1. Ulytau Uni» (The Voice of Ulytau) – A Traditional Festival of Folk Creativity and Art
The Ulytau Uni Festival is held with the aim of reviving, developing, and promoting national and cultural traditions, as well as identifying new talents among the population. The idea of organizing the festival was first discussed at the regional administrative level in the late 1980s. The initiative received prompt support, an organizing committee was established, and in February 1990 the first regional festival of folk creativity and amateur art titled Ulytau Uni was held.
In 2015, the festival marked its 25th anniversary. As part of the inaugural festival, educational and commemorative events were organized in honor of the lives and creative legacies of prominent figures of Kazakh art, including Bolman, Asset, Shashubai, Saidaly Sary Toka, Manarbek, Baubek and Mukan, Kozhabai, Kyzdarbek, Narmanbet, the poet Zhaken, Zhusip Altaibekov, Kulyash, Ykylas, and Shortanbai. These events were prepared by creative collectives from districts and cities of the region, who gathered in Zhezkazgan to participate in the festival.
The festival program includes competitions such as «Anshi Balapan» (The Singing Chick), «Kumis Qonyrau» (Silver Bell), the family ensemble competition «Zhuldyz», poetic contests (mushaïra), aitys performances by akyns, creative evenings dedicated to well-known local cultural figures, as well as exhibitions by artists and masters of decorative and applied arts.
The primary mission of the Ulytau Uni Festival, which traces its origins to the 1980s, is the promotion of national art. To commemorate the festival’s 25-year history, a chronicle book titled “The Ulytau Uni Festival of Folk Creativity and Amateur Art” was published.
The festival has played a significant role in discovering, nurturing, and supporting talented performers who have gained broad public recognition.
Source: Zhezkazgan Encyclopedia (p. 564),
The Ulytau Uni Festival book (pp. 9, 285)
Photographs: from the museum collection
2. The First World Kurultai of Kazakhs
The events of September-November 1992 should forever remain in the collective memory of the Kazakh people. In that year, shaped by fate and the complex turns of history, ethnic Kazakhs who had been dispersed across the world during different historical periods turned their hearts toward their ancestral homeland and gathered in Almaty to take part in the First World Kurultai of Kazakhs.
This great national gathering became possible only after the achievement of independence. At that time, a group of participants of the Kurultai made a respectful pilgrimage to sacred Ulytau – the ancient political, social, and cultural center of the Kazakh people, a place that once united the three zhuzes.
International guests first arrived in Zhezkazgan, where they visited the city’s cultural institutions.
From the memoirs of Sara Smagulova,
Member of the Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan
Photographs: courtesy of B. Kozhakhmetov
3. The «Altai-Danube» International Peacebuilding Expedition (1999 – 2005)
The Altai-Danube International Archaeological and Ethnological Expedition was initiated and implemented in 1999 by the Zhezkazgan Historical and Archaeological Museum. The primary objective of the expedition was to draw international attention to the historical interactions among the peoples of the Eurasian Steppe by traversing the Great Steppe Belt on camels, as well as to promote the ancient history of Eurasia and contemporary integration processes.
The idea author and head of the expedition was B. Kozhakhmetov.
The 5,500-kilometer journey, consisting of three stages, began on May 3, 1999, in the village of Kulunda, Altai Krai, Russian Federation.
• Stage I (1999) — passed through the Pavlodar, Akmola, Kostanay, and Chelyabinsk regions, the Republic of Bashkortostan, the Orenburg region, and Western Kazakhstan.
• Stage II (2000) — covered the Saratov and Voronezh regions of the Russian Federation.
• Stage III (2001) — crossed the territory of 11 regions of Ukraine and concluded in Hungary.
Overall, the expedition encompassed 426 settlements.
Source: Encyclopedia of the Ulytau District, p. 109.
Photographs: courtesy of B. Kozhakhmetov
4. The «Kokmaisa» International Ethno-Festival
During the first ten days of May, the historical heart of the nation – Ulytau – becomes a focal point for large-scale cultural events. Within the framework of the Presidential program «Rukhani Zhangyru: Orientation toward the Future», the Kokmaisa-2018 International Ethno-Festival was held in the very center of the Great Steppe. The festival brought together approximately 3,000 participants, including international tourists as well as representatives of UNESCO and ICESCO.
