21.02.2025, 18:17 956
Dimash Qudaibergen receives Goodwill Ambassador badge
Images | Kazakh Senate
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Kazakh Senate Speaker Maulen Ashimbayev held a meeting on Friday with world-renowned Kazakhstani singer, Goodwill Ambassador of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions Dimash Qudaibergen, Kazinform reports.
During the meeting, Ashimbayev praised Dimash’s mission aimed at promoting Kazakh national culture, ideas of peace and kindness through art as well as dialogue between nations and cultures, pointing out all these values mirror the principles of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
While handing over the Goodwill Ambassador badge to Dimash, the Senate Speaker pointed to the important role of Goodwill Ambassadors of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and expressed his hope that Dimash will continue to promote ideas of peace and harmony globally through his creative projects.
The meeting also focused on the preparation for the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, 2nd Forum of Young Religious Leaders, implementation of the Congress’ Concept and joint projects in these directions.
The 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions themed ‘Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future’ is set to take place on September 17-18, 2025, in the Kazakh capital of Astana.
Earlier it was reported that Kazakhstan and the Muslim World League had discussed cooperation within the Congress of World and Traditional Religions.
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21.02.2025, 22:22 746
Astana Opera to honor Abai's 180th anniversary with an art song concert
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In honour of the 180th anniversary of the great poet, educator, composer, philosopher Abai Qunanbaiuly, a number of significant events are planned at Astana Opera. The first of them will be the concert Uiyqtap Zhatqan Zhurekti An Oyatar, which will take place on March 2 at the opera house’s Kulyash Baiseitova Chamber Hall, Astana Opera press office reports.
The performer and inspirational figure of the concert is People’s Artist of Kazakhstan, laureate of the State Prize of Kazakhstan Shakhimardan Abilov. Together with him, international competitions laureate, graduate of the Astana Opera International Opera Academy, tenor Nursultan Anuarbek, as well as international competitions laureate, the opera academy’s third academic season attendee, soprano Sara Sadygulova, will take part in this musical evening. Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Raushan Beskembirova will perform the piano part.
It is important to emphasize that this evening an art song cycle by the composer Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev to the poems by Abai Qunanbaiuly will be performed for the first time at the Kulyash Baiseitova Chamber Hall. Shakhimardan Abilov noted that these seven art songs represent the first vocal cycle in the history of Kazakh classical art song.
In 1981, while preparing my concert at the conservatory, I discovered an art song by Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev on Abai’s famous poem "Qalyn Elim, Qazaghym, Qairan Zhurtym", written by him in his student years. This art song remained unpublished and unperformed. Its melody is broad, the sound is high, and the vocal part requires powerful breathing in the upper octaves. In 1986, I performed it for the first time at the Composers Union plenary meeting. Having heard my performance, Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev expressed his gratitude to me for giving new life to his work. Inspired by this, he wrote seven more art songs on Abai’s poems especially for my voice. Thus, the first vocal cycle of 7 art songs based on the great poet’s works in the history of Kazakh professional music was created," Shakhimardan Abilov said.
The opera singer also emphasized the importance of popularizing the great Abai’s creative work.
The leitmotif and harmony of Abai’s poems are unusual. The themes of his works are incredibly diverse. Mood, love and hate, nature, social and civic lyrics - all this is our life. Each of his poems is a separate philosophy, a separate wisdom. If we understand and follow such a great thinker as Abai, we will take a worthy place in the world," Shakhimardan Abilov noted.
Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev’s famous art song cycle includes Abai’s poems "Qalyn Elim, Qazaghym, Qairan Zhurtym", "Zhazdygun Shilde Bolghanda", "Konilim Qaitty Dostan da, Dushpannan da...", "Qazhymas Dos Khalykta Zhoq", "Siz - Qyrghauyl Zhez Qanat", "Qara Qatyn", "Konil Qusy Quiqylzhyr Shartarapqa...". Currently, opera singer Shakhimardan Abilov and Astana Opera’s musical consultant Raushan Beskembirova are preparing to present these seven art songs to the audience in the format of two monocycles.
In addition, the program will feature four art songs by Nagim Mendygaliyev based on Abai’s poems: "Men Salem Zhazamyn", "Ghashyqtyn Tili - Tilsiz Til", "Keide Eser Konil Qurghyryn", "Ghashyqtyq, Qumarlyqpen - Ol Eki Zhol", arias from the opera Abai by Akhmet Zhubanov and Latif Khamidi, as well as songs based on the poet’s works written by Sydyq Mukhamedzhanov, Mansur Sagatov and Yevgeniy Brussilovsky.
Many composers wrote art songs to Abai’s poems, but Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev’s style is unique and modern. His cycle of seven art songs is a work that is performed extremely rarely. Until today, only Shakhimardan Abilov has performed these art songs," accompanist Raushan Beskembirova noted.
