Ұлыбританиядағы Қазақ Орталығы
Kazakh Centre in the UK
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Trip to the UK: Professor Mukhametkaliyeva’s Mission
From October 15 to 24, 2024, Professor Gulnar Okishankyzy Mukhametkaliyeva, PhD, from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, embarked on an official visit to the UK. This trip was part of a project funded by the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with the primary aim of promoting Kazakh traditions and gaining a deeper understanding of British culture.
During her visit, Professor Mukhametkaliyeva took part in a series of events organized with the support of the Kazakh Centre in the UK and members of the local Kazakh community. She met with representatives of the Kazakh diaspora, Kazakh students studying in England, and key figures from the cultural sector.
Introduction to the Kazakh Centre and Strengthening Cultural Connections
Professor Mukhametkaliyeva met with Ismail Kesici, Chairman of the Kazakh Centre, and his wife Sholpan, an active member of the Centre. They discussed the Centre’s ongoing activities, its efforts with the Kazakh diaspora in the UK, its role in strengthening Kazakh-British cultural ties, and future plans to promote the Kazakh language and culture in the UK.
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Kazakh Speaking Club Meetings
Professor Mukhametkaliyeva met with the leaders and organizers of the Kazakh Speaking Club, Mrs. Aliya Scruton and her husband Stephen Scruton. The Kazakh Speaking Club offers free Kazakh language lessons to anyone interested in learning. She attended one of the club’s regular meetings, highlighting its success in promoting the Kazakh language and culture, and discussed the challenges of preserving the language and national values among the Kazakh diaspora abroad.
Qazaq School London and Academic Connections
Professor Gulnar Mukhametkaliyeva also visited Qazaq School London, a school for young children, where she met with teachers, students, and parents. She gave a brief presentation to the children on national values and discussed with the teachers various methods for teaching the Kazakh language, emphasizing strategies to foster interest in the language among Kazakh children living abroad.
Additionally, Professor Mukhametkaliyeva visited the University of Warwick, one of the UK’s leading institutions, where she met with Kazakh students enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate programs. She delivered a lecture titled «National Values and Youth,» highlighting the vital role of young people in preserving and promoting national culture, as well as the importance of knowledge and experience in this area. After the lecture, she took part in a student-organized event called «Night Quiz,» where students engaged in lively discussions and tackled questions related to Kazakhstan’s history, culture, and traditions. The event was organized by the university’s «Kazakh Youth» organization.
Meeting with Fans of Dimash Kudaibergen
Professor Mukhametkaliyeva also met with Jill Beecham, the founder of the British fan club for world-renowned Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen, along with other active club members. They discussed how Dimash’s music has been instrumental in promoting Kazakh culture in the UK.
Dimash Kudaibergen.
Photographer: Aigerim Kali [Instagram @artistiqali]
Professor Gulnar Mukhametkaliyeva’s first visit to the UK, which took place just before Republic Day of Kazakhstan, made a significant contribution to promoting Kazakh culture and national values abroad.
Author: Kamshat Kumisbay, Director of the Kazakh Centre in the UK
Kazakhstan Participates in the Renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival
This year, from August 2 to 26, Kazakhstan took part in the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival in the United Kingdom. Within the festival, the Central Asia Creative Hub organized an event titled «Fringe Fusion: Kazakhstan and Global Art Partnerships.» The main goal of this event was to introduce Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage to an international audience.
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In the first part of the program, Bibigul Makazhanova, founder of the Central Asia Creative Hub and Director of Communications and Marketing at the Dara Presidential Initiatives Foundation, highlighted the significant potential of Kazakhstan’s creative industries to contribute to the global cultural landscape. She emphasized that Kazakhstan is ready to offer the global community a wide range of ideas and projects, from innovative design and music to historical cinema and contemporary art.
During the event’s initial panel, notable speakers from Kazakhstan included Aigul Imanbayeva, head of A.I. theatre, famous singer and actress; Togzhan Kurmanzhanova from the ÓzgeEpic creative group; Anastasia Tarasova from the ARTiSHOK theater; and Olga Malysheva. They each presented on the development of contemporary art in Kazakhstan, discussing both the achievements and challenges faced along the way, and engaged with numerous questions from the participants.
