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Chocolate

How a Family-Run Mini-Factory in Almaty Ships Chocolate to Belgium and Switzerland

Nurlan and Zhaniya Orynbayev are Kazakhstani chocolatiers known for creating distinctive desserts inspired by national traditions. Their creations include sweet yurts, chocolate mountain landscapes, a chocolate version of the Kazakhstan Hotel filled with zhent (a traditional dessert made from roasted millet, butter, and honey), chocolate with kurt, and other culinary experiments. Nurlan is also a musician and a member of the Kazakhstani hip-hop group Dayinball. In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, the couple spoke about how the chocolate version of one of Almaty’s main landmarks was created, what sweets Kazakh consumers prefer, how to choose high-quality kurt, and how the global cocoa bean shortage has affected their business. TCA: Nurlan, you are sometimes called the “Kazakh Willy Wonka.” It seems you were among the first chocolatiers in Kazakhstan. How do you feel about that? Nurlan: In fact, my wife Zhaniya was the one who started our chocolate business. She was the first to learn confectionery techniques and how to work with chocolate, and then she taught me. I simply began posting videos of the process on social media, and they became popular. Now the brand is often associated with me, but the real mastermind behind the project is Zhaniya. She develops all the ideas and recipes. Our coffee shops, our confectionery line, the brand image, and at least 60% of our products are thanks to her. TCA: So is Zhaniya the driving force behind your chocolate mini-factory? Nurlan: You could say that. She has a deep understanding not only of confectionery but of gastronomy in general. She can taste a dish and almost break it down into its components, what has been added and which ingredients work well together. I did not have that kind of intuition. I had never worked with food or desserts before. But gradually I became more involved and began to understand the process better. TCA: Zhaniya, you are said to have come up with the chocolate shaped like the Kazakhstan Hotel. Tell us about it. Zhaniya: Yes, that was my idea. It is a chocolate structure weighing about 130 grams, made in the shape of the famous hotel. We produce it in both milk and dark chocolate. We experimented with fillings for a long time, but eventually settled on zhent, a traditional Kazakh dessert made from roasted and ground millet with butter and sugar. Customers really like it. TCA: You used to make this dessert only for Nauryz, but now you produce it year-round? Zhaniya: Yes, and it happened almost by accident. Once, a restaurant critic connected with the World’s Best Restaurants ranking visited us. We treated her to various chocolates, but she liked the chocolate with zhent the most. She wanted to buy more, but we had run out. We did not want to disappoint her, so we urgently decided to make a new batch and began searching for good talkan, one of the ingredients in zhent. We found it and quickly prepared everything. The process was quite chaotic. Our daughter...

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...

Meruyert Bizhanova

From Fairy Tales to Oxford: The Academic Path of Meruyert Bizhanova

Education can change the course of a person’s life, shaping dreams and opening new horizons. The story of Meruyert Bizhanova, a young scholar from Kazakhstan who entered a doctoral program at the University of Oxford at the age of 24, is a striking example of how curiosity, determination, and mentorship can lead to remarkable achievements. A Passion for Learning from an Early Age Bizhanova’s love for learning began in early childhood. She recalls that by the time she was five years old, she had already read every fairy tale available in her school library. Reading stories and writing short narratives fascinated her, and books soon became her closest companions. Her academic development later flourished at Nazarbayev University, where supportive professors encouraged her intellectual curiosity and motivated her to pursue opportunities abroad. She particularly acknowledges the influence of mentors such as Vice-Provost Loretta O’Donnell and professors Tursonjan Tokay, Thomas Duke, Warren Rocco, and Marilyn Plumlee. According to Bizhanova, these mentors taught her the importance of discipline, dedication, and sincerity in academic work. Graduate Studies in the United States After completing her undergraduate education, Bizhanova decided to continue her academic journey internationally. She chose the University of Pennsylvania for her master’s studies, aiming to gain globally recognized academic training and deepen her research in the field of higher education. The University of Pennsylvania is widely known for its strong academic tradition in higher education policy and leadership, which closely aligns with her research interests. During her master’s program in educational leadership, Bizhanova studied international education policy, governance of higher education systems, research methodology, and leadership strategies. Beyond classroom learning, the university provided opportunities for internships, research collaborations, professional networking, and career development. Studying at one of the world’s leading universities also gave her access to a global academic community and opened new professional possibilities. [caption id="attachment_45030" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Image: personal archive[/caption] Why Oxford? For Bizhanova, the University of Oxford had long symbolized academic excellence. From childhood, she had heard of it as one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Admission to Oxford’s doctoral programs is highly competitive, and thousands of candidates apply each year, but only a small number are admitted. For example, the DPhil in Education, which Bizhanova is studying for, has approximately 200 applications per year, out of which around 38 students are selected. Being accepted into Oxford’s doctoral program, Bizhanova says, is both an honor and a responsibility. When considering where to pursue her PhD, she realized that several Oxford scholars were conducting research closely related to her own academic interests. Her professors at the University of Pennsylvania were also familiar with these scholars and encouraged her to apply, recognizing Oxford as one of the leading centers for research on higher education. Researching the Future of Universities Bizhanova’s doctoral research focuses on universities in post-Soviet countries and how they attempt to balance teaching responsibilities with the development of scientific research. Many universities in this region inherited complex institutional traditions and governance structures from the Soviet era. Today,...