As a natural continuation of the traditional «Terisakkan Spring» festival, the ethno-festival aimed to promote the exceptional historical significance of Ulytau in the history of the Kazakh people, to introduce ancient monuments classified as part of historical heritage, and to showcase the richness and uniqueness of national customs, traditions, and traditional sports.
A central objective of the Kokmaisa Ethno-Festival, rooted in the foundations of national spiritual culture, was to attract both international visitors and citizens of Kazakhstan to explore the rich historical legacy and valuable cultural monuments of Ulytau, thereby contributing to the long-term development of the tourism sector.
The festival program also emphasized the natural characteristics of the region, highlighting the purity of its air and water, as well as the pristine natural environment traditionally regarded as beneficial to human health.
Visitors were welcomed in spacious and artistically designed traditional yurts, where they were offered traditional dishes made from natural livestock products, demonstrating their high nutritional value. In addition, the festival placed particular emphasis on educating local residents about the principles and requirements of tourism, developing practical skills, and encouraging entrepreneurial initiatives within the tourism industry.
Source: materials from the Qazaqstan website, ortalyq.kz.
Photographs: courtesy of B. Kozhakhmetov
5. The «Zhezkiik» International Folk Music Festival
(Zhezkiik — the saiga antelope, a steppe species)
From July 12 to 15, 2018, the First Zhezkiik International Folk Music Festival was held in the historical region of the Ulytau District and the city of Zhezkazgan. The festival brought together 11 professional ensembles from Mexico, Peru, Poland, Russia, Turkey, Tajikistan, France, Scotland, Japan, and Kazakhstan.
The festival was organized within the framework of the state program Rukhani Zhangyru, the project «Sacred Sites of Kazakhstan», as well as the special program Tugan Zher (Native Land).
The primary objective of the festival was the preservation of Kazakhstan’s intangible cultural heritage, the support and revitalization of Kazakh folklore, the development of the tourism cluster, and the promotion of the diversity of folk culture.
The festival’s objectives also included enhancing the professional skills of creative ensembles through experience exchange, supporting young performers of folk music, preserving and developing traditional musical heritage, and strengthening cultural ties with neighboring and distant countries.
The festival program featured a participants’ march parade, folk music performances, a gala concert, and an evening of classical music.
As part of the cultural program, participants visited sacred historical and cultural landmarks of the Ulytau region, including the Mausoleums of Zhoshy Khan and Alash Khan, as well as the Khan Ordasy Historical Complex, gaining insight into Kazakhstan’s rich historical heritage.
The gala concert concluded with a performance of the traditional «Kara Zhorga» dance by choreographic ensembles from the Karaganda Region. The musical program concluded with a performance by the Ulytau band.
The festival continued with an evening of classical music featuring 17 soloists from Azerbaijan, Austria, Armenia, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, and Uzbekistan.
6. «Myng Kubi» – A Tradition Reviving the National Beverage Kumys
Within the framework of the Rukhani Zhangyru national program, and in commemoration of the 125th anniversary of Saken Seifullin and the 90th anniversary of the Zhanaarka District, women of the Zhanaarka area set a record during a cultural event that involved the simultaneous churning of 10,000 liters of Zhanaarka kumys in 1,000 kubi kubi (a traditional wooden vessel used for churning kumys).
This achievement was officially verified by international experts and registered as a record.
In honor of this remarkable event, a monument titled «Myng Kubi» was installed at the entrance to the district center. The initiative was led by the local administration and received broad support from active members of the local community.
According to the project participants, the sculptural image of a Kazakh woman churning kumys symbolically evokes historical memory and contributes to enhancing the cultural landscape of the region.
Source: materials from the online publication Egemen.kz.
7. The «Aqsak Kulan» (The Lame Kulan) Kui Performers’ Competition
In the city of Zhezkazgan, a competition of kui performers titled «Aqsak Kulan», named after Ketbuga Bi, was held to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the city’s founding. The international competition brought together 17 dombra performers from China and Mongolia, as well as from the cities of Nur-Sultan, Almaty, Kyzylorda, and Zhezkazgan.
Following the results of the competition, the Grand Prix was awarded to Daryn Kudaybergenov from the city of Semey, who received a certificate worth 1 million tenge. The prizewinner is a fourth-year student at Kazakh National University.
According to the jury’s decision, first place was awarded to Azamat Shynarov from Almaty. Second place was shared between Bagdar Zharkyn, a participant from China, and Aliya Karamukhanova from the capital city.
