• KGS/USD = 0.01149 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00191 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09217 0.44%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28615 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01149 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00191 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09217 0.44%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28615 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01149 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00191 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09217 0.44%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28615 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01149 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00191 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09217 0.44%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28615 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01149 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00191 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09217 0.44%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28615 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01149 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00191 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09217 0.44%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28615 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01149 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00191 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09217 0.44%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28615 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01149 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00191 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09217 0.44%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28615 0%
22 December 2024

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 11

Ninety One: Revolutionizing Kazakh Music and Fighting Stereotypes

Ninety One revolutionized Kazakhstani pop music by pioneering the Q-pop genre. With their vivid images, deep lyrics and courage in expressing themselves openly. They broke gender stereotypes and inspired a new generation of artists. How it started Ninety One were founded in 2014, based on the "K-Top Idols" project, which sought to create Kazakhstan's first idol group. Initially, the jury selected two participants: A.Z. (Azamat Zenkaev) and Zaq (Dulat Mukhamedkaliev). Later, after additional auditions, they were joined by Bala (Daniyar Kulumshin) and Alem (Batyrkhan Malikov). The fifth member was Ace (Azamat Ashmakyn). The producer of the group, Yerbolat Bedelkhan, sought not only to create a new musical team, but to lay the foundation for the development of a new genre - Q-pop (Qazaq pop) - to unite Kazakh culture with modern pop music and bring it to an international audience. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9QIgf50sh4&ab_channel=GAKKUTV[/embed] A challenge to society and initial successes Released in 2015, Ninety One's debut music video for the song “Ayyptama” (Don't blame me), was a breakthrough. The daring style of the members - bright clothes, makeup and skirts - caused heated debates in still conservative Kazakhstani society. Many criticized the group for being “unconventional,” but young people quickly accepted the new format, seeing in it the freedom of self-expression. Despite pressure, canceled concerts and criticism, Ninety One continued to make steady progress. Their work has been recognized both at home and abroad. The hits “Qalay Qaraisyn” (How do you look at it?), “Su Asty” (Underwater) and “Taboo” (with Irina Kairatovna) gained popularity, and the group's albums became a cultural phenomenon. In addition to music, the band found time to test themselves on the silver screen. On August 24, 2017, the film, Ninety One, dedicated to the history of the group and their path to success, was released. The film was directed by Askar Uzabaev, and the producers were Asel Sadvakasova and Erbolat Bedelhan. The picture entered the top three leaders at the Kazakhstan box office, reaping 32,672,000 tenge on the first weekend of its release alone. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sciYs_H0Ifo&ab_channel=1kino.kz[/embed] Contributing to the fight against gender stereotypes Ninety One broke stereotypes about how men should look and behave in Kazakhstani society. They showed that a colorful apparel, experimentation with fashion and openness to new ideas are not a weakness, but a strength. The group inspired young people to boldly express themselves, overcome the fear of judgment, and break with outdated stereotypes. They became an inspiration for new artists, playing a key role in the development of the Q-pop industry. Ninety One's fan base grew so large that they gave themselves the nickname “eagles” after the symbol which was the band's signature gesture: crossed palms representing a bird, the symbol of the national flag of Kazakhstan. Today, Ninety One remain one of the most successful musical groups in Kazakhstan, actively touring, releasing new albums and continuing to attract the attention of international audiences. In 2023, the group released the album GAP, which became a huge hit. Among the most popular tracks is “АPEREM AI”...

A Synthesis of Sounds: How the Silk Road Became the Melting Pot of Music in the Soviet Empire