Society

On the Eve of Valentine’s Day: Customs of Love and Marriage in Central Asia

On the eve of Valentine’s Day, Central Asia is once again debating whether to celebrate the holiday or regard it as a symbol of foreign influence. Yet the region has its own rich and diverse customs related to love, matchmaking, and marriage. Accusations of Alien Influence and “Corruption” Valentine’s Day, like Halloween, spread to the former Soviet republics after the collapse of the USSR. In the first decades, young people embraced the new holidays. In recent years, however, critics have increasingly argued that commemorating a Catholic saint in a format centered on romantic love contradicts the traditions of the region’s peoples. For example, in Kazakhstan last year, deputies of the Mazhilis, the lower house of parliament, sharply criticized Valentine’s Day. Some deputies argued that it corrupts young people, promotes “free love,” and even carries “homosexual overtones.” It is worth noting that Kazakhstan recently adopted legislation prohibiting so-called “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations.” The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan has also stated that Valentine’s Day promotes alien values and encourages promiscuity. Gratitude for Raising a Daughter Many matchmaking and marriage customs remain common across Central Asia, particularly the significant role of the bride’s and groom’s parents in ceremonies and celebrations. While traditions have evolved, many are still practiced in modern engagements and weddings. The well-known custom of paying bride price, kalym, has been preserved, though it has undergone significant change. Today, kalym varies depending on the wealth of the families. It may include apartments or cars, or it may amount to several hundred dollars. Importantly, kalym is now generally regarded as financial support for the young family and, as a rule, remains at the disposal of the bride and groom. Historically, in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, kalym was paid in livestock, and wedding celebrations could last more than a month. One of the main Kazakh wedding rituals is the groom’s visit to the bride’s village or, in modern practice, her home. Before his first visit, the groom sends gifts to the bride’s family, known as Ilu, an expression of gratitude for raising their daughter. In some regions of Kazakhstan, this ritual is called ana suty (“mother’s milk payment”). In the past, it included horses, camels, sheep, and riding equipment for the bride’s father. Today, it may consist of any valuable gift, and jewelry is often presented to the women in the bride’s family. The bride traditionally gives the groom a scarf as a symbol of her purity. Festivities then begin, with singing and dancing. Kazakh traditions often involve two weddings: one at the bride’s home and one at the groom’s. The bride’s farewell from her family home remains especially significant, reflecting her relatives’ wishes for her future life. Today, this ceremony is often held in a restaurant. The bride does not wear a white wedding dress at the farewell celebration but appears in an elegant outfit and a traditional headdress known as a saukele. During the farewell, the groom and his friends are subjected to playful pranks, for which they must...

TCA Interviews

Life After Relocation: Kazakhstani Inna Baitukenova on the U.S., Blogging, and Building a Business