Third place was awarded to Botakoz Dungenbayeva and Bakberdi Kadubek (Almaty), as well as Bakytzhan Esmaganbetov (Zhezkazgan) and Abylaikhan Skakov (Kyzylorda).
Toward the conclusion of the competition, a press conference was held with the participation of the winners and prize recipients, followed by a gala concert. The event featured performances by soloists of the Abai State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, which were warmly received by the audience.
Source: materials from online resources https://share.google/LZGkIVmnhDlJTwE0f, https://yandex.kz/images/search?from=tabbar&img_url=https%3A%2F%2Fegemen.kz%2Fmedia%2F2023%2F11%2F02%2Fkuy-.webp&lr=10308&pos=15&rpt=simage&text=%D0%B0%D2%9B%D1%81%D0%B0%D2%9B%20%D2%9B%D2%B1%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%BD%20%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BA%D1%83%D1%80%D1%81%20%D2%B0%D0%BB%D1%8B%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%83%20%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BB%D1%8B%D1%81%D1%8B
8. The Zhoshy Khan Historical and Cultural Complex
The Zhoshy Khan Historical and Cultural Complex is a unique heritage site that presents the history of the Kazakh Khanate and the spiritual legacy of the Great Steppe. The complex is located in the Ulytau region of Karaganda Region, near the Mausoleum of Zhoshy Khan.
The core of the complex is the Mausoleum of Zhoshy Khan, constructed in the 13th century in honor of Zhoshy Khan, the eldest son of Genghis Khan. This site is regarded as the origin of the Golden Horde and a sacred place associated with the historical roots of Kazakh statehood.
In 2021, new facilities were established within the complex, including:
• A museum displaying valuable historical artifacts and archaeological finds related to Zhoshy Khan and the history of the Golden Horde;
• A library and research center designed for historians and scholars;
• A hotel and ethno-village, offering visitors an immersive experience of the traditional lifestyle of the Great Steppe;
• Monumental structures highlighting the historical significance and legacy of Zhoshy Khan.
The Zhoshy Khan Historical and Cultural Complex serves not only as a testament to the past but also as a contemporary spiritual center that promotes ancestral heritage and strengthens national identity. The complex contributes to positioning the Ulytau region as a historical and cultural capital of the Kazakh people.
Source: materials from a Facebook social media page
Photographs: from open online sources
9. The National Kurultai in Ulytau – a Historical Center and Symbol of National Unity
On June 16, 2022, the first session of the National Kurultai was held in the Ulytau Region with the participation of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Kemelovich Tokayev. The event brought together 117 participants, including members of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan and the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, representatives of civil society and political parties, experts, members of regional Public Councils, and members of the business community.
During the session, the President emphasized that the National Kurultai should become one of the key institutions of civil society. In his address, he stressed the importance of broad public support for the state’s chosen course of reform and the need to continuously explain the reform process to citizens. According to the President, the modernization process is gradually acquiring a nationwide character, and every citizen should feel its impact and view the ongoing changes as a matter of personal responsibility.
The session also featured statements from Kurultai participants. Zakarya Kunsulu Daltongyzy, Director General of the Research Institute for Biological Safety Problems, Doctor of Biological Sciences and Professor, noted that the concept of a «New Kazakhstan – a Just Kazakhstan» has a clear direction and a promising future. She expressed confidence that an educated and socially responsible generation would emerge, capable of enhancing the standing of the Kazakh people.
She further emphasized the sense of responsibility borne by members of the National Kurultai and expressed support for the President’s views on fostering a culture of diligence among young people, noting that only a hardworking generation can truly transform its homeland into a strong and prosperous nation.
Source: materials from biosafety.kz and inform.kz. https://biosafety.kz/KK/uncategorized/%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5-%D0%BF%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE-%D0%BA%D1%83%D1%80%D1%83/, https://www.inform.kz/ru/glava-gosudarstva-kurultay-budet-polnost-yu-vovlechen-v-realizaciyu-reform_a3945231
10. «Alaman Quraq» – A Unique Panorama of National Art
The Alaman Quraq project, implemented between 2023 and 2025, became one of the largest cultural initiatives to present Kazakh traditional handicrafts on the international stage. During its first two years, the project was officially registered in the Kazakhstan Book of Records, and in 2025 it was recognized as a world record.
Over the course of three years, a total of 660 artisans from across the country took part in the project, vividly demonstrating the scale, complexity, and artistic significance of the traditional quraq patchwork technique.
