Eco-Friendly Quraq-Korpe Christmas Tree Installed in Astana

An unconventional art installation has appeared in Astana’s new administrative center: an eco-friendly Christmas tree styled after quraq-korpe, the traditional Kazakh patchwork quilt. Created by local volunteers, the project is part of the city's broader initiative to incorporate national cultural heritage into contemporary public spaces. Quraq-korpe, made from multi-colored fabric scraps, symbolizes warmth, family, and hospitality. The New Year’s tree, hand-assembled from textile elements and installed on the left bank of the Ishim River, reflects these values in a striking urban art form. A similar eco-tree was first introduced in the capital in 2020 and proved popular with both residents and visitors. In response to public interest, the project was revived in 2025 with a fresh concept and deeper symbolic meaning, focusing on community involvement. [caption id="attachment_41616" align="aligncenter" width="1082"] Image: gov.kz[/caption] “The eco-tree project in the quraq-korpe style has returned to the city at the request of residents,” said organizer Rakhima Mukusheva. “This year’s version is inspired by the Year of Working Professions and the Year of the Horse, symbols of labor, movement, strength, and a living connection to tradition.” All the tree’s decorations were handmade by Astana residents of all ages. More than 50 volunteers across three generations, grandmothers, mothers, daughters, and grandchildren, contributed to the effort. Within two days, they crafted over 100 unique textile ornaments, which were placed in a symbolic “chest of goodness” as part of the installation. The tree will remain on display through January 20, inviting the public to experience it during the holiday season. [caption id="attachment_41618" align="aligncenter" width="1082"] Image: gov.kz[/caption] According to the Astana mayor’s office, the initiative supports Kazakhstan’s Year of Working Professions and highlights the value of labor, craftsmanship, and intergenerational professional traditions. It also showcases the potential of handicrafts as a foundation for cultural initiatives and the creative economy. Interest in Kazakhstan’s national culture continues to grow internationally. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, a cultural event called NoMad was recently held in New York to celebrate Kazakh identity. In Kazakhstan, Christmas is officially celebrated on January 7 by Orthodox Christians as a public holiday, while December 25 is observed privately by Catholic and Protestant communities.

Turkmenistan Launches Eco-Friendly Stone Paper Production

Turkmenistan has inaugurated its first-ever production of environmentally friendly stone paper, marking a milestone in the country’s industrial development. The initiative was launched in Ak Bugday etrap of Ahal province by the Derýa Ýoly Economic Society under the Ekoston brand. The facility has an annual production capacity of 5,500 tons. The company’s products attracted significant attention at an exhibition commemorating the 17th anniversary of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. Stone paper is noted for its eco-friendliness, high durability, and broad range of applications. Manufactured from calcite and polymers without the use of toxic plasticizers, the production process does not involve water consumption, deforestation, or the emission of harmful gases. It also generates no wastewater, making the process both safe and environmentally sustainable. Experts report that the material begins to degrade under exposure to sunlight and rain within 10-12 months, without polluting the environment. Even when incinerated, stone paper produces no black smoke or toxic fumes, and the residue is recyclable. Moisture-resistant, tear-proof, and insect-repellent, the product is safe for contact with food, making it suitable for school notebooks, printed materials, packaging, and disposable tableware. The product meets international environmental safety standards and is positioned as a viable alternative to conventional paper in both everyday and industrial use. Alongside the stone paper initiative, other areas of applied science are gaining momentum in Turkmenistan, where local scientists have developed a rejuvenating gel derived from milk whey, rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The gel is designed to improve the skin’s protein and moisture balance while promoting regeneration. Additionally, Turkmen researchers have pioneered a microencapsulation technology for camel thorn extract, a plant renowned for its medicinal qualities. This innovation holds potential applications in both the pharmaceutical and food industries.