What Ancient Turkic Myths Reveal About Women and Power in Steppe
ALMATY – At a time when many views of Turkic civilization are reduced to simplistic narratives, Kazakh researcher and writer Zira Nauryzbai invites a reassessment. At a public lecture on Feb. 18 in Almaty, she explored Turkic mythology, gender roles, and ancient belief systems, challenging conventional views of Turkic civilization and highlighting the deep…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112738
ALMATY – At a time when many views of Turkic civilization are reduced to simplistic narratives, Kazakh researcher and writer Zira Nauryzbai invites a reassessment. At a public lecture on Feb. 18 in Almaty, she explored Turkic mythology, gender roles, and ancient belief systems, challenging conventional views of Turkic civilization and highlighting the deep…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112738
❤4
Kazakh Airline Cancels Middle East Flights After Iranian Airspace Closure
ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s Air Astana group said on Feb. 28 that it canceled all flights to the Middle East for the day after Iranian airspace was closed amid escalating tensions in the region.
The decision followed a wave of strikes launched by the United States and Israel against targets in Iranian cities, including in…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112870
ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s Air Astana group said on Feb. 28 that it canceled all flights to the Middle East for the day after Iranian airspace was closed amid escalating tensions in the region.
The decision followed a wave of strikes launched by the United States and Israel against targets in Iranian cities, including in…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112870
❤2
SCAT, Boeing Break Ground on Central Asia’s Largest Aircraft Maintenance Hub in Shymkent
ASTANA – SCAT Airlines and Boeing kicked off the construction of what is expected to become Central Asia’s largest aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) center in Shymkent in southern Kazakhstan on Feb. 27, a project aimed at expanding the nation’s aviation infrastructure and servicing capacity.
Shymkent mayor Gabit Syzdykbekov, Deputy Minister of Transport…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112873
ASTANA – SCAT Airlines and Boeing kicked off the construction of what is expected to become Central Asia’s largest aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) center in Shymkent in southern Kazakhstan on Feb. 27, a project aimed at expanding the nation’s aviation infrastructure and servicing capacity.
Shymkent mayor Gabit Syzdykbekov, Deputy Minister of Transport…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112873
💯4
Kazakh President Orders Emergency Planning as Iran Tensions Escalate
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has instructed Kazakhstan’s Security Council and law enforcement agencies to prepare an emergency response plan amid escalating tensions around Iran and the potential risk of instability affecting the country, said presidential press secretary Aibek Smadiyarov on Feb. 28.
Tokayev tasked Security Council Secretary Gizat Nurdauletov, along with the heads…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112883
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has instructed Kazakhstan’s Security Council and law enforcement agencies to prepare an emergency response plan amid escalating tensions around Iran and the potential risk of instability affecting the country, said presidential press secretary Aibek Smadiyarov on Feb. 28.
Tokayev tasked Security Council Secretary Gizat Nurdauletov, along with the heads…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112883
🔥2❤1
Kazakhstan’s Kristina Shumekova Makes History in Germany
Kazakhstan’s Kristina Shumekova won silver in the 3,000 meter distance (4:03.99) at the World Junior Speed Skating Championships in Inzell, Germany, adding to her three gold medals in the 500 meters, 1,000 meters and 1,500 meters.
The speed skater also achieved a historic milestone. In the small all-around (based on the combined results of all individual events), the Kazakh athlete became the first from the country to win the title in this discipline.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated her, calling the result a historic achievement for Kazakhstan’s sport.
Photo credit: National Olympic Committee
Kazakhstan’s Kristina Shumekova won silver in the 3,000 meter distance (4:03.99) at the World Junior Speed Skating Championships in Inzell, Germany, adding to her three gold medals in the 500 meters, 1,000 meters and 1,500 meters.
The speed skater also achieved a historic milestone. In the small all-around (based on the combined results of all individual events), the Kazakh athlete became the first from the country to win the title in this discipline.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated her, calling the result a historic achievement for Kazakhstan’s sport.