Participants from the Ulytau Region included:
• 2023 – 12 participants;
• 2024 – 34 participants;
• 2025 – 38 participants.
The project marked a new level in the promotion of national heritage and contributed significantly to enhancing the recognition and value of Kazakh traditional craftsmanship.
Source: information provided by a participant of the Alaman Quraq project.
Photographs: courtesy of the project participant
11. The Twentieth Million Resident of Kazakhstan Was Born in the City of Zhezkazgan
On November 14 at 8:10 a.m., Akylbek Tomiris Sungatkyzy was born in the city of Zhezkazgan, becoming one of the twentieth million residents of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Her mother, Aikerim Moldasheva, became a parent at the age of 19, while her father, Sungat Seitjan, was 20 years old at the time. The young family had been married for one year.
The child’s father, Sungat Seitjan, who works as a firefighter at ASS Seriktes LLP, expressed his great pride and joy that their firstborn has become part of the history of independent Kazakhstan.
«We did not expect such joyful news. We are very happy that our Tomiris has become a part of history. Most importantly, we wish her to grow up healthy», said a resident of Zhezkazgan.
It should be noted that on the same day, at 8:10 a.m., five newborns were officially registered as the twentieth million residents of Kazakhstan. These significant events took place in the Ulytau, Zhetysu, Atyrau, Akmola, and Turkistan regions. Among the newborns were three boys and two girls.
Source: materials from the online publication Egemen.kz.
Photographs: provided by Aikerim Moldasheva
12. Fifty Yurts Erected for the 60th Anniversary of the City of Karazhal
The city of Karazhal, which has made a significant contribution to the development of the region’s industrial sector, celebrated its 60th anniversary. The commemorative events opened with a theatrical performance.
In his address, the regional head noted that over the past decade the city has experienced renewed growth. Social infrastructure facilities have been constructed, and highways of national significance – Karazhal-Zhairem and Karazhal –Zhanaarka – as well as the regional road Karazhal-Atasu, have been restored. In addition, major repairs were carried out on internal road networks, including the renewal of roads along 19 streets in Karazhal and 13 streets in the settlement of Zhairem.
The celebratory program consisted of three thematic segments. The first featured a formal ceremony for residents and guests of the city, the second took place at a venue dedicated to national sports, and the third was held at the city’s central square, concluding with a concert by popular performers and a festive fireworks display.
As part of the 60th anniversary celebrations, athletes specializing in national sports from all regions of Kazakhstan took part in the events. In honor of the guests, 50 traditional yurts were erected, where traditional refreshments were offered.
Source: materials from an online resource file:///C:/Users/User/Desktop/%D2%9A%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B6%D0%B0%D0%BB%2060%20%D0%B6%D1%8B%D0%BB/1.webp.
13. The Ulytau Region at the World Nomad Games
Within the framework of the 5th World Nomad Games, held in the capital city, an exhibition representing the Ulytau Region showcased ancient archaeological and historical artifacts from the collections of the Historical and Archaeological Museum. The exhibited items, dating back several millennia, reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The exhibition attracted particular interest from visitors due to the abundance of authentic objects that vividly illustrate the traditional lifestyle, culture, and customs of nomadic peoples.
Visitors examined the artifacts with great interest, expressed their appreciation, and emphasized the profound impression made by the values of nomadic civilization.
Source: materials from a Facebook social media page https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19iKj5djgR/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Photographs: obtained from open internet sources
14. Tuimegul Temirbayeva – a 114-Year-Old Resident of Kyzylzhar Village, Zhanaarka District
Tuimegul Temirbayeva, a resident of Kyzylzhar village in the Zhanaarka District, has reached the age of 114, according to official records. She currently has 15 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
According to information provided by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan, she is recognized as the oldest living person in the country.
The centenarian lives surrounded by her descendants. She was born on January 1, 1910, in the Baikadam District of the Zhambyl Region. After marriage, she moved to the Arka steppe, where she spent her life engaged in traditional forms of labor, continuing her ancestral occupation.
Her husband, Ayazbay Temirbayev, passed away at the age of 96. Of the couple’s four children, the eldest is now approaching 70 years of age, while the youngest is around 60.
Source: materials from the online publication KAZ.NUR.KZ.
15. The Square of State Symbols in the Ulytau Region
The first National Kurultai was held in Ulytau on June 16, 2022. During this significant national forum, where a wide range of ideas and proposals were discussed, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, put forward an initiative to establish a Square of State Symbols in Ulytau, regarded as the historical heart of the nation.