Karen Toftegaard, Director and Strategic Advisor for Creative Organizations from Denmark, moderated a discussion on elevating local performing arts to the global stage. The panel included producers from India, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Singapore, all of whom expressed significant interest in Kazakhstan’s creative initiatives.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest performing arts festival, taking place annually in Edinburgh, Scotland, for three weeks in August. Established in 1947 as an unofficial offshoot of the Edinburgh International Festival, the Fringe has grown into a major cultural event.
London, 18 May 2024 – In anticipation of May 21, the International Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, Cultural Style Week, organized by Culture Fashion & Arts, held its flagship event in Wood Green, London. Inspired by the success of the first Cultural Style Week in London in 2022 and its expansion to Leeds, Cape Town, and The Hague in 2023, this year’s annual London exhibition further strengthened the global reach of the movement, attracting participants from around the world. This year, Kazakhstan was represented at the event for the first time, adding a unique flair to the celebration. The event in London was an exciting occasion featuring fashion shows, cultural performances, shopping, and much more. Attendees were able to enjoy over 60 diverse retail stalls offering a variety of culturally diverse fashion and beauty products for both Cultural Style Week and everyday life.
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The day’s programme included several fashion shows, providing a platform for both emerging and established cultural designers to showcase their collections. This Cultural Style Week marked the first time that Kazakh culture was represented with a separate fashion show and presentation, organized by the Kazakh Centre UK with the assistance of the Kazakh Embassy in London.
Particular attention was paid to the display of traditional national clothing of Kazakhstan, which introduced guests to the fashion, style, and culture of Kazakhstan at all stages of a person’s life – from birth to the stage of “life wisdom.” In addition, ethnic themes and informative conversations enriched the program, promoting a comprehensive exploration of diverse cultural expressions.
The participation of the Kazakh Centre UK in Cultural Style Week took place in three directions:
- Fair
- Participation of Kazakh children in a children’s fashion show
- Separate fashion presentation of Kazakh culture – ‘Kazakh National Dress: From Cradle to Wisdom’.
Almost 40 people from the Kazakh community of all ages and generations took part in the presentation. For this presentation, kimesheks, traditional Kazakh headpieces were brought specially from Kazakhstan, kindly provided by Sultan Tilek, the ethnographer, master of handicrafts, and designer of authentic Kazakh clothing.
The fair presented the works of jewellery designer Ardak Khissina (Arhiss brand) in modern Kazakh style, Balausa Silver jewellery, ArtKawai brand jewellery from Tamilla Zinevic, ethnic-stylish tablecloths and fabric bags from KaspiWave, handmade leather bags from Birgson, as well as takiyas, national accessories, and numerous souvenirs.
This unforgettable day ended with a triumph of cultural diversity and creativity, leaving a deep impression on all participants and guests. Cultural Style Week continues its development, providing unique opportunities to get acquainted with the diversity of world cultures and their identities.
New Kazakh Language and Culture Initiative Unveiled in the Heart of London
On April 27, 2024, a significant cultural event took place in central London with the launch of the Kazakh Speaking Club. This initiative brought together the local Kazakh community and enthusiasts of the Kazakh language.
Kazakh Centre Opens in Great Britain to Strengthen Cultural Ties
LONDON, KAZINFORM – In a significant move to enhance cultural and friendly relations between Kazakhstan and Great Britain, a Kazakh Centre was inaugurated in Coventry, UK. Aimed at familiarizing the local public with Kazakhstan’s rich artistic language and national traditions, the centre also seeks to unite Kazakhs residing in the country, according to Kazinform’s correspondent, Galymzhan Karamanuly.
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With the Kazakh population in Great Britain growing annually, the community spans students attending prestigious educational institutions and professionals working across various sectors. Despite being far from home, their connection to Kazakhstan remains strong. The Kazakh Centre is primarily focused on uniting Kazakhs, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride.
