OCA MAGAZINE #27

WITH EURASIA

[ EURASIA ]

SVETLANA YUDINA: “EVERYTHING BEGINS WITH ITSELF” GREAT BRITAIN-BELARUS: 25 YEARS SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS THE LAND OF FROZEN TEARS - A BOOK OF TALES AND HOPES AS AN OUTSIDER IN KAZAKHSTAN. TO PEOPLE LIKE YOU I CAN SAY THAT I’M UZBEK BONDING FOR CHANGE AND FUNCTIONALITY: WATER USERS OF TURKMENISTAN

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BUILDING THE LANDBRIDGE

ISSN 2053-1036 RRP: £7.50

OCA MAGAZINE

Called ‘taboo-breaking… revolutionary” by RFE/RL, Stockholm Syndrome is one of the most controversial books to emerge from Tajik society in recent years. The story of a young woman’s struggle to choose between her career and motherhood, the novella shocked this traditional and conservative society. A remembrance of childhood and rumination upon challenges present and future, Nazarova’s work explores themes of immigration, identity and mental imbalance. Acclaimed as ‘ahead of its time’ by Persian reviewers, Stockholm Syndrome is an emotional tour de force.

Winner of the Best Female Author award at the Eurasian Literary Book Festival, Nazarova has been featured in BBC Persian’s “100 Most Influential Women.” Brought to international recognition by her novels Registan and Motherland – ‘one of the highest picks of prose in Tajik literature,’ - she is also the founder of Chashme Del, the first television programme in Samarkand to be broadcast in the Tajik language.

An avid campaigner against all forms of censorship, Nazarova has worked at newspapers in Samarkand and for the BBC Persian Service. Resident in Holland for the past eleven years, she is currently editor for the Central Asian and Afghanistan regions at Radio Zamaneh.

ISBN: 978-1-910886-60-1 AVAILABLE ON WWW.AMAZON.CO.UK

FROM THE EDITOR end, the amounts of the repayments will start to go up, doubling in the next five years.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NICK ROWAN PUBLISHER MARAT AKHMEDJANOV

OCA MAGAZINE 27/ 3 WINTER 2017-2018 FRONT COVER: SVETLANA YUDINA (SEE P. 6) MAGAZINE PUBLISHED FOR EURASIAN CREATIVE GUILD

CONTACT INFORMATION EMAIL: PUBLISHER@OCAMAGAZINE.COM WWW.CENTRALASIA.TRAVEL WWW.OCAMAGAZINE.COM

DEPUTY EDITOR ALEKSANDRA VLASOVA, DESIGN ALEXANDRA REY EDITORIAL TEAM MARIA INDINA, ZAYNAB M DOST, GARETH STAMP, RAZA SYED, CHRISTOPHER SCHWARTZ, SHAMIL AKMEDJANOV, CONTRIBUTORS GARETH STAMP, MARIA INDINA, RAZA SYED, BELARUS EMBASSY, MARIA BATTZ, EVGENIYA BERMAN DILORAM IBRAHIMOVA, NAZIK AVLYAKULOVA OKSANA SAFRONOVA, ROSA VERCOE, ANNA LARI, LAURA HAMILTON, GASAN GULIEV

ECG BOARD LAURA HAMILTON - CHAIRMAN MARAT AKHMEDJANOV - VICE CHAIRMAN ANNA LARI - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ADVISORY BOARD DAVID PARRY SÖLVI FANNAR NICK ROWAN PAUL WILSON KSENIA GOLD SHAHZODA NAZAROVA MEGAN WERNER OKSANA JUKOVA SVETLANA YUDINA DAVID PEARCE NATALIA HARLAMPIEVA ELENA BOSLER-GUSEVA RAIM FARKHADI

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All authors provide their own material and any opinions contained within are solely those of the authors and do not neccessarily represent the views or opinions of OCA Magazine.We publish these views as part of our provision of a forum for discussion and readers should be aware that the views may contrast each other in the pursuit of this aim. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of material contained within this publication.

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OCA MAGAZINE

Both countries are running sizeable budget deficits, which means that in the short term, new debt acquisition is unavoidable, and not only Beijing looks set to be on hand to provide this. Tajikistan’s recent bond issue for developing its Rogun dam project had a coupon over 7% and was snapped up by international investors, whereas the Chinese cautiously stayed away. Such increasing levels do not bode well for debt servicing if things go downhill in the region. Kyrgyzstan may be tempted to follow with similar debt raising initiatives.

So, I do wonder how this will play out and whether it might start to be more newsworthy if debt levels spiral and servicing the debt becomes troublesome.

Could the region be in for a pan Central Asia shock and should governments be doing more to look at this?

Dear Readers, I think so - otherwise we may not heed lessons of others and avoid the avoidable. And then China will play Central Asia doesn’t often make the headlines with re- a dominating role that neither the Russians or Amerigards to its debt levels or the affordability of its debt. cans appear to have seen coming.

But that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist nor that there is no risk of a damaging default for the region.The From Central Asia to Stockholm, where ECG held the reason we hear so little about the topic (other than the 6th Open Eurasia Book Forum and Literature Festifact that the world’s media are more pre-occupied with val. Regrettably I had to miss my first year since the Brexit and Donald Trump’s attempts to disarm decades concept started but was thrilled that after some tricky of diplomacy with a couple of brief Tweets) is that the logistical and (somewhat surprisingly) political issues major creditor in the region is China. Unlike the US, with some of Sweden’s great institutions threatened to who have often sought influence through more out- cut proceedings short this didn’t deter the organisers. spoken and military means, the Chinese have done so The event went ahead and participants from 20 counthrough development and funding projects, with very tries attended to mark the contribution that Central favourable interest rates and repayment concessions. Asian authors, old and new, have made and are making China appears to be not only Central Asia’s neighbour to world literature. We reveal the winners in this issue in this regard, but also that of a great many other de- and hear a bit more from them inside this issue. veloping nations.