In accordance with the President’s directive delivered at the first session of the National Kurultai, the Square of State Symbols was created in the Ulytau District at the foothills of Aulietau Mountain, covering a total area of three hectares.
On the eve of the Constitution Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the site was officially opened to the public. The square features a 22-meter-high State Flag, a pedestal displaying the State Emblem and the National Anthem, as well as relief walls bearing the inscriptions «Independent Kazakhstan», «Kazakh Khanate», «Turkic Khaganate», and «Golden Horde». In addition, the «Tangbaly Tas» stone stele, engraved with the symbols of 99 clans, has been installed.
Source: materials from the qarajalnews.kz website.
Photographs: from open online sources; museum processing.
16. The 3rd Traditional Republican Competition Named after Erden Sandybayuly
The 3rd Traditional Republican Competition named after Erden Sandybayuly was held in the city of Satpayev and brought together performers on traditional musical instruments with ancient roots in Kazakh culture. While previous editions of the competition featured exclusively kobyz performers, this year the program was expanded to include musicians performing on the sybyzgy, sazsyrnai, and zhetygen, as well as young performers proficient in these instruments.
Source: materials from lat.egemen.kz. www.lat.egemen.kz/article/168021-erden-san%C2%ADdybayuly-atyndaghy-dasturli-iii-respublikalyq-bayqau-otti?utm_source=chatgpt.com
17. The 1st Republican Kobyz Players’ Competition «Qobyzym – Qonyrim» (The Kobyz – the Voice of My Soul)
On 23–24 July, the 1st Republican Kobyz Players’ Competition «Qobyzym – Qonyrim» was held in the city of Zhezkazgan. The decision to host the competition in the Ulytau Region has deep historical and cultural significance. Koilybai Baksy was an outstanding historical figure who was born and raised in this region and made a major contribution to the spiritual culture of the Kazakh people. He is regarded as the first successor of the kobyz tradition and the musical heritage of Korkyt, having preserved and continued its sound and performance tradition.
The first kobyz competition dedicated to Koilybai Aulie was organized with the support of the Akimat of the Ulytau Region. The organizers included the Regional Department of Culture, Language Development and Archival Affairs, as well as the Regional Cultural, Leisure and Scientific-Methodological Center. The competition took place on the stage of the S. Kozhamkulov Kazakh Musical Drama Theatre and over two days attracted wide public interest in the traditional sound of the kobyz.
The main objective of the competition was to popularize the legacy of Koilybai Aulie not only as a healer but also as an outstanding kobyz performer, as well as to engage young people in the art of kobyz performance and revive ancient performance traditions. During the competition, audiences witnessed the careful preservation of the national instrumental school and the revival of traditional forms of kyui performance that are gradually being lost. In addition, the competition contributed to the identification of talented performers and the improvement of their professional skills.
Source: materials from the online resource kaz.inform.kz. https://kaz.inform.kz/news/zhezkazganda-ulitau-oblisinin-azamattik-forumi-ott-336fdb
https://kaz.inform.kz/news/ulitauda-respublikalik-kobizim-konirim-baykaui-ott-26f175/?ysclid=mfnv05e4mo762964043, https://yandex.kz/images/search?from=tabbar&img_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.kz%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F7%2F29%2F2253d0872fb9cdcdc86460cc975a0328_original.173746.jpeg&lr=10308&pos=6&rpt=simage&text=%D2%9A%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%8B%D0%B7%D1%8B%D0%BC%20%D2%9B%D0%BE%D2%A3%D1%8B%D1%80%D1%8B%D0%BC%20%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BA%D1%83%D1%80%D1%81%20%D2%B0%D0%BB%D1%8B%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%83%20%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BB%D1%8B%D1%81%D1%8B
18. «500 Unique Shapans» is a cultural project aimed at promoting and revitalizing traditional Kazakh clothing. The project was included in the KINES-2025 Book of Records of Kazakhstan
«The craftsman’s skill is shared, and the record is a collective achievement». In the Zhanaarka District of the Ulytau Region, 17 artisans hand-crafted 500 traditional shapans, produced in the distinctive Zhanaarka regional style. These garments are not merely items of national clothing: each shapan preserves traditional ornamental motifs and regional cultural features, while incorporating elements of contemporary design. «Each shapan is a chronicle», the artisans emphasize.
