuries, Uzbek artifacts have become part of prestigious museum and private collections worldwide. “Collections of Uzbek relics housed in Italian museums were published in the 35th volume of the multimedia project Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan in the Collections of the World. This initiative, supported by the state and business sector, has already resulted in the publication of 80 volumes documenting Uzbek cultural monuments abroad,” said Elmira Gul, the project’s scientific coordinator. Several renowned Italian institutions have contributed artifacts to the exhibition, including: University of Bologna Library - home to a Hebrew manuscript by Abu Ali ibn Sina (Avicenna). Giuseppe Tucci National Museum of Oriental Art (Rome). Museum of Asian Art (Turin). Stibbert Museum (Florence). Mudec Museum of Cultures (Milan). Antonio Ratti Textile Foundation (Como). Private collection of Milanese collectors Alberto and Anna Levi. According to the Center for Islamic Civilization, the exhibition will feature Afrasiab ceramics with epigraphic inscriptions, Medieval metalwork from Khorasan and Maverannahr, including a legendary bowl of the Karakhanid rulers, and Uzbek textile masterpieces from the 19th and early 20th centuries. This exhibition marks a significant step in promoting Uzbekistan’s rich cultural history on the international stage.