As a DJ, radio podcaster and music enthusiast, I love discovering hidden retro gems like Nuggets-style compilations. There is an unspoken agreement on an era’s sounds depending on the artist’s breaking into the mainstream at the time. Then there are the obscure cuts and one hit wonders that for some reason didn’t make it big upon release, but dated well or were ahead of their time and found an audience at a later date. On other occasions, it’s about geography; if it had been premiered in a different part of the world, it would have been successful or far more celebrated than it was. In my search for such sounds, I feel it shouldn’t be limited by location; good music has no boundaries. [caption id="attachment_25764" align="aligncenter" width="950"] Yalla band, commemorative stamp, Uzbekistan, 2021 [/caption] There are many compilations touching upon niche genres and moments in time which can transport one to sonically experience a particular era. As a Westerner trying to peek behind the Iron Curtain to gauge the music and arts scene of the 1970’s and 80’s, what flickered across the Cold War barriers seemed controlled, state-approved, and mostly a mystery. It was a delight to learn that under this supposed monochromic blanket, a dynamic underground music scene was flourishing in regions that had a long history of cultural fusion. SYNTHESIZING THE SILK ROADS: Uzbek Disco, Tajik Folktronica, Uyghur Rock & Crimean Tatar Jazz from 1980s Soviet Central Asia features musicians from countries such as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan, who were creating a unique sound that stood apart from anything else being produced in the USSR. TCA spoke to Ostinato record label boss Vik Sohonie about the release. TCA: How does this statement by Peter Frankopan quoted in your liner notes - “The bridge between east and west is the very crossroads of civilization” - relate to or define the music you chose? The music itself is the greatest evidence we have to this argument, because you can hear the cultures of Europe, South Asia, East Asia, West Asia - the Middle East - all mixed into it. Indeed, Central Asia was influenced by all of these regions musically given its unique geography, but it has also influenced the cultures of so many of those parts of the world. During the era of the Silk Roads and the "golden age" of the region, its musical theory, as stated in the liner notes, influenced the music of Europe. [caption id="attachment_25766" align="aligncenter" width="2172"] Natalia Nurumkhamedova album cover[/caption] TCA: How did World War II and Stalin create the circumstances behind the Tashkent and Uzbekistan scene? When the Nazis invaded the Soviet Union, Stalin put the best and brightest minds on trains bound for Soviet Central Asia, mainly Uzbekistan and its capital, Tashkent. There were recording engineers on board who went on to set up one of the biggest press plants in the Soviet Union that produced millions of records. A little-known story of World War II - the evacuation from the Eastern...

My First International Competition – Anara Ashimova, Silver Medalist in Shaolin Wushu

I was never a big sports person, but working at the computer and not moving much eventually made me realize I needed some kind of physical activity to cheer myself up and to recharge my body. After all, I wanted to be healthy and active in my maturity - I don’t want to call it old age. I had doubts about my physical abilities, but I was resolute, so I decided to go for a sport with exercises that are possible for and improve the health of people of age. Therefore, I took up the sport of Wushu, starting in a large group under the guidance of Gaini Kypshakbai, a master of the art. The first few months were challenging, but I slowly developed new skills. A lot of people quit during this time, and eventually only three of us were left in the group. Gradually, I developed an obsession with the classes as a way to strengthen my body and spirit. Our coach, Gaini, deserves a separate piece to be written about her for her patience and mentoring, but for now, I will just say that I'm grateful and full of respect for her. Laoshi (coach in Chinese) Gaini gently introduced us to the Tai Chi community, an association of enthusiasts who are passionate about what they do. In my third year of classes, I wanted to broaden my horizons, watch the masters, and show off my modest skills. So, after participating in the Championship for the Republic of Kazakhstan, we went to China for The 13th Zhengzhou China International Shaolin Wushu Competition. [caption id="attachment_25561" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Team Kazakhstan; image: A.Ashimova[/caption] Our team consisted of twelve people of different ages ranging from 30 to 65; it was the first international competition for all of us. Some of us were leaving Kazakhstan for the first time, but I'd been to Urumqi 20 years before. Everything that awaited us upon our arrival in China impressed and delighted us. The first thing that pleased me was how clean and organized everything was. People were friendly and willing to help, and, most importantly, it was completely safe. The cities we visited were very green with beautiful trees and lots of flowers; the parks were well-maintained, and the air was clean and fresh. Almost every city had the same level of population as Kazakhstan, but it never felt crowded. Everything was organized, clear, and accessible. For us, the myth that the Chinese do not speak English was also dispelled. If we encountered a language barrier, it was easily overcome by modern online translators. The youth of China were very bright, independent, and open. The Opening Ceremony of the festival was an indescribable delight. The small town of Danfeng welcomed us alongside representatives of 65 schools of Tai Chi. The competition was a festival celebrating the different styles of Wushu. We couldn’t contain our excitement as we took pictures on our smartphones and greeted the young athletes from the windows of the bus as thirty-five...