On average, each tailor produced approximately 33 shapans. As a result, the residents of Zhanaarka were officially entered into the Book of Records of Kazakhstan.
Within the framework of a charitable event held in the Zhanaarka District of the Ulytau Region, two records were registered in a single day, according to the regional administration. During the project, local artisans produced 500 national shapans, securing their inclusion in the Book of Records of Kazakhstan, reports qandastar.kz.
According to Bakytzhan Tastulekov, a representative of the Book of Records of Kazakhstan, this marks the third time the Zhanaarka District has been recorded. Previously, the region gained recognition through achievements in ultramarathon sports, and it has now made history through a unique example of national costume.
All 500 garments are decorated with traditional Kazakh ornamental patterns and elements characteristic of the region. Within four days, we managed to sew 40 shapans. This is the result of our collective effort. I believe that the «Zhanaarka Shapan’ will become a recognized brand», said artisan Zhansaya Sarsenbayeva.
Another notable achievement was also recorded during the event: residents of Zhanaarka prepared 500 servings of a traditional national dish made from the meat of 22 horses, which were distributed as charitable assistance to 300 socially vulnerable families.
In addition, competitions in traditional sports were organized for guests. Tourists from Turkey expressed admiration for Kazakh hospitality and stated their intention to present the shapans in their home country.
Sources: tv7.kz, kaz.inform.kz https://tv7.kz/kz/zhobalar/news-kz/31951-zhanaarkalyk-koluonershiler-500-shapandy-kolmen-tigip-shykty/
Photographs: provided by Mayra Tokbergenova
19. New National Records Set in Zhanaarka
New national records were set in Zhanaarka during a festival event, where 500 tabaks were presented simultaneously. A tabak is a traditional large communal platter used in Kazakh culture for serving meat: boiled meat is arranged on a shared dish and offered to guests in accordance with the tabak tartu ritual and established norms of Kazakh hospitality.
In addition, 500 national shapans – traditional Kazakh outer garments – handcrafted by local artisans were presented to residents and guests of the event. This achievement was also officially recorded and entered into the Book of Records of Kazakhstan.
It should be noted that the region has previously been distinguished by record-setting initiatives. Earlier, Zhanaarka was recognized for the simultaneous churning of 1,000 kubi (traditional vessels used for preparing kumys), an achievement registered in the Guinness World Records. According to the organizers, the preservation and public presentation of national traditions and hospitality play a key role in fostering sustainable tourism interest.
While the Kazakh shapan has gradually incorporated modern design elements, the Zhanaarka region has preserved a unique traditional model of national dress—characterized by a folded collar and wide cut – passed down through generations without significant change. A total of 17 master artisans participated in sewing the 500 shapans, produced in a color palette echoing the sky-blue tone of the national flag.
According to one of the project participants, Zhansaya Tokenkyzy, the shapan remains an integral part of everyday life in Zhanaarka: it is worn at home, outdoors, at celebrations, and is often combined with contemporary clothing.
The garments created by local artisans were distributed to participants of the Kuzgi Orda Festival, including foreign tourists. Bakytzhan Tastulekov, official representative of the Book of Records of Kazakhstan, noted that although the shapan is a well-known element of Kazakh culture, Zhanaarka shapans are distinguished by a distinctive regional cut unique to this area. He emphasized that the simultaneous production and presentation of 500 shapans in one place and within a single day had never before been recorded in Kazakhstan.
During the festival, a second national record was also registered – the simultaneous presentation of 500 tabaks of meat, accompanied by a demonstration of the traditional tabak tartu ritual. The organizers stressed that the primary objective of the event was to promote respect for national clothing and traditions, as well as to support the development of cultural tourism.
The Kuzgi Orda Festival symbolizes abundance and prosperity. At the same time, special attention was given to avoiding wastefulness: the meat was presented in raw form. Following the official registration of the record, approximately four tons of meat were distributed as charitable aid to socially vulnerable families, as well as to orphanages and nursing homes.
Мәлімет: https://24.kz/kz/zha-aly-tar/kogam/735161-zanaarkada-500-tabak-et-tartylyp-kazakstan-rekordy-zanartyldy сайтынан алынды
20. Zhoshy Khan and the Golden Horde. History, Heritage, and the Civilization of the Great Steppe
International Scientific and Educational Conference
A significant historical event took place on the land of Ulytau. From September 27 to 29, the Ulytau Region hosted the International Scientific and Educational Conference “Zhoshy Khan and the Golden Horde: History, Heritage, and the Civilization of the Great Steppe.”