In the art songs to Abai’s poems, Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev deeply reveals the poet’s philosophical reflections, combining them with modern harmony. The piano part in these works is highly rich and requires from the performer not only impeccable technique, but also a deep understanding of the musical imagery. The complexity of the performance is due to the need to keenly convey the expressive dramaturgy and emotional nuances embedded in the composer’s music. Now, together with Shakhimardan Abilov, we are re-studying all seven art songs. In the process of preparing for the concert, a new edition of this cycle is being created. It will become valuable material for future generations of musicians," Raushan Beskembirova added.
She also noted that the concert Uiyqtap Zhatqan Zhurekti An Oyatarwill open a series of events dedicated to the 180th anniversary of Abai Qunanbaiuly at the opera house, and there are plans to hold several more concerts in the fall featuring works by other composers who wrote music to his poems.
As a reminder, Astana Opera’s repertoire includes works reflecting the life and creative work of Abai. Thus, in 2015, the opera Abai by Akhmet Zhubanov and Latif Khamidi to the libretto by Mukhtar Auezov premiered at the opera house’s Grand Hall. The opera house was awarded the State Prize of Kazakhstan in 2018 for this production.
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20.02.2025, 15:05 1201
Kazakhstan adds new routes to Georgia and China
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Air Astana and SCAT air companies will operate new flights to Georgia and China, the Kazakh Transport Ministry reports.
Air Astana plans to launch direct flights from Atyrau to Tbilisi on May 27. The flights will be operated three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays on Airbus aircraft. Now it flies from Almaty and Aktau cities.
SCAT will carry out flights from Shymkent to Xi’an starting from May 28 on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The new flights are expected to contribute to the further development of trade and economic, investment, tourist and cultural cooperation between the countries.
It was earlier reported, Almaty eyes better air connectivity with China, and targets extra flights in 2025.
PM discusses problems and prospects of transport and logistics industry development with entrepreneurs
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting of the Council of Domestic Entrepreneurs on the development of transport and logistics infrastructure of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the participation of the leadership of sectoral ministries and government organisations, primeminister.kz reports.
A constructive dialogue was held on the current situation and problems in the field of road, rail, water and air transport. Representatives of business stated about the existing administrative barriers that prevent the infusion of private investment and the implementation of new infrastructure projects in the industry. Proposals were made to improve regulatory norms to improve the business climate in the country.
Bakytbek Kadirov, General Director of Konkurent-B LLP, made proposals on attracting private investment in the railway industry. In particular, the construction of new tracks in regions that lack infrastructure but have potential for economic growth. This will help expand infrastructure bottlenecks and ensure the development of territorial connectivity within the country.
Prime Minister supported the initiative on private investments in the construction of railways and instructed the Ministry of Transport to make concrete proposals on the mechanism of return of investments till 1 March this year.
President of the Union of International Road Carriers Maksat Saktaganov raised the issue of control in transport. As a proposal the idea to introduce currency control on road transport was voiced. Also, in his opinion, it is necessary to amend the legislation on the procedure for checking the authenticity of authorisation documents.
Deputy Minister of Transport Maksat Kaliakparov reported on plans to introduce QR-codes in order to ensure transparency of permit documents to prevent forgeries.
Director of Victory trans LLP Kuanyshbek Sadyrbayev initiated a number of changes in the rules of application of the permit system of road transport in Kazakhstan in international traffic to support domestic carriers.
Marat Berkaliyev, President of the Association Automobile Convent of Kazakhstan, which unites 60 large and 40 small bus carriers of the country, made proposals regarding the approval of a set of measures for the development of passenger transport on road transport in Kazakhstan for 3 years, which will provide for full subsidisation of losses of carriers, fleet renewal, etc.
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13.02.2025, 22:31 1591
Ecologists explain why Caspian Sea turned red
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Aktau’s residents have expressed concern about an unusual phenomenon on one of the city beaches, Kazinform News Agency reports.
However, according to the Department of Ecology of the Mangistau region, there is no cause for concern, as this is a natural phenomenon.
As of February 12, specialists of the Department of Ecology of the Mangistau region took a sample of sea water in connection with the annual phenomenon when the coast of the Caspian Sea turns red. As part of the study, the water is being analyzed for the presence of chemicals and oil products. The results will be released later," the report says.
Kirill Osin, an ecologist from Aktau, said that this phenomenon occurs annually during the winter months, coinciding with the active growth phase of algae, which then begins to bloom.
Especially when it snows, the red hue can look scary. In fact, it is brown algae," the ecologist explained.
Additionally, water samples were taken at the beaches "Dostar", "Nur-Plaza" and in the area of the yacht club.
As reported earlier, the working group of experts was set to study changes in the water level of the Caspian Sea.
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13.02.2025, 13:25 1756
Kazakhstan to increase number of flights to Turkistan to boost local tourism
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Local authorities are set to draft a comprehensive plan of development of Turkistan city’s tourism sector, Kaznform News Agency quotes Vice Minister of Tourism and Sport Yerzhan Yerkinbayev as saying at the Senate’s plenary session today.
In his words, lack of international and domestic flights became one of the factors hindering development of tourism in Turkistan.