As usual, I do hope you enjoy the issue and please do Should we be worried or take note? Well, two of Cen- get in touch. My thanks to all who have helped make tral Asia’s poorest nations, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, the issue possible. In the meantime, I wish you all a very have nearly half their total debt held by China - that good end to the year and look forward to seeing you is an awful lot of influence that the Chinese have and in 2018! an awfully difficult conversation if their economies or currencies go awry. With few internationally tradeable commodities, their USD debts may become sharper in focus if things change. Chinese lending started in the 2000s for these two countries, replacing the previous Russian-held credits. This is comparatively recent and with interest coupons of around only 2 percent, it apEditor-in-Chief pears to be manageable currently, but as grace periods

Yours,

Nick Rowan

Special gratitude for cooperation and support to Embassy of Azerbaijan to the UK. Embassy of Kazakhstan to the UK. Embassy of Tajikistan to the UK. Embassy of Kyrgyzstan to the UK.

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POLICY ers, with Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd. In accordance with the provisions of the Memorandum the UK (together with the Russian Federation and the USA) is one of the States – guarantors of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Belarus.

In the second half of the 1990s, the UK provided Belarus with a significant expert and methodological assistance to create the national export control system. In addition, the UK actively contributed to the inclusion of Belarus into the Nuclear Suppliers Group – one of the export control regimes, composed of States possessing nuclear technology.

In 1996, the UK was one of the first nations in the European Union to have ratified the Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between Belarus and the EU. Unfortunately, the latter crashed on differences in the assessment of the internal development of Belarus. To a degree, the initial objectives have been realised in the framework of the EU Eastern Partnership.

In November 2008, London hosted the First Belarusian investment forum which was attended by Belarusian Prime Minister, Sergei Sidorski.

Great Britain-Belarus: 25 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations 2017 is a very important year for Belarus and Great Britain, as this year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Great Britain became the first European country to have diplomatic relations with Belarus. This is certainly an important part of the history of friendship between the two states. In an interview with OCA, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Sergei Aleinik, spoke about the friendship of the two states, the results achieved over 25 years and the investment attractiveness of Belarus for British investors.

OCA:This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the UK and the Republic of Belarus. Tell us what was done during this time?

Sergei Aleinik: This year is historical for the Belarusian-British relations – we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. It is only natural to recall some of the significant developments of the past quarter of a century and sum up the achievements.

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The United Kingdom was among the first nations with which the Republic of Belarus established diplomatic relations (January 27, 1992). The recognition of our independence by a leading European power was important for us per se. And, naturally, the opening of a British diplomatic mission in Minsk as well as ours in London extremely facilitated the enhancement of the bilateral cooperation.

Here we cannot fail to mention a fact of great political significance, namely the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances of December 5, 1994 associated, among oth-

This bilateral political dialogue was enhanced in 2016

by Sir Simon Gass, Director General for Political Affairs at the FCO. That same year Belarus witnessed a visit by Prince Michael of Kent to promote contacts between the two countries in various fields.

There has also been a real prospect of enhancing inter-parliamentary cooperation. In January 2017 the parliaments of the two countries completed the formation of their respective country groups that are expected to deliver the necessary dynamics in this regard.

Over 25 years, the UK has become one of Belarus’ leading economic partners. By the end of 2015, the UK took third place among our trading partners, trailing only Russia and Ukraine. The volume of Belarusian exports to the UK rose to $3 billion. Importantly, Britain is among the main importers of Belarusian oil products. It is also a major international investor in Belarus.

Indispensable to our cooperation is the work in London of the outposts of the Belarusian state oil company, Belavia airlines and the Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus. The 5-day visa free regime, introduced this year for Britons, among another 80 nations, is also of great significance.

The bilateral cooperation is being channelled, among others, through the twinning of Belarusian and UK cities: Minsk and Nottingham, Gomel and Aberdeen, Svetlogorsk and Mendip District. An important element is solidarity with the Belarusian people that suffered the most from the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

To highlight the 25th Anniversary of Belarusian-British diplomatic relations, the Embassy helped organise a series of events in London and Minsk. February 27th saw a conference at the British library to celebrate 500 years of book-printing in Belarus and Eastern Europe and the anniversary of Francis Skaryna’s translation, into Belarusian, of the Bible.

That same day, the Directors of the British Library and the National Library of Belarus, Roly Keating and Roman Motulski, held negotiations and signed a memorandum on the two institutions’ cooperation. In parallel, Britain participated in the Minsk International Book Fair as a special guest.

Significantly, the British Library keeps three precious works of the first Belarusian printer which were kindly digitised and presented to the Belarusian side. In turn, the British Library was presented with a multi-volume reprint edition of Skaryna’s works.

We can find an important link between England and our land. I mean, John Lettou, or John of Lithuania (Belarusian: Ян Літвін, Lithuanian: Jonas Lietuvis), who was an English bookbinder and printer. Seventeen books printed between 1475 and 1480 are attributed to his workshop in London.

Later John Lettou worked in partnership with William de Machlinia and they published mostly law books. Actually, they were the first publishers of law books in English.

This year we have also managed to solve all questions related to reprinting the single full copy of the “BUKVAR” (a primer), a unique and historically valuable book for Belarus. It dates back as far as the year 1618 and is kept at the Library of Middle Temple.

Symbolic were also the visits of delegations of the Imperial War Museum to Minsk and the Nesvizh Museum to the UK which have opened wide prospects for bilateral cooperation in studying military history and making specialised galleries.

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Being historically a major battlefield in European wars and having suffered huge losses of life, Belarus conducts a multi-vector and independent policy in international relations, primarily aimed at strengthening peace and stability in the European region. The Belarusian side has provided a venue for the peace talks in the “Normandy format” on the conflict in the east of Ukraine, as well as for the work of the Trilateral contact group and its working subgroups.

The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, has actively spoken out in favour of normalisation of relations between East and West in order to avoid another cold war. This objective is pursued in his initiative: “Helsinki-2” has proposed Minsk as a venue for a round of expert consultations in this regard.

Belarus demonstrates a desire to more actively participate in the activities of European regional organisations.

This year we chair the Central European Initiative, cochair the Committee of regions of the CoE, and in July Minsk conducted the Annual session of the OSCE Presenting itself as a sponsor of security in the region, Belarus provides a consistently high level of border management, including combating illegal migration, smuggling, terrorism and crime.This aims to curb attempts to destabilise the situation and spread extremism on the European continent.Work is conducted in all areas to strengthen stability, security and confidence in the region.

OCA: What are your plans for the future? In what direction does the Republic of Belarus intend to develop relations with the Kingdom of Great Britain?