Kazakh producer and screenwriter Inna Baitukenova, known for projects such as Satash, the documentary Oleg: The Story of Oleg Vidov, and the television series Ana Zhuregi and Taitalas, has opened a new chapter in her professional life since relocating to the U.S. A lawyer by education, she now works as a blogger and is developing her own beauty business in the American market. She spoke with The Times of Central Asia about adapting to life abroad, navigating the U.S. blogging scene, and the challenges and rewards of launching a business as a Kazakhstani immigrant. TCA: Inna, how long have you been living in the U.S.? Inna: My husband and I first came here as tourists in 2018. During that trip, my husband, journalist and film director Tolegen Baitukenov, met an American producer interested in making a documentary exploring potential familial ties between Native Americans and Kazakhs. He signed a contract, and we returned to Kazakhstan. In 2019, he presented the project at the Kazakh pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival. Interest was high, so we decided to change our status from tourists to working residents. We officially moved to the U.S. in 2019. We've now been living here for seven years. TCA: Did you and your husband come on talent visas? Inna: Yes. Initially, we came without our children, just to see how it felt. We liked it, returned home, and began applying for work visas. It wasn’t easy; we even had to obtain approval from the Directors Guild of America. TCA: How long did it take you to adapt? When did you begin to feel at home? Inna: I think we’re still adapting. But the first time I really felt at home was in 2022, after moving from Los Angeles to Orange County. It's a suburb about 90 minutes from LA. I was driving around, and suddenly everything felt familiar: the streets, the houses. That’s when I realized I felt a sense of home. The early days were very tough, but day by day, it got easier. We got used to the environment, improved our English, and started understanding how daily life works here, from utility payments to taxes. At first, we were converting all prices into tenge. When Tolegen started his company in 2019, everything was a challenge; there wasn’t even ChatGPT back then to ask questions. We were googling everything: how to get a license, register a business, and secure a trade name. When I started my own beauty studio in May 2025, I already knew how to rent an office and obtain all the necessary permits. TCA: You seem to have found your footing once you landed a good blogging contract. You now work with major brands, right? Inna: Yes, but blogging wasn't my goal. It happened by accident. I used to keep an Instagram account as a hobby back in Kazakhstan and never thought of it as a platform for making money. But I’ve always loved cosmetology and beauty. One day, I began posting about...

expats

How Expats Experience Life in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has long sought to cultivate a positive image abroad, as reflected in its foreign direct investment. By mid-2025, the country had attracted $9.4 billion from Eurasian nations alone, securing the top position among Central Asian nations. On the tourism front, 7.5 million foreigners visited Kazakhstan in the first half of 2025, with growth also recorded in related service sectors. The country's visa-free regime with several nations likely contributed to the increase. Yet statistics reveal little about everyday life, particularly for foreigners who have made Kazakhstan their temporary or long-term home. To look beyond the numbers, The Times of Central Asia spoke with expatriates living across the country. Expectations vs. Reality Most interviewees admitted to having few expectations before their arrival, citing limited awareness of Kazakhstan in their home countries. One recounted a peculiar question posed by their family before departure: “People don’t really talk about Kazakhstan very often in the U.S., and when they do, they’re often very misinformed about what life is like here. For example, my family asked if I would have running water.” While few voiced concerns about basic amenities, several mentioned the difficulty of finding specific goods and services. “It can be frustrating sometimes trying to find specific items, and line culture (waiting one’s turn) is non-existent. It’s definitely every man for himself,” said one expat. The same individual noted that although bureaucratic procedures can be cumbersome, essential services, such as obtaining a personal identification number, remain accessible, a sentiment echoed by others. Those living in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s southern capital, praised the public transportation system while acknowledging worsening traffic: “Traffic jams have become awful over the past two years, but that’s a problem in all major cities,” said a French expat. “It’s a shame there are no more city bike rentals. I really hope they’ll come back in the spring.” [caption id="attachment_42814" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Downtown Almaty; image: TCA[/caption] Adapting to Society and Intentions to Stay Most respondents said they had few difficulties adjusting to life in Kazakhstan, crediting their ability to communicate in Russian as a key factor in social integration and building local friendships. Three interviewees said they spent more time with fellow expatriates, with two attributing this to the nature of their stay, while one felt his professional and daily interactions with locals were sufficient. One interviewee said their smooth adaptation was helped by the modernity of Kazakhstan’s major cities: “I’ve spent some time out in the Karaganda region, in small villages. I think adapting there would be a much bigger adjustment,” they told TCA. All interviewees described locals as exceptionally hospitable, even to strangers: “You always hear about hospitality being important here and in other Central Asian countries. Whenever we needed help, friends or even people we didn’t know were incredibly helpful.” In discussing professional environments, most agreed that work culture is far more relaxed than in the West. However, one noted a downside: “In Kazakhstan, there’s a very strict hierarchy. Of course, it varies by firm, but in more traditional companies,...