Ismail Kesici, Chairman of the Kazakh Centre in Great Britain, shared, «Our community is diverse, including Kazakhs from Turkey, China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan itself, each here for different reasons. Among them are over 250 Kazakh women married to British citizens. Our aim is to cultivate their understanding and appreciation of Kazakh culture, traditions, and history, especially among the youth.»
The allure of Kazakh culture and art has grown, partly thanks to the rising popularity of artists like Dimash Kudaibergen, whose fan base in the UK exceeds one and a half thousand. Fans are even learning Kazakh to better understand his music. The centre’s opening event provided guests with an immersive experience into Kazakh customs.
Khan Aral, a Warwick University student from Turkey, expressed fascination with Kazakh traditions, stating, «I was intrigued by the candy-throwing celebration and the melodious sounds of the dombra.»
Pakistani student Shahim Jaffrey, also from Warwick University, admired the Kazakh hospitality, noting, «Kazakhs are incredibly welcoming, inviting strangers to join them at the table with utmost respect.»
The centre’s inauguration coincided with the Kazakh Youth Ball at Warwick University, an annual gathering that celebrates Kazakh culture among students from across the UK through song and dance.
Magzhan Ilyassov, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Great Britain, commended the students’ initiative, «It’s commendable that the students themselves organize such events. It goes beyond education; it’s about community building and broadening horizons. The embassy is always ready to support these initiatives.»
In a nod to tradition, Kazakh student Inkar Nuradil explained, «We chose to hold this year’s ball in a national style. It’s important for us to carry on the traditions and customs of the Kazakh people to future generations, such as wearing traditional rings, earrings, or attire.»
Looking ahead, the centre plans to introduce the UK to talented young musicians from Central Kazakhstan and showcase products from Kazakh entrepreneurs. The goal is to make Kazakh dances and traditional clothing fashionable and accessible to a wider audience.
This article was originally written by Galymzhan Karamanuly and published by the “Kazinform” International News Agency. The English translation has been provided by Kamshat Kumisbay, the Kazakh Centre in the UK to share this significant event with a broader audience.
Read more about initiatives like the opening of the Kazakh Centre in the UK, the launch of the Oxford Qazaq Dictionary, and various educational projects, that aim to promote the Kazakh language and culture abroad, enhance academic cooperation, and foster community among Kazakh students in the UK, marking significant milestones in international collaboration.
Warwick Qazaq Ball 2024: A Unifying Celebration
On March 2nd, 2024, in anticipation of the Nauryz holiday, the Warwick University Kazakh Society, supported by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the United Kingdom and the newly established Kazakh Centre in the UK, hosted the annual Warwick Kazakh Ball.
On February 17th, 2024, St Andrew’s Church in Caversham, Reading, was filled to capacity for an Early Spring Concert featuring the renowned Kazakh pianist Dina Duisen. Joined by violinist Jiafeng Chen and cellist Naomi Watts, the trio presented a captivating programme, including Franz Schubert’s Piano Trio No.2 in E flat major, D.929, and Johannes Brahms’ Piano Trio No.1 in B major, Op.8. The concert offered a splendid evening of classical music, showcasing the artists’ exceptional talent and synergy, with the church’s full audience testament to the event’s success.
The world premiere of «The Bruce» opera by the young Kazakh composer Rakhat-Bi Abdysagin will take place in Scotland
The global debut of the opera «The Bruce» by the accomplished Kazakh composer and Bolashak programme participant Rakhat-Bi Abdysagin, is scheduled for February 17, 2024, at Glasgow Cathedral. Opera is offering a narrative on the life of King Robert I of Scotland, an emblematic figure in the pursuit of Scottish independence. The opera seeks to create a musical link between the past and the future, delving into the impactful life of one of Scotland’s most celebrated monarchs.
The opera is inspired by the medieval poem «Bruce» by John Barbour, circa 1375, and is a key element of Abdysagin’s doctoral studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the University of St Andrews. It introduces the concept of cathedral opera, a genre meant for the acoustic ambiance of cathedrals, promising a tale rich with themes of liberty, virtue, leadership, and resilience.