SA: 25th-26th September 2017 saw a visit to Belarus of the Secretary of State for Europe and the Americas at the FCO, Sir Alan Duncan, who met with President Alexander Lukashenko and Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei and discussed furthering bilateral cooperation in all spheres. An important agreement on evasion of double taxation was also signed.

Economic cooperation figures prominently in our future plans, and that goes primarily for the high-tech sector, traditionally very strong in Belarus and investment in the green economy. The two sides are planning to soon conclude agreements on international transport and customs cooperation.

We look forward to fresh initiatives in the sphere of university exchanges, where important pioneers of multi-lay-

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er projects are the University of Kent, the University of Cambridge and the Belarusian State University.

We appreciate and facilitate people to people contacts which lead to interesting bilateral projects in education, culture and business.

A more favourable external context, we are now facing, has contributed to the strengthening of democratic processes in Belarus and liberalisation of all spheres of life and society consolidation.

In the systematic work on improvement of the legislation of the Republic of Belarus in the social and economic spheres the experience and best practices of foreign countries, including the UK, will continue to be taken into consideration. As a result, almost all the territory of Belarus is successfully operating preferential economic regimes of different character and coverage.

OCA: How do you assess the trade and economic relations between the two states?

SA: Belarus-UK economic cooperation has been developing gradually for years.

Over the last 4 consecutive years the United Kingdom has been third largest importer of Belarusian commodities, being also ranked second among top investors in Belarus. After 9 months this year, the volume of bilateral trade in goods and services exceeded 2 billion US dollars.

We are interested in a further facilitation of economic contacts with the UK, including new emerging areas such as industrial cooperation and innovations. Such spheres as biotechnologies and pharmaceutical industry, IT, motor industry, petrochemicals, wood processing industry as well as agriculture and food processing would be of particular interest for us.

Our country is ready to become a gateway to the Eurasian Economic Union’s common market for new joint ventures, which might be created by companies from Belarus and the United Kingdom.

Belarus would be ready to supply a wide range of industrial products, machinery and equipment, guaranteeing their high performance at a very reasonable price.We have discussed this range of questions with our British partners.

A promising area is Belarusian companies’ involvement in re-equipping urban fleets in the UK with Belarusian electric buses and trams.

We propose to establish new businesses in the Industrial Park “Great Stone”. It is a special economic zone, which we are developing, arising from the unique model of Singapore’s free economic zones. The “Great Stone” was named by Chinese President Xí Jìnpíng the «Pearl of the Silk Road Economic Belt».

OCA: What investment projects are currently being implemented? How do you think that Belarus will be of interest to large investors from the UK? SA: Our Embassy has been in quite a substantial dialogue with the UK Government on foreign trade and investment cooperation to identify the ways we could jointly facilitate bilateral ties between businesses. For instance, a delegation of UK Export Finance visited Belarus in November 2017 to discuss how this governmental department could ensure access to finance for British and Belarusian companies when exporting to Belarus from the UK. We look forward to seeing both UK exporters and their partners in Belarus among UKEF’s services users soon.

We are seriously keen to further develop relations with the City of London, which rightfully tops ratings of global financial centres. As you know, our country has successfully reestablished its presence at debt capital markets in June 2017. Did you know that an average of 1/3 of our sovereign Eurobonds are held by investors from the UK, the rest being mainly based in the U.S.? We expect more deals to come, especially from the corporate sector. It definitely means that doing business with Belarus is “not that scary” for those who understand where the real opportunities are.

Alongside pure financial sourcing, my country is interested in attracting equity investments to develop joint UK-Belarus projects in various fields. There have been many over years, but now we are poised to significantly increase volumes of FDI coming from the United Kingdom. In particular, there is a well-shaped commitment on the Government’s side to promote investment inflow to emerging sectors such as green energy. As a prominent example, I would mention a joint Belarus-UK/Irish project in solar energy which is now under way in Belarus with the support of the Government and a potential for receiving EBRD financing in the nearest future. United Green, being a London- based investment group, and their Irish partners from Altostrata Energy Ltd. are now building what will be the third largest solar power plant in Europe when put into operation in the south-eastern part of Belarus.

And this is only a part of a jigsaw puzzle! Now, as Belarus is heading to extensive use of green energy, the authorities are quite keen to bring UK’s expertise as one of the most advanced nations in terms of promoting electric vehicles (EV) and developing EV public infrastructure. We cordially invite investors to allocate their EV production facilities in Belarus given that Belarus can now offer an almost unique mixture of investment incentives. And let’s not forget about my country’s geographical position being right at the crossroads between the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union which, again, opens up immense business opportunities. The same relates to those companies that manufacture and operate EV charging equipment. They are most welcome in Belarus which is now a green field in this sense.

A confirmation of positive tendencies in the development of Belarus is the World Bank’s rating “Doing Business 2017”, in which our country has risen to 37th place, surpassing 13 points during the past year. In terms of international trade, we occupy 30th place for the second consecutive year.That must stimulate our British partners to even broader cooperate with Belarus and to build commercial bridges to the East, given Belarus’ favourable transit position on the edge of the Eurasian space.

OCA: You have been the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus in the United Kingdom for 4 years already.

During the years you’ve been here, you have probably learned a lot about the country.What can you say about this?

SA: Britain is a country of great heritage in many fields, having accumulated huge volumes of expertise and knowledge, cultural values and technical monuments. This is extremely interesting for us since Belarus has lost much of its heritage in the wars that raged through our territory.

And we are grateful to our British partners and friends for understanding our aspiration to restore Belarusia’s glorious history and the assistance they provide. We shall also aspire to become close partners in modern technological areas that both nations are so keen to master.

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COVER STORY

Svetlana Yudina: “Everything begins with itself” Today, expensive accessories made of precious metals and stones are replaced by accessories made from natural materials in ethnic style.The new trend opened new names for the world - young and talented masters. Handicraftsman from Central Asia, whose culture and history serve them as an inexhaustible source of inspiration, have succeeded in creating unusual ornaments in the national style.The opening for the British public was the ethnic designer from Kazakhstan Svetlana Yudina, who presented the line of accessories “LkM” in the capitals of Great Britain and Sweden. Svetlana Yudina was awarded with the diploma Best Ethnographic Accessories of the year at the VI OEBF festival in Stockholm. Svetlana Yudina is not only an ethnic designer, she is also an experienced psychologist and a talented writer, the author of the book “How to love yourself?”. This talented Kazakhstani woman told in an interview with OCA how in her life came creativity that inspired her to start writing and shared plans for the future.