Kumys, Beshbarmak, and Other Wonders of the Kazakh Feast

Autumn in Kazakhstan is traditionally a time of abundant treats. Today, local chefs and experts are trying to break the stereotype of Kazakhstan having a bland and unhealthy national cuisine, and are actively marketing it to foreign guests. The modern cuisine of Kazakhstan has absorbed a variety of Asian dishes, but also includes dishes from Soviet cuisine. Almost every Kazakhstani family is familiar with borscht and dumplings borrowed from Russians and Ukrainians, pilaf and samsa brought by Uzbeks, shashlik taken from the Caucasian peoples, and funchoza (Asian salad with noodles) and kuksi (cold noodle soup) adopted from Koreans. Of course, as in many parts of the former Soviet Union, Olivier salad is traditionally prepared on New Year's Eve in Kazakhstan. Turkish dishes have also become part of the daily diet in the years since independence. For example, it is impossible to imagine today's fast food without the doner kebab. International fast food, such as pizza, hamburgers, and sushi, have also become popular in big cities. Nevertheless, traditional Kazakh dishes form the basis of the country's eclectic cuisine. Beshbarmak is truly a Khan's dish. Any festive occasion is unthinkable without it, and restaurants specializing in traditional cuisine must include it in their menus. In its original version, beshbarmak is prepared from salted horse meat, including kazy, shujuk, and karta (horse intestines). Unleavened dough, potatoes, onions, and spices are also added. However, today, a variant using beef is also widespread. [caption id="attachment_25083" align="aligncenter" width="1254"] Kazakh national dish, beshbarmak; image: iStock[/caption]   Beshbarmak, like many Turkic dishes, is the subject of constant dispute between Kazakhs and Kyrgyz. The neighboring peoples will always espouse different views on the question of whom created the dish. The differences in the recipe are not very significant; in Kazakhstan, the dough is usually cut into large rhombuses, and in Kyrgyzstan, into small oblong pieces. Tatarstan and Bashkiria also lay claim to the Khan's dish. There, mutton rather than beef is most often added to horse meat. Another pillar of Kazakh cuisine is kuirdak. Each family cherishes its version of the recipe, and kuirdak must be served in any restaurant claiming to serve the national cuisine. The dish starts with cuts of mutton and organ meat, such as heart, liver, and kidneys. These cuts are fried in sheep fat alongside potatoes, onions, parsley, and spices. [caption id="attachment_25084" align="aligncenter" width="1254"] Traditional dish kuirdak; image: iStock[/caption]   Unfortunately, the most traditional Kazakh dishes are not always available to foreigners, as some can now be tasted only in villages. For example, in honor of the arrival of guests, before the main meal, guests are offered a boiled sheep's head. It is cut right at the table, and each part (ears, eyes, tongue, etc.) is served according to the status of the guests. Another dish rarely served in restaurants is baked mutton brains. Ethnographers continue to search for and re-popularize national dishes that were common before the Russian Revolution but have now virtually disappeared in cities. For example, the ritual dish Ylpershek was...