At the official opening ceremony, the first welcoming addresses were delivered by the Akim of the Ulytau Region, D. Ryspekov, and the President of the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, A. Raiymkulova. Within the framework of the scientific program, plenary sessions and sectional meetings were held. The plenary session focused on the following key topics: “Statehood and Historical and Cultural Processes during the Period of the Golden Horde and the Ulus of Jochi”; “Musical and Folklore Heritage and Spiritual Values of the Turkic World of the 13th–14th Centuries. The Historical and Cultural Heritage of the kuyshi-composer Ketbuqa biy.”
The excursion program prepared for the conference guests made a particularly strong impression. Participants visited the Mausoleum of Zhoshy Khan, the mausoleums of Dombauyl and Alashakhan, and at the Zhoshy Khan Historical and Cultural Complex they viewed the exhibition “History and Heritage of Talmas-Ata and Bolğan-Ana.” The conference guests were given a broad opportunity to become acquainted with the rich cultural heritage of the Ulytau region.
As a result of the conference, important scientific conclusions aimed at promoting the shared values of Turkic civilization were adopted, and the heritage of Zhoshy Khan was once again elevated and recognized at the international level. This event clearly demonstrated that Ulytau is a sacred spiritual center not only for the Kazakh people, but for the entire Turkic world, thereby deepening respect for our history.
Information and photographs were taken from the page: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17XLBPFtMW/?mibextid=wwXIfr
21. A World-Class Geological Cluster Launched in Zhezkazgan
The city of Zhezkazgan has officially inaugurated its first Geological Cluster, becoming one of the few centers worldwide where key geological exploration processes are fully integrated within a single site. The advanced technological equipment installed at the cluster is available in only seven similar facilities globally, while the Zhezkazgan cluster represents the first and largest project of its kind in Central Asia.
President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has repeatedly emphasized that the development of the geological sector is a crucial prerequisite for the country’s economic growth. The President has tasked the government with modernizing the management system of the mining industry and significantly expanding the geological and geophysical exploration of Kazakhstan’s territory. The establishment of the geological cluster directly aligns with these strategic priorities and strengthens the practical foundation for the modernization of geological exploration.
The Geological Cluster is the first facility of this scale in Kazakhstan. The co-location of a training center and a laboratory complex enables rapid access to geological data and facilitates timely decision-making during exploration activities.
Approximately KZT 11 billion was invested in the project by Kazakhmys Corporation LLP. Construction was carried out by the domestic contractor Tansu Construction. The project has created over 200 jobs, while operational management of the cluster has been entrusted to Kazakhmys Barlau LLP.
The cluster includes the largest core storage facility in the country, with a capacity of up to 200,000 linear meters of drill core, forming a national archive of primary geological data. This allows specialists to revisit original datasets at any time, refine geological models, and reduce risks during exploration.
The laboratory block was developed in partnership with ALS, an Australian global leader in analytical services, ensuring the high quality of geochemical data and full compliance with international standards.
The cluster employs Ancorelog (Germany) technology for automated drill core scanning, along with LithoLens, an artificial intelligence-based software solution for data processing. Together, these technologies increase core analysis productivity from 60 to 240 linear meters per shift.
The integrated application of these technologies enables the rapid development of geological predictive models for mineral deposits and significantly improves data accuracy.
A modern geophysical laboratory established in partnership with the Colorado School of Mines operates within the cluster and is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments from leading global manufacturers. Commissioning, maintenance, and certified repairs are carried out by specialists of Qazaq Geophysics LLP. The laboratory is designed to strengthen the country’s research capacity and train highly qualified professionals in geophysics, instrumentation, and robotics.
The cluster’s dispatch center serves as a unified control hub for geological exploration activities of Kazakhmys Barlau LLP, providing real-time monitoring of transportation, drilling rigs, and analytical processes.
In addition, the cluster includes an educational and methodological unit dedicated to professional training and retraining, integrated with the future academic programs of Ulytau University. Graduates will receive three diplomas: from Ulytau University, Satbayev University, and the world’s first overseas branch of the Colorado School of Mines.
The Geological Cluster strengthens Zhezkazgan’s scientific and industrial potential, creates new employment opportunities, expands professional development prospects, and enhances the region’s scientific and technological infrastructure. The project continues the scientific legacy of Kanysh Satpayev and contributes to the development of Kazakhstan’s modern geological school.
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