At the end of November this year Svetlana Yudina was elected a member of the Advisory Council of the Eurasian Creative Guild (London).

OCA: Svetlana, tell us a little about yourself, OCA: Tell us how you came to write your first what did you do before you began to write? book? What prompted you?

My Motherland is a small Kazakh village of Karatuma, East Kazakhstan region. My father worked in the agrarian sector for a long time and is an experienced expert in this field, my mother built a career as a deserved teacher of history and geography of Kazakhstan.

My parents were an example to me in everything and thanks to them, I became a certified specialist, manager (head of the consulting company “International Master Class”) and a psychologist. Ten years of my life I devoted to improving my professional skills and for the last three years I have been training, individual master classes and teaching people the secrets of success (not only in professional but also in personal life), so I created the company “Yudin’s Sisters Development Center “Drevo Jizni” (Tree of life), I also mastered the ethnic designer profession and am the owner of the” Love to Mother “brand workshop for making accessories in the Kazakh national ethnic style.

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Daily work with people who can not break out of the trap of persistent problems and are looking for their own Way in life, but do not know where to start, I got the idea, write an autobiographical book of life recommendations of immersion in myself and show by my own example how I managed to overcome everything in these difficulties. I wrote this book in ten evenings, being able to concentrate and putting my whole soul into it.

OCA:What is your book about?

For whom is it written?

The title of the book speaks for itself and it was written for a wide range of readers. Moreover, since I am a patron of art and constantly support not only public associations of disabled people, orphanages, but also often work with students and youth in support of the programs of the Head of our State N.Nazarba-

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COVER STORY

OCA: Should we expect a new book for readers? What will it be about and when will it be published?

yev “A look into the future: the modernization of public consciousness” I wanted to create a tool in PocketBook format not more than 100 pages, using which, everyone can turn on the mechanism of transformation of themselves and their life.

OCA: Was it difficult to write? Tell us about your first experience?

Of course, it was difficult to write, because I did not have previous experience, because this is my first literary project.

Perhaps many will find this book imperfect, will find misprints, technical mistakes, although the presence of all this, only confirmation of the authenticity of my work and the lack of plagiarism. I wanted to convey the author’s emotions and help those people who lost themselves. And if it helps at least one person get out of difficulties by a winner, then it means that my work was not in vain.

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In 2018 I plan to release the second edition of my book “How to love yourself?” and expand the chapters, adding them to the tools of my three-year work in psychology, coaching and individual master classes, and to translate the new edition into english and kazakh. And also write in the coming years, a whole series of books on psychology, personal growth and prosperity.

OCA: Tell me, is there a place in your life and other forms of creativity? What are your hobbies?

Having opened my heart for love to myself, there were places for me, and for my relatives and for my country, and since for a long time I studied the history of ancient Turkic culture in general, and Kazakh, in particular, more than a year ago I came to the idea to open own workshop on making handmade accessories in the national and ethno style of Kazakhstan. This knowledge was embodied in my designer works of accessories in the Kazakh national ethnic style. Moreover, my works were awarded with the diploma of the participant of

the contest “Fashion House International” in Moscow, for the best ethnic-design of accessories and all these works are in demand not only in Kazakhstan, but also in international countries: Germany, France, Turkey , in Russia.

OCA: Where do you get ideas for your work?

The idea of this workshop originated long ago in my head, since my mother was a teacher of History and Geography of Kazakhstan, she taught all pupils from the school years love for our Motherland, in her lessons we studied, saw and realized - all the power and beauty of our Kazakhstan, starting from ancient times to the independence of the Country.

OCA: In November, your work was presented at the VI International Literary Festival. How did the Swedish audience accept your accessories?

At the festival, the entire line of my brand accessories was presented - “LkM accessories” (which means - Love of the Mother). I think they liked my work, because the ethno-style can not leave any person’s heart indifferent.

CULTURE

Azeris have a wide range of musical forms and styles to satisfy their needs. They also enjoy international as well as their national music. However, to love and enjoy music is quite different from feeling oneself in it, i.e. as an Azeri, to identify oneself with a specific type of music. National music has specific features that reveal its origin, i.e national music is music that expresses the “soul of a nation”. It is therefore important for us to describe this music in order to understand Azeri people’s attitude to it. What music expresses the classic Azeri way of life?

Many Azeris consider mugham, meykhana, and ritual yallas as archetypal national music—a conclusion proved by their enthusiasm for it. Mugham music in particular is clearly, albeit invisibly connected with Azeris’ mentality. But neither of these points is self-evident.

It is still necessary to stress that the Turkic (Azeri) way of life was a source of mugham musical tradition but that Islam has nothing to do with it. The fact that the scope of mugham music is wider than that of Turkic music may raise some questions. That is why we start the search for this music from something very obvious, albeit without downplaying its true origins.

Ashugs and classical ashug music 14 OCA MAGAZINE

Ashug music may, perhaps should be considered archetypal Azeri music. It is certain that Korkut was ozan (the modern term is ashug) and he is credited as an inventor of the kobuz (saz, kemancha) and created ashug musical traditions. In any case, in Korkut’s time this music was cultivated extensively throughout the Turkic world; furthermore, all countries from China to the Balkans still listen to ashugs enthusiastically. Undoubtedly, the ozan tradition originated in the special characteristics of Turkic mentality and the fact that this music is still played today is evidence of its genetic, cultural link to Turkic ethnicity. All those facts are the basis for considering ozan music as one of the most important classic forms expressing Turkic spirituality.