Two Lost Silk Road Cities Unearthed in Uzbekistan

Aided by laser-based technology, archaeologists in south-east Uzbekistan, have discovered two lost cities that once thrived along the Silk Road from the 6th to 11th centuries AD. As reported  by Reuters, one was a center for the metal industry, and the other, indicates early Islamic influence. Located some five kilometers apart, these early fortified outposts are among the largest found on the mountainous sections of the Silk Road. “These cities were completely unknown. We are now working through historical sources to find possible undiscovered places that match our findings,” said archaeologist and lead author of the report, Michael Frachetti of Washington University in Saint Louis. The researchers state that the most expansive of the two, Tugunbulak, covered about 300 acres (120 hectares) and in existence from around 550 to 1000 AD, boasted a population of tens of thousands. As such, it was one of the largest cities of its time in Central Asia, rivaling even the famed trade hub Samarkand, situated about 110 km away, and according to Frachetti,  many times larger and more enigmatic than other highland castles or settlements that have been documented in high-elevation Central Asia." The other city, Tashbulak, inhabited from around 730-750 to 1030-1050 AD, was only a tenth the size of its neighbor, with a population perhaps in the thousands. After discovering the first signs of the cities' existence, archaeologists employed drone-based lidar -  a technology that floods the landscape with lasers to measure the topography - to map and establish the size and layout of the sites. Findings revealed highly defined structures, plazas, fortifications, roads, homes, and other urban features. An initial dig at one of Tugunbulak’s buildings, fortified with thick earthen walls, uncovered kilns and furnaces, suggesting it was a factory wherein, metalsmiths turned local iron ore into steel. During the 9th and 10th centuries, the region was known for its steel production and researchers are now analyzing slag found on-site to confirm their hypothesis that in addition to trade in livestock and related products such as wool, the metal industry may have been a central feature of Tugunbulak’s economy. According to Franchetti, “Tugunbulak, in particular, complicates much of the historical understanding of the early medieval political economy of the Silk Routes, placing both political power and industrial production far outside the regional ‘breadbaskets’ such as Samarkand." As stated in the report, Tashbulak lacked the industrial scale of Tugunbulak but boasted an interesting cultural feature: a large cemetery that reflects the early spread of Islam in the region. Its 400 graves—for men, women, and children—include some of the oldest Muslim burials documented in the area.“The cemetery is mismatched to the small size of the town," said Frachetti. "There's definitely something ideologically oriented around Tashbulak that has people being buried there." Tugunbulak and Tashbulak are especially remarkable given their altitude, which is roughly comparable to that of the later Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru, and as noted by Frachetti, “The key finding of this study is the existence of large, fortified, and...

Secret Spots Favored by Tashkent’s City Dwellers

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, has a wealth of unique attractions, each with its own history and atmosphere. Residents, from students to entrepreneurs, have their favorite corners where they return again and again. Here some of a few recommended by locals to TCA.   [caption id="attachment_24632" align="aligncenter" width="1100"] photo: uzbekistan.travel Eco Park[/caption] Eco Park Located in the city center, the Eco Park is especially popular amongst students seeking somewhere to relax, take a break from their studies and immerse themselves in nature. “Here you can not only walk around, but also learn and be inspired by new ideas.” Saeed, 19, Programming student   [caption id="attachment_24625" align="aligncenter" width="900"] photo: www.tripadvisor -Seoul National Park[/caption] Seoul National Park Easily accessible by bus from the city center, Seoul National Park offers a taste of Korea in its landscaping and various pavilions. Passionate about Korean culture, Samira often visits the park to relax and socialise with friends. “This place has become my little world where I can enjoy nature and feel part of Korean culture.” Samira, 17, High school student   [caption id="attachment_24624" align="aligncenter" width="680"] photo: www.afisha -Patriki Coffee Shop[/caption] Patriki Coffee Shop For Dilshot, aside from its excellent coffee, the cozy atmosphere of Patriki is a perfect and inspirational spot in which to complete tasks on his computer. “There is always cool music here, and I can focus on my projects without being distracted by noise.” Dilshot, 22, Programmer   [caption id="attachment_24626" align="aligncenter" width="900"] photo: www.tripadvisor - Café 1991[/caption] Café 1991 Nasiba, prefers to chill in Cafe 1991; a venue renowned for its excellent menu and which she favors for its elegant and stylish atmosphere. “It is my place of rest. I like to relax here after work, enjoy delicious food and socialize with friends.” Nasiba, 30, Cafe Administrator   [caption id="attachment_24627" align="aligncenter" width="680"] photo: www.gazeta.uz - Chinorkent[/caption] Chinorkent Mountain Resort Lured by the great outdoors, Gafur likes to escape his daily routine and the hustle and bustle of the city by heading for the picturesque mountain resort of  Chinorkent. Located in Tashkent's  Bostanlyk district, 65 kilometers from the center, the resort has a cable car to transport visitors within ten minutes to an observation deck offering panoramic views. “The tranquil atmosphere makes it a perfect place to relax.” Gafur, 22, Entrepreneur