He said that compared to 2023, the number of foreign tourists doubled in 2024. The authorities plan to add 16 new planes to the country's aircraft fleet to boost tourism.
Together with the Ministry of Transport, we are working on increasing the number of flights to Turkistan," Nyssanbayev noted.
Given the special status of Turkistan, we agreed to compile and approve a separate plan for the city’s tourism sector development," the Vice Minister said.
Senate deputies have approved today the law "On special status of Turkistan city."
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03.02.2025, 16:42 85186
Kazakhstan’s population stands at 20,286,084 on January 1
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Kazakhstan’s population stood at 20,286,084 as of January 1, 2025, according to figures released by the National Statistics Bureau on Monday, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
The National Statistics Bureau estimated that Kazakhstan added 252,242 people in 2024, bringing the total to 20,286,084 on January 1, 2025.
As of 2025, Almaty city is the most populous city in Kazakhstan, with over 2,292,333 inhabitants. The capital Astana and Shymkent city are the country’s 2nd and 3rd largest cities with a population of 1,528,887 and 1,256,263 people, respectively.
Kazakhstan’s most densely populated regions include Turkestan region with 2,154,334 inhabitants, Almaty region - 1,560,377 people, Zhambyl region - 1,133,984 and Karaganda region 1,135,351.
12,774,743 Kazakhstanis reside in urban areas, whereas 7,511,341 people in rural areas.
Earlier it was reported that Kazakhstan’s population stood at 20, 243,000 as of November last year.
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20.01.2025, 19:43 140336
Kazakhstan, Russia launch joint investigation into AZAL plane crash - Azerbaijani prosecutor general
Images | Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan
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Joint investigations are underway into the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) jet en route Baku-Grozny on December 25, 2024, near the city of Aktau, in coordination with the relevant authorities of Kazakhstan and Russia, including the Prosecutor's Office and law enforcement agencies, the Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan Kamran Aliyev told reporters, Trend reports.
By the order and instruction of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, all relevant state structures have been mobilized in connection with the investigation of the AZAL plane crash near Aktau, and they are carrying out their tasks according to their responsibilities. Criminal cases have been initiated in three countries - Russia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan - concerning the aviation accident.
Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia's relevant authorities have gathered evidence, which they will later jointly analyze to identify the responsible parties. Currently, the Russian Investigative Committee and the Prosecutor General's Office are conducting the necessary investigative actions in this direction," he added.
The Azerbaijan Airlines plane which was flying from Baku to Grozny crashed near Aktau, Mangistau region, on December 25. The plane was carrying 67 people including 5 crew members. 38 people died and 29 survived as a result of the tragedy. Among the victims were six nationals of Kazakhstan.
Earlier it was reported that the two black boxes belonging to the Azerbaijan Airlines plane that crashed near Aktau had been delivered to Kazakhstan from Brazil.
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20.01.2025, 17:06 140066
Kazakhstan surpasses Japan in global internet speed ranking
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The Speedtest Global Index service summarized the results of December 2024 by publishing a ranking of countries and cities with the fastest internet, reports a Kazinform News Agency correspondent.
In this study, experts analyzed the average speeds of mobile internet and broadband access in nearly 200 cities across 154 countries. The primary evaluation criteria of the Speedtest Global Index are downloading and upload speeds for both mobile and broadband networks.
According to the global service data, Kazakhstan rose by one position in the country rankings for mobile internet speed. The country is now ranked 57th, with an average download speed of 53.76 Mbps. Japan follows in 58th place with an average speed of 53.54 Mbps.
However, Kazakhstan ranks lower in terms of fixed broadband internet speed, placing 88th globally with an average download speed of 73.67 Mbps.
The top three countries for mobile internet speed remain:
- United Arab Emirates - 453.87 Mbps
- Qatar - 383.5 Mbps
- Kuwait - 257.3 Mbps
The lowest speed was recorded in Afghanistan, where the download speed was just 8.2 Mbps.
Earlier, it was reported that the percentage of Internet users has reached 93% in Kazakhstan.
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14.01.2025, 16:10 157456
Police officer posthumously awarded for bravery in Almaty region
Images | Almaty region's police department
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Late patrol inspector senior lieutenant Shalkar Baizhomartov has been awarded the 3rd degree Aibyn Order posthumously, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
Receiving the award was the father of later Shalkar Baizhomartov.
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Interior Minister Aidar Saitbekov, who presented the award, offered his condolences and highlighted the bravery senior lieutenant Baizhomartov showed as well as his contribution and dedication to ensure the safety of citizens.
The interior bodies’ personnel are always at the frontline in the fight against crime and maintaining order. Late Shalkar Baizhomartov proved his devotion to his duty and the homeland at the cost of his life, said Saitbekov.
To note, Shalkar Baizhomartov attending to an accident scene was crushed to death by a Toyota Camry vehicle, that lost control and rammed onto a police vehicle, on Almaty-Oskemen highway in Almaty region on December 20, 2024.
Earlier it was reported that a police officer of the Medeu District Police Department had been stabbed to death during an altercation in one of Almaty's medical facilities.
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