Photo credit: National Olympic Committee
Saudi Arabia’s Foundation Announces Dates for Third Islamic Arts Biennale 2027
ASTANA – The Diriyah Biennale Foundation (DBF) will host the Islamic Arts Biennale’s third edition from Nov. 1, 2027 through March 1, 2028, at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The exhibition seeks to bring together historical works with contemporary ones exploring the arts of Islamic civilizations,…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112805
ASTANA – The Diriyah Biennale Foundation (DBF) will host the Islamic Arts Biennale’s third edition from Nov. 1, 2027 through March 1, 2028, at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The exhibition seeks to bring together historical works with contemporary ones exploring the arts of Islamic civilizations,…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112805
❤1
Kazakhstan Awaits First Wild-Born Przewalski’s Foals as New Horses Arrive in Summer
ASTANA – The effort to reintroduce Przewalski’s horses, known locally as kerkulan, to the Kazakh steppe has survived an early setback with the loss of a stallion, yet specialists say the herds are adapting steadily, raising expectations of new foals and the arrival of a third group this summer.
The first seven Przewalski horses…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112699
ASTANA – The effort to reintroduce Przewalski’s horses, known locally as kerkulan, to the Kazakh steppe has survived an early setback with the loss of a stallion, yet specialists say the herds are adapting steadily, raising expectations of new foals and the arrival of a third group this summer.
The first seven Przewalski horses…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112699
🔥4
Why Power Among Kazakh Khans Didn’t Always Pass From Father to Son
ASTANA — In the Kazakh Khanate, power rarely moved in a straight line from father to son. Succession more often followed seniority within the ruling dynasty, a system shaped by the political traditions of the nomadic steppe.
Photo credit: The Astana Times
Edil Noyanov, a candidate of historical sciences and assistant professor at Al-Farabi…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112664
ASTANA — In the Kazakh Khanate, power rarely moved in a straight line from father to son. Succession more often followed seniority within the ruling dynasty, a system shaped by the political traditions of the nomadic steppe.
Photo credit: The Astana Times
Edil Noyanov, a candidate of historical sciences and assistant professor at Al-Farabi…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112664
❤1
Kazakh President Condemns Military Actions, Urges Diplomatic Solutions in Middle East
ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sent personal messages to the leaders of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, expressing sincere support and solidarity with their peoples during what he described as a period of extreme trials.
Tokayev strongly condemned any military actions aimed at undermining the sovereignty and security…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112890
ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sent personal messages to the leaders of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, expressing sincere support and solidarity with their peoples during what he described as a period of extreme trials.
Tokayev strongly condemned any military actions aimed at undermining the sovereignty and security…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112890
❤3
Between Kazakhstan and Poland: Kazakh Writer Bridges Cultures Through Literature
ASTANA – In Poland, Yuriy Serebriansky is known as a cultural scholar and editor of a magazine focused on the history and life of Kazakhstan’s Polish diaspora. In Kazakhstan and beyond, he is recognized as a writer whose works span poetry, prose, children’s literature and nonfiction, all shaped by a life lived across cultures,…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112509
ASTANA – In Poland, Yuriy Serebriansky is known as a cultural scholar and editor of a magazine focused on the history and life of Kazakhstan’s Polish diaspora. In Kazakhstan and beyond, he is recognized as a writer whose works span poetry, prose, children’s literature and nonfiction, all shaped by a life lived across cultures,…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112509
❤2
Snow Leopard Cubs Spotted in Almaty Nature Reserve
ASTANA – Rare footage has been recorded in the Almaty state nature reserve. The video from camera traps installed across the reserve captures snow leopard cubs playing together high in the mountains.
Oct. 23 is International Snow Leopard Day, a celebration of the iconic symbol of mountain ecosystems and the wild landscapes of Central…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112867
ASTANA – Rare footage has been recorded in the Almaty state nature reserve. The video from camera traps installed across the reserve captures snow leopard cubs playing together high in the mountains.
Oct. 23 is International Snow Leopard Day, a celebration of the iconic symbol of mountain ecosystems and the wild landscapes of Central…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112867
❤1🔥1
Audio
📰Weekly News Digest
Welcome to your weekly digest from The Astana Times. We bring you key stories of the week - all in one quick listen
Welcome to your weekly digest from The Astana Times. We bring you key stories of the week - all in one quick listen
💯1
Kazakh Foreign Ministry Strengthens Monitoring, Provides Consular Support Amid Middle East Escalations
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established round-the-clock coordination with relevant state authorities and foreign governments in light of the escalating military and political situation in the Middle East, the ministry’s press office reported on March 1 on Telegram.