The premiere aligns with the 750th anniversary of Robert the Bruce’s birth and is set to occur in four historically significant UK cathedrals:
• February 17 at Glasgow Cathedral, where Robert the Bruce was first acknowledged as King of Scotland.
• February 21 at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, a location steeped in historical significance, from memorial services for Queen Elizabeth II to the presentation of Charles III as the Crown of Scotland.
• February 24 at St. Salvator’s Chapel, University of St. Andrews, where Robert the Bruce was present for the cathedral’s consecration in 1318.
• March 3 at Dunfermline Abbey, the final resting place of Robert the Bruce.
This production, featuring talent from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, includes a tenor portraying Robert the Bruce, supported by a reader, an ensemble of singers, and an organist, with Abdysagin himself performing the organ parts. Free tickets are available:
It’s worth mentioning that Rakhat-Bi Abdysagin, the Kazakh composer and pianist, holds a Master of Arts degree and is a recipient of the «Daryn» State Prize. A distinguished graduate of the «Bolashak» program, Abdysagin was awarded the «Bolashak» scholarship in 2022 and is currently undertaking doctoral research in Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
The article was sourced from the official https://bolashak.gov.kz/
‘Dimash Tour’: A Fresh Path for Kazakhstan’s Tourism Sector. What sets apart the new tourist destination inspired by Dimash Kudaibergen?
Beyond the birthplace of the renowned singer, what other attractions can tourists enjoy? In which countries has this initiative been launched? Mr. Ersayin Siyunov, the director of the ‘Visit Aktobe’ tourist information centre, answered these and other questions.
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This article is a translation of the original work published in Kazakh language in «Forbes Kazakhstan»
Ersayin Muratuly, you’ve just returned from China and South Korea. What was the goal of these trips?
— Our Road Show was designed to actively promote the Aktobe region’s tourist attractions. Our focus was on building the region’s tourism brand, sparking tourist interest, and showcasing our unique attractions. The primary objective is to establish the Aktobe region as a leading and appealing destination for tourists. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the region’s reputation, drawing in new visitors, and deploying effective marketing strategies to bolster our tourist sites.
During this trip, along with showcasing the tourism potential of the Aktobe region, the ‘Dimash tour,’ named after Dimash Kudaibergen, was also launched…
— Yes, hosting this event in the People’s Republic of China and South Korea was directly linked to the visa-free policy established with these countries. We aim to leverage this agreement to draw more tourists from these nations. The project included visits to Beijing and Shanghai in China, as well as Seoul, the capital of South Korea, by a delegation from the Aktobe region. This delegation featured Marat Aitimov, Dimash Kudaibergen’s vocal coach.
Overall, the ‘Dimash tour’ project primarily focuses on the Aktobe region. Naturally, visiting the hometown of Dimash offers a unique and sought-after experience in our region. Through this initiative, our region is set to enhance its reputation as a renowned tourist destination. We’re confident that this tour will not only provide a unique opportunity for visitors but will also positively influence the overall development of tourism in Kazakhstan.
Who participated from China and Korea? What exactly did you offer them?
— Approximately 120 representatives from Chinese and South Korean tourism companies attended the event. We showcased the most picturesque and unique spots in the region, as well as the available accommodations for tourists. We facilitated B2B and B2G meetings with several tourism industry firms, including business delegations from the People’s Republic of China and Korea. In addition, during discussions with tour operators, we explored specific suggestions for new tourist itineraries that highlight the region’s attractions, with the potential inclusion of the ‘Dimash Tour.’ Throughout these discussions, we reached a preliminary consensus with leading tour operators to feature the Aktobe region’s distinctive sites in their travel packages, and agreements were established between the involved parties.
What does the ‘Dimash tour’ project entail? What highlights should tourists look forward to? And just how captivating will this journey be?