Ashug music originated in the nomadic environment and traditions of our ancestors. Frequent hunts, military campaigns, caravans, roving with livestock, etc. all frequently ended with a celebration. Festivals, feasts, parties were all part of this tradition and the nomadic

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tradition. It was able to preserve its traditional roots owing to the interest of rural people, whose way of life it characterized. In this connection, the symbiotic links between the colors of ashug music and the dynamism of “country life” are completely natural. This is proved indirectly by the fact that inhabitants of Baku, the capital city, are far removed from ashug music and in addition have no interest in it. Interest in ashug music (or lack thereof) is a sort of indicator of the absence or presence of a certain kind of mentality. It says a lot when many residents of Baku exist in another musical world where ashug music means very little. Obviously, attitudes to this or that style of music are very personal: chacun à son gout or each one to his taste. But as we are discussing the search for Azeri music, not the taste of an individual, we should pay special attention to ashug music. It is the only music which continues to play on our “mental strings” and that can provoke feelings allowing us to see the world from the perspective of a typical Azeri.

way of life facilitated the development of a special music in tune with a spirit of common celebration that could drive people into ecstasies. Spiritually, this music had to be spontaneous, improvised, accessible, and simple, sufficiently rhythmic, heroic and epic in terms of subjects, inherently joyful. Ozan music met those requirements best of all. It aroused common feelings and relations, created a joyful atmosphere. And what was the point of music that transported its listeners into an ecstasy? The impact became stronger as its participants realized that this music had been played and listened to by their ancestors and was still popular in the entire Turkic world. Ozan music has unique features that create special associations and images for its listeners. It can be interpreted as a kind of magic.

Apparently, the strings of a saz somehow retain the sounds of the vast steppe and ancient life. That may be why they are similar to mental nerve ends. As soon as an ozan takes a saz in his hands, miraculous streams of music trigger a “mental string” in every Azerbaijani, immersing him in a special state where he recalls links to family, community, village, the steppe, ancient times and so on.

Ashug music is found mainly in the countryside, rarely in cities and almost never among the urban élite.

Limited to the rural areas, it is considered a cradle of

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However, not all contemporary ashugs are capable of inspiring us. Nowadays, there are many pseudo-ashugs eliciting pseudo-music from saz’s strings for élite audiences that have no connection with the ozan tradition.

Roots of that disease go back to the Middle Ages, when many aspects of the Turkic peoples’ culture underwent a process of intensive Islamization. Ozan’s music experienced significant changes as well, with new pseudo-ozans (ashugs) appearing and performing the role of musical emissaries of a new ideology in order to satisfy the demands of the palace elite (madrigal singers).

Nowadays, all ozans are called ashugs. Shakf-Ismail was reportedly the first to attract ozans as representatives of the Turkic spirit to his palace. It was during his reign when, although ashug improvisation had not yet appeared, the basics of the ‘salon’ singing tradition developed and when, later on, some ozans became court singers. They were attracted to palace ceremonies and dedicated their musical improvisations to the ruling class. Fortunately, such pseudo-ashugs are not numerous.

Fortunately, most ashugs maintain their traditions and are deservedly considered successors of real ozan music. They preserved its epic spirit and, thanks to these singers, modern ashug music retains its original roots, i.e. it remains the music of Turkic spirituality.True ashugs (and real ozans) stay with the people and keep their traditions. It is only they who stimulate our minds with their music, arouse our archetypal feelings. To prove it, one only needs to find a real ashug and listen to real music. But, to do so, some effort may be needed, specifically, one would need to go to a distant village to find a real ashug…

Today’s renaissance of ashug music after decades of humiliating conformity to Soviet norms is one of the most important factors reviving our spirits. It is no coincidence that, in searching for oneself, this music plays a special role—it is so closely connected to our native intelligence. It is impossible to imagine our intellectual future without this music. The “Turkic soul” exists as long as it lives in us and for us. This music nourishes our soul with faith in our history, traditions. It is impossible to imagine the death of ashug music—because it would mean that the Turkic soul which created it had also died. As long as ashug music continues to exist, there is a soul that can understand it. This music was

our cradle: we received it with our mother’s milk; it has a strong meaning in our sub-conscience, preventing us from losing ourselves. No matter how far we are from ashug music, sooner or later it will gradually return us to our roots. Everyone who listens to ashug music repeats in his soul the same words: what a mercy it was, it is and will be…

by Gasan Guliev

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VIEW My story of Kazakhstan and Astana in particular is one of people – trying to understand the cultural differences and being able to ‘fit in’ is important to my development. Language barriers are huge for me but I can cope by developing an understanding of Russian, an ability to mime almost anything and to have empathy with the person speaking.

The Land of Frozen Tears - a book of tales and hopes as an outsider in Kazakhstan ‘Everyone has a book in them’, someone once said – I hope I have two or three! But ‘in them’ is not ‘out of them’,in public and it is the publication that gives birth to your ideas and exposes your soul. This may be why many people do not let the book loose or release the story into the wild!

So I am writing a book (or three!) about my experiences and adventures in Kazakhstan. Excerpts from the book make up most of this article and indeed this in itself is a way of releasing some of the book and hope it comes home with critical developments so I can improve the experience to my readers.

I walk across the square, taking short steps, head down against the cold stinging breeze. The grey mottled granite brick paving, smeared white outlined with fresh powder snow as the wind moves and snakes the dust across my path. It is just February and despite minus 12 – is surprisingly warm for the time of year! The tears ooze from my eyes drawn by the cold rather than emotion, they pool blocking vision and then unable to hold their mass slip down across my red cold pinpricked cheeks freezing in salty icicles before they can fall to the ground.

This is Astana the capital of Kazakhstan and for six months is the land of frozen tears!

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I am heading for an unplanned lunch, arranged lessons cancelled at the last minute and a brief respite in a hectic world of work and travel between workplaces.The chance to take stock of life, a chance to plan or at least wish and a chance to reflect but hopefully not in a melancholy way!

I am in the centre of this new city. Baiterek a national icon, towers above me but I keep my head down.The sun breaks through the winter scudding sky and throws a long shadow of my wrapped huddled form across the ground. I imagine the light reflecting and bouncing of the monuments golden dome and the glass clad buildings around but after six years here it is the destination that beckons, the spectacle of the glistening metropolis can wait for warmer days and when I have more luxury time to spend. I keep my head down.

Why am I here? – is a question I am often asked and have now a set answer telling the story of my discovery of Kazakhstan but the more I tell my standard text the less I believe that it is what people want to here. ‘How did you come to be here?’ is the real question I am answering and that is easy – Why am I here is much deeper and harder to get to the bottom of. These chapters will help to explain a small part of that answer. Some would say the shallow part of the story – but part of the story it is and it needs to be told in order to understand the wider picture.

I am sitting in a small underground bar in Samal in the old part of the city. It is one of my locals with white silver leatherette benches, fake stained glass and a black reflective ceiling. A flat screen TV in the corner shows Russian pop videos and a blue glass evil eye hangs above the bar.

The curtained booths are empty but the back ‘VIP’ room is full. A cacophony of cackling indicates drunken women and men’s voices their ‘hosts’. Every now and then one or more leave for a cigarette in the entrance – it is too cold to venture outside, or to use the cracked tiled toilet. The pop music continues – videos with scantily clad young girls in European settings – each one telling a story of love , loss or more likely lust.

The giggling girls are hidden from view but the young dark haired Azaerbajani waitress is regularly summoned with a door bell ring – each table has a ‘buzzer , I used to live in this block and borrowed one once to see if it would work from my apartment but 13 floors proved too much. I am not sure how I would have ordered anyway. I am musing this and a Kazakh man enters with coat unbuttoned and hat flaps down. He stands at the corner surveying the scene , older, less refined than others – he is looking for someone, and it has to be a ‘she’. He stands looking into the back room and sees who he is looking for – she is one of the cackling girls – the noise stop ! time stops – my mind races , what will happen, what has happened ? What is the relationship?

Soon the mood is lightened – a laugh comes through clear and the man is invited in the cackling begins again and the vodka is taken through by the waitress. Can I wait to see what happens? Finding love in the land of frozen tears takes many forms and the continuing laughter fill my ears as I press my buzzer for the bill and wind my way home through the snow and bitter cold biting wind.Thankfully only one block and the wind is at my back.

I am not here actively seeking love but it is the people in time and place that interests me, intrigues me and helps to keep me here in this fascinating and multi layered city. It is not just an enigmatic country but also an alien city and a shape shifting people.

It is a warm, modern apartment, new fixtures and fitting on the outside. A child’s buggy sits outside looking a little unkempt and hurriedly left. Still some toys in the tray underneath the seat and a worn cloth blanket sits crumpled on the seat.

I press the buzzer and almost immediately it is opened – she stands there a slight smile creases the corner of her mouth. A colourful flowery dress makes her look older and the three children clinging to her legs with beaming inquisitive smiles makes the scene of struggling motherhood complete. I am welcomed in and the goods I was asked to bring are taken and immediately dished out. I take my time removing layers of coats, scarf and gloves and struggling with too tight boots.

The apartment is not small but one bedroom, studio kitchen dining room and it looks lived in – by a family of four.

There are two sofas covered in stretch covers stained by childrens hands and dropped food. A dining table with plastic wipeable cloth already with remnants of food and drink ring stains. I sit without being asked as the family lives are not interrupted by my alien presence. The children chatter in English and Kazakh and she sits there looking tired. It is 11pm and the three small bundles of energy are nowhere and no way ready for sleep. The sushi- for that is what I was asked to provide - is ravenously consumed, the juice absorbed and the wine I brought for the two of us is opened and slowly sipped.We try to talk, to discuss but interruptions of small voices demanding, needing, wanting get in the way so we just talk. I am curious but she still seems to learn more about me than I do of her. Her black deep pool eyes have a sparkle and a warmth that draws you in. Her hair is short, a bob that frames her face but tonight it is a little unkempt and unwashed. Her skin looks tired and a slight freckling of blemishes show the true self that I have not seen before. She is intelligent and soft and I have flashbacks to a previous enchantress.

I ask about her and how she copes. She tells me freely about her ‘husband’ – their life , ‘their ambitions’ and then she stops – looks sadder for a fleeting second and then qualifies what she was saying into ‘her ambitions’. I smile and she smiles back.

After a while she takes the children of to bed – I can see a large double bed through the half open door and she places them top and tail, nesting them in the duvet. She sits and nurtures the youngest one smoothly talking to her, gently caressing all of them with her words.

When she feels they are settled she returns closing the door.

She sits opposite me and I look into those bottomless eyes.

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VIEW She raises an eyebrow and asks me what I am thinking- but she knows and smiles again.

I am thinking what she knows I am thinking but also questioning why I am there? I want to kiss her but the crumb strewn cloth on the endless table comes between and then a mewling cry from the next room breaks my spell and she hurries away brushing her dress flat as she walks across the room. I follow her with my eyes for the five or six steps – she is not tall and was once slender a small bulge in front hints at child rearing within the last twelve months. She moves with grace and serenity, alluring and in control. She is a proud woman who wants the best, has ambition and talent but finds herself on the outside of an inner negative voice.

A self belief that is tainted with self doubt and a need for someone to invest in her financially and emotionally. Is this what she sees me as or maybe one of them?

As the night and early morning wear on the children become more fractious and every time she leaves me for them I question myself. I go to the window and look out at the park and the Pyramid.The thin blown snow cascades down the western side and is whipped from the ground to dance in from of the upward pointing spotlights. In the distance the building work continues and the tower blocks displays of LED choreography distract me from my situation for a while. It is quiet – hushed and snow muffled, blanket inside and out. She is gone longer now – has she fallen asleep? I will give her ten minutes and as the clock moves towards three in the morning I will leave quietly a text message will be my goodbye.

Ten minutes comes and goes, I will give her five more, hopefully that she will come and sit next to me on the seat I have deliberately rearranged with my socked feet. We will hold hands , I will stroke her cheek and we will kiss. My emotional support giving her hope but my arrogant thoughts are not communicated so I decide to leave. I clean the table and stack cups and plates quietly by the sink deciding not to wash them for fear of the noise breaking whatever spell she is weaving over the children.

I move the short distance to the entrance and begin the ritual of putting on my boots, jacket, scarf, coat and hat – I have mastered the boots and the jacket and have my scarf in my hand when she surprises me – ‘you are leaving?’, ‘I thought you had fallen asleep’, ‘no just making sure they were fully settled’

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My life is changed, unusual and exciting, very different from the world I left behind. I did not plan to change my life but maybe no one does? The place I now call home is unusual and sometimes indescribable which, when you are writing a book, can cause problems. How do you describe the hopes and aspirations of a young country? How do you describe your own hopes and aspirations?

Having lived here (a privileged life yes!) for seven years – or ‘six winters’ as time is measured in Astana I have also seen the truer side. The beggars on the street, the people going through bins for remnants of someone else’s life, the people collecting water from standpipes in minus forty degrees but even in this the people are true and generous – giving everything even though they have nothing in some cases.

I walk home late the temperature has plummeted to 2 degrees, this may not seem much but the day before we were at plus 36 – Autumn if that is not too grand a name for it is here. I did not expect to be wearing my thicker coat before the end of September!

As I weave between the old soviet blocks and cut through a gaudy modern childrens playground I see a figure lying on a bench sleeping, as I get closer I can see he he is shabbily dressed and the waft of unwashed alchohol and toil surround him. I have seen him before with a can of strong beer in his hand, scarred bruised face and wild unkept hair. He breathes heavily huddling and curling to keep warm. Shall I wake him ? I cannot leave him but I am sure he will have no English and not understand anyway. I pause and then head home. I have recently moved apartments again and have far too much stuff so I retrieve a thick woolen blanket and go back down into the street. I cover him as he stirs, scarred that I am about to hurt him. His rough calloused hands with black nails and grime laden lines grip the soft woolen cloth and he smiles a broken tooth grin before drifting off to sleep again. I leave him and head home and notice people in a car watching me, their faces illuminated by the yellow interior light, they smile and nod. I nod back and tears fill my eyes as I get home grateful for my privilege. As they roll down my cheeks I know it will not be long before they are solid again and the land of frozen tears returns.

by Gareth Stamp

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CONNECTIONS

“To people like you I can say that I’m Uzbek”

by Diloram Ibrahimova is the launch editor of the BBC Uzbek TV news programmes which air on Arezo TV in Afghanistan Monday to Friday.

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It’s a Sunday at the end of one of the many busy weeks working on the new BBC Uzbek TV programme for Afghanistan’s Uzbek-speakers. I am on a shopping trip to the bustling East Street market in South London, where fresh fruit and vegetables are in abundance and sold for almost nothing. Known as a trading area from as early as the 16th century, the market has some new traders - young, entrepreneurial and accommodating immigrants from the Middle and Near East. Turks, Kurds, Iraqis and Afghans - all enthusiastically work alongside some remaining White British and Black Caribbean traders.

As I move with my Iraqi husband through the crowds, a young, smiling face from a fruit stall addresses us in English first, then switches to Arabic and finally settles for a perfect Dari of Afghanistan. After a customary exchange of pleasantries Habib pops up a “mustquestion” – “Where do you come from?” I tell him that I’m from Uzbekistan - and not from Tajikistan or Iran as he suggested earlier. “Man ham O’zbekman!” he exclaims happily – “I’m also Uzbek” - but from Afghanistan. After which Habib and I continue chatting in Uzbek. His joy, it seems, has no boundaries. He turns to his fellow sellers who are very busy shifting the goods and tells them in Dari, full of pride -”This khanum [lady] is also Uzbek, just like me!”

As earlier he spoke in a perfect Dari, I had assumed that he was either Tajik from the north of Afghanistan or Hazara, from the central part. Habib was very clear about his identity: “First of all, I am Afghan, then I say that I’m from Takhar [a northeast province]. Only to people like you I can say that I’m Uzbek.”

The brief, heart-warming scene with Habib was very much in synch with what was – and still is - dominating most of my waking hours: how best to present the BBC’s news content to the Uzbek audiences in Afghanistan. It also brought back my memories from 1984.

Five years into the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan - and the Afghan mujahideen’s fierce resistance – three of us: two boys from Tajikistan and me, the only female student from Uzbekistan, went on an exchange programme to Kabul American University. I was studying at two faculties: Dari language and social history of Afghanistan.

Before you wonder: yes, many questioned the sanity of my parents who sent their daughter to a war-torn country.

On our arrival in January we joined the group of shorawi (Soviet) advisers, lecturers, teachers from different parts of the USSR working at the Kabul University. Soon, on a Friday - a day off - we went on a rare and carefully guarded visit to the capital’s ShahreNaw trading district. As we got out of our curtained bus, I walked along the narrow streets overflowing with a literally dizzying variety of Western clothes, fine perfumes and Japanese tape-recorders. To a Soviet girl, accustomed to lack of choice, this was where the introduction to the West’s riches started. It was amidst this fascination that my fellow Tajik student called me to say someone wanted to meet me. As we sneaked into a dukan, I was introduced to a boy of about 15 - a shop assistant called Asadulla. He greeted me with a soft smile - and astounded me by saying in pure Uzbek: “Yaxshimisiz, opajon?” – “How are you, sister?” I turned out to be the first Uzbek from Uzbekistan he had met.

As for me, a student from Soviet Uzbekistan, up until that encounter I hadn’t known that Afghanistan had “its” Uzbeks.

A “HIDDEN” HISTORY

Yes, the Soviets chose to keep us unaware of our ethnic kin in the neighbouring country. Although Uzbek tribes had lived in Afghanistan for centuries, Soviet Uzbeks’ ethnic kin in Afghanistan weren’t part of their national narrative. The Afghan Uzbeks’ history was not studied properly in Soviet Uzbekistan, nor was it mentioned in our textbooks. At school, we were taught the history of Uzbekistan within the Soviet republic’s territory, and the history of Uzbek people stopped at the Soviet borders. The Soviet media didn’t mention Afghanistan’s Uzbeks.

Later I discovered that they weren’t part of the Afghan narrative or curriculum either. The Uzbeks of Afghanistan were some kind of a taboo subject in the two neighbouring countries. But history they had.

One of the most famous kingdoms of the Timurid dynasty, the Herat kingdom of Sultan Hussein Baykara – a Turkic ruler - was established in the 15th century.The founder of the Uzbek classic literature, Alisher Nava’I, was a vizier to him. Uzbek kingdoms in Afghanistan, such as Maimana khanate and Qunduz khanate, are known to have existed from the 16th century. The ruler of Maimana – an important trade centre - was a subordinate of the Emir of Bukhara – whose emirate became Russia’s colony as a result of the Russian

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expansion in the mid-19th century. In a hope to put an end to Anglo-Russian rivalry in Central Asia, a shaky agreement divided the spheres of influence between Russia and Britain. Tsarist Russia’s borders stopped at the river Amu-Darya thus dividing the lands on which Uzbeks lived. It was arguably as a result of that division that the Uzbek khanates of Kunduz and then Maimana, on the other side of the river, were finally crushed by Afghan rulers.

Later, in the 1920s, following the defeat of the Emir of Bukhara by the Red Army, northern Afghanistan saw an influx of Uzbeks fleeing the Bolsheviks. Along with the Uzbeks, other ethnicities of Bukhara Emirate - Tajiks, Turkmens and Kyrgyzes - found refuge in the north of Afghanistan. Among them was Bukhara’s last ruler, Said Alim Khan, who died in exile and was buried in Kabul. Under pressure from the Soviets, the Afghan authorities denied him and his family a passport lest they leave the country.

My family, too, was caught in this turbulent history.

Around that time my Afghan grandfather, Mullah Babakhan, a merchant from Kabul, settled in Bukhara where he met and married my grandmother, Alima.

As the borders finally closed in the 1930s, he never went back. Homesick foreigner, he died in 1937 during Stalin’s purges.

On the other side of Amu Darya river, industrious and entrepreneurial Uzbeks – alongside Turkmens - contributed to Afghanistan’s development with carpet weaving, karakul production, raising livestock and cultivating rice and wheat. Their famous Bukharadesign carpets with the “elephant foot” pattern on tan background became one of Afghanistan’s export trademarks.

A DISTORTED HISTORY?

Some research on the British-Afghan relations contains claims about a deliberate understatement

by Afghanistan’s Pashtun rulers of various ethnicities in the north. Britons who visited Afghanistan in the 19th century from British India were mostly dealing with Pashtuns and Tajiks, whose predominantly negative characterisation of Uzbeks ended up forming the overall perception of them.

Uzbeks’ frequent rebellions against the attempts of

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the Afghan emirs to bring them under centralised power were inevitably crushed. According to some experts on Afghanistan, the actions of Pashtun rulers in Afghan modern history often were presented as unifying, as opposed to the rebellious Uzbeks whose actions were interpreted as “break-away”. School textbooks described the defeats of Uzbeks as “us” versus “them”. Until the 1970s – when Afghanistan’s ethnic minorities were officially recognised – Uzbeks, along with Turkmens and Hazaras, had been excluded from holding governmental posts and prevented from achieving high ranks in the Afghan army.

From 1980s, following Soviet-style language-equality policy, the subsequent Moscow-backed governments of Nur Muhammad Taraki and Babrak Karmal made significant steps to promote education in minority languages. Uzbek - which belongs to the Turkic group, unlike Dari and Pashto - was one of them. That’s when the faculty of the Uzbek language and literature was opened at Kabul American University. And I was lucky to meet first Uzbek lecturers during my studies there.

Word of me had reached them - just like that Uzbek boy in the dukan, Asadulla – and one day they invited me to their department for a cup of green tea. I remember the spirit of my conversation with them young teachers, overwhelmed with enthusiasm and joy.

They could do what had been hitherto unthinkable: teach in their mother tongue.

After the tea, many invitations followed. Once, the only female teacher from their team treated me and her male colleagues to home-made oshak - dumplings stuffed with chives.

The Uzbek they spoke was different from my Uzbek.

Mine was peppered with Russian words (eg for “car” I would say mashina and they would say mutar) and idioms that they could not understand, or found strange. On the other hand, some Turkic words we used meant different things to us: kecha in my Uzbek means “yesterday” whereas to them it is “evening”.

For “yesterday” they use a word which people in Uzbekistan would perceive as archaic - tunov. Imagine our confusion trying to arrange a date!

After the mujahideen came to power, the university’s Uzbek department was closed down, never to reopen. I wonder where those teachers of Uzbek are

today. As to Asadulla, all I know is that by 1985 those Uzbek dukans in the famous Shahre Naw were shut down.

SPEAKING UZBEK IN AFGHANISTAN

According to the 2014 survey conducted by Asia Foundation, today Uzbeks are the largest Turkic group among Afghanistan’s main ethnic groups, making up about 9% of the country’s population. But figures of the total number of Afghanistan’s ethnic Uzbeks vary from one source to the other, between 1.5m to 10m.

Afghanistan’s only national census was carried out in 1979, and continuous wars and fighting have prevented obtaining new figures ever since. During their trips to Afghanistan after the fall of Taleban, my colleagues from BBC Uzbek service, while travelling through vast areas in the north of the country, reported about places densely populated by ethnic Uzbeks.

Despite being mostly educated in Dari, Afghan Uzbeks can easily engage in their mother tongue when opportunity arises - whereas a lot of their Russianeducated kin in Uzbekistan are less articulate. The Uzbek spoken in Uzbekistan was - and still is - loaded with borrowings from Russian and has underwent general russification – a cultural assimilation whereby the Russian pronunciation of Uzbek words became a norm. The Afghan Uzbek is heavily influenced by Arabic and Persian – and if you ask me, there is a certain softness in it which I think also is reflected in bodylanguage and mannerisms.

Ethnic Uzbek Afghans have largely sustained their language by oral tradition. My BBC Uzbek colleague from Takhor told me that he has never attended an Uzbek school or an Uzbek language class. Uzbek is his mother tongue, the language of their family and of the culture he shares with his fellow Uzbeks. Another colleague recalled how poetry by the 17th century Uzbek classic, Mashrab, was recited at special gatherings in mosques and chaikhanas in Takhor and Faryab provinces. Mashrab was born in Namangan, modern Uzbekistan, and buried in Balkh, modern Afghanistan.

Recent decades brought the Uzbek Afghans more exposure to the Uzbek language of Uzbekistan – and more dangers to their heritage. On my trip to Mazar-e Sharif in 2003, I heard many stories about how, during the Taleban rule, when TV was banned along with other entertainment, people hid their TV sets behind the

curtains in the wall alcoves. In secret they watched programmes from neighbouring Uzbekistan, admiring the blissful scenes of peace, carefully choreographed

by Uzbek State TV. Residents of Mazar-e Sharif also learned to hide their Uzbek books which, if found by the Taleban, would have been burned.

From 2004, following the toppling of the Taleban, the Uzbek language gained official recognition in Afghanistan’s territories with high concentration of Uzbeks. The new Afghan constitution stipulates for the protection of ethnic minorities and the development of national languages in the regions they compactly live.

Courses of Uzbek were introduced in the Teachers Training Institute in Faryab, as well as at Takhor and Balkh Universities. However, Uzbek textbooks were not available until 2009.

The newfound attention and care is not universally seen as positive, however. Despite welcoming the new freedoms and rights regarding the status of the Uzbek language, some ethnic Uzbek intellectuals in Afghanistan warn against pitfalls. To them, concentrating solely on education in Uzbek might lead to disadvantaging this population once again, as Uzbek-speakers educated in their own language might find it difficult to compete with the country’s Dari- and Pashto-speakers. The Uzbek tongue in