No information has been reported regarding casualties among Kazakh citizens.
“We urge citizens…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112895
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established round-the-clock coordination with relevant state authorities and foreign governments in light of the escalating military and political situation in the Middle East, the ministry’s press office reported on March 1 on Telegram.
No information has been reported regarding casualties among Kazakh citizens.
“We urge citizens…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112895
❤1
WHO Sees Measurable Progress in Kazakhstan’s Health System
ASTANA – As Kazakhstan modernizes its health system amid evolving global risks, its partnership with the World Health Organization continues to expand. In an interview with The Astana Times, Dr. Skender Syla, WHO Representative in Kazakhstan, reflects on the past year of cooperation with the Ministry of Health, from strengthening prevention of communicable and…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112793
ASTANA – As Kazakhstan modernizes its health system amid evolving global risks, its partnership with the World Health Organization continues to expand. In an interview with The Astana Times, Dr. Skender Syla, WHO Representative in Kazakhstan, reflects on the past year of cooperation with the Ministry of Health, from strengthening prevention of communicable and…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112793
🔥1
Central Asian Businesses Adapt to Global Sanctions Shift
ASTANA — As global sanctions enforcement tightens, businesses in Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic are adapting to stricter compliance standards affecting payments, logistics and trade with the support of the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)’s regional initiative launched in June 2025. Across Central Asia, what may appear to be routine delays – a…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112898
ASTANA — As global sanctions enforcement tightens, businesses in Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic are adapting to stricter compliance standards affecting payments, logistics and trade with the support of the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)’s regional initiative launched in June 2025. Across Central Asia, what may appear to be routine delays – a…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112898
❤1
Kazakhstan, UN Present New Cooperation Framework for 2026-2030
ASTANA – The Steering Committee of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework presented the main parameters of a new cooperation program for 2026-2030 on Feb. 27 at Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Meeting with the Steering Committee of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework in Astana on Feb.27 Photo credit: The Astana…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112903
ASTANA – The Steering Committee of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework presented the main parameters of a new cooperation program for 2026-2030 on Feb. 27 at Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Meeting with the Steering Committee of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework in Astana on Feb.27 Photo credit: The Astana…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112903
Tokayev Holds Series of Calls with Middle East Leaders Amid Rising Tensions
ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has held a series of high-level contacts with leaders of Middle Eastern countries amid escalating tensions in the region, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s support for dialogue and diplomatic resolution of international conflicts.
Photo credit: Akorda
Tokayev sent a message to the King of Jordan Abdullah II, conveying support and solidarity with…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112911
ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has held a series of high-level contacts with leaders of Middle Eastern countries amid escalating tensions in the region, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s support for dialogue and diplomatic resolution of international conflicts.
Photo credit: Akorda
Tokayev sent a message to the King of Jordan Abdullah II, conveying support and solidarity with…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112911
Dimash Qudaibergen Gifts Car to Olympic Champion Mikhail Shaidorov
ALMATY – Dimash Qudaibergen presented the keys of the car to Olympic figure skating champion Mikhail Shaidorov during a special ceremony held in Almaty, following the athlete’s return home.
Dimash Qudaibergen gifted a car to Olympic figure skating champion Mikhail Shaidorov during a special ceremony held in Almaty, following the athlete’s return home. Photo…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112915
ALMATY – Dimash Qudaibergen presented the keys of the car to Olympic figure skating champion Mikhail Shaidorov during a special ceremony held in Almaty, following the athlete’s return home.
Dimash Qudaibergen gifted a car to Olympic figure skating champion Mikhail Shaidorov during a special ceremony held in Almaty, following the athlete’s return home. Photo…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112915
❤1
OPEC+ Agree to Production Adjustment, Reaffirm Market Stability Commitment
ALMATY – Eight OPEC+ countries, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman, agreed to gradually resume oil production adjustments during a virtual meeting held on March 1, reported the organization’s press service.
Photo credit: Reuters
The countries that had previously announced additional voluntary production adjustments in April and…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112918
ALMATY – Eight OPEC+ countries, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman, agreed to gradually resume oil production adjustments during a virtual meeting held on March 1, reported the organization’s press service.
Photo credit: Reuters
The countries that had previously announced additional voluntary production adjustments in April and…
Read full post here https://astanatimes.com/?p=112918
❤1