— Under the ‘Dimash tour’ project, our visitors will have the opportunity to explore the cities of Aktobe, Astana, and Almaty. Primarily, we believe it’s essential to highlight Dimash’s hometown, Aktobe. The tour showcases the national culture and hospitality. Tourists will explore key attractions in Aktobe, including the regional historical and local lore museum to delve into the area’s history. They’ll also visit the school where the celebrated singer was educated, meet some of Dimash’s teachers, and even stop by the city’s music college to meet with Marat Aitimov, one of Dimash’s mentors. The itinerary includes master classes, concerts, and special performances. Another highlight is a visit to Dimash Kudaibergenov’s childhood home, which has been turned into a museum. Additionally, a city tour in Aktobe is planned, where guests will discover the city’s most beautiful and intriguing spots, such as the T. Akhtanov Drama Theater, the ‘Nur-Gasyr’ mosque, and the cathedral. Excursions to the region’s unique sites will also be arranged.
What locations in the region are currently surprising guests the most?
— Currently, the Aktobe region is home to a diverse range of tourism sectors, with a special emphasis on ecotourism. Notable examples include the Aktolagai chalk mountains, the Akkum sands in Baiganin district, the Kargaly reservoir, Kaskyr waterfall, Mylkau village in Kargaly district, Akkayin forest in Martok district, the Orkash nature reserve in Mugalzhar district, Barkyn sands in Oyil district, and the Yrgyz-Torgay natural reserve in Yrgyz district. These sites have captivated both locals and visitors alike.
In addition to natural wonders, there’s a strong interest in routes exploring historical and cultural monuments revered in the region. This includes visits to the Kokzhar Fair memorial complex in Oyil District, the Doszhan Ishan Mosque in Temir District, the memorials of Eset Batyr Kokiuly in Alga District, Kobylandy Batyr in Kobda District, the Khan Tomb in Aiteke Bi District, Eset-Daribai in Shalkar District, and the highly sought-after Abat-Baytak mausoleum in Kobda district.
What are the tourist statistics for the Aktobe region?
— Following the Road Show conducted in Russia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey in 2022, there’s been a noticeable increase in tourists from these countries visiting the Aktobe region. Official statistics reveal that in 2023, tourist arrivals surged by 33.5% compared to 2022, totalling 32,352 visitors. Breaking it down by quarter, the first quarter saw 9,134 tourists arriving in Aktobe, with 8,611 heading to other countries. The second quarter witnessed 14,512 arrivals and 12,744 departures, while the third quarter reported 13,022 visitors coming in and 13,187 traveling abroad.
We’re aware that tours to Dimash’s birthplace have previously been organized. Could you share the outcomes? Who visited, where did they come from, and what aspects did the visitors enjoy the most?
— Every year, we welcome over 100 guests from countries including Switzerland, Korea, China, among others. They participate in various tours throughout the Aktobe region, where they explore the rich history and culture of the area where the celebrated singer was born. Overall, our visitors, including those who travelled to the Aktobe region, have positively rated the events we’ve organized. They’re confident that our region will emerge as one of the country’s leading tourist attractions in the future.
You’ve launched the Aktobe Ambassador Project. What outcomes are you hoping to achieve with this initiative?
— We’re excited about the impact of the Road Show event we recently held in South Korea, which played a crucial role in highlighting Aktobe region’s tourism potential. The event sparked lively discussions and proposals for enhancing bilateral ties, particularly with participants who showed a keen interest in our region. Notably, Son Won Sab, a South Korean singer known for his performances in both Kazakh and Korean, has expressed his desire to serve as a tourism ambassador for the Aktobe region. As part of this initiative, we’ve signed a memorandum of understanding with Son Won Sab, outlining his commitment to fostering cultural exchanges and promoting tourism. His distinctive artistry will play a key role in showcasing Aktobe’s natural beauty and supporting our tourism efforts.
This year, we’re excited to roll out the ‘Tourist Ambassadors of Aktobe Region’ project. This strategic move is designed to boost tourism in the area by leveraging the fame of well-known personalities. Currently, there’s a noticeable interest from Korean and Chinese tourists in our region’s ecotourism offerings, particularly our unique natural landscapes. That’s why, with the visa-free regime set for 2024, we’re aiming to draw in a significant number of tourists from both countries.
Photos courtesy of the ‘Visit Aktobe’ centre archive.
Author, Azat Sardarbek, Forbes Kazakhstan
Translated by Kamshat Kumisbay, Kazakh Centre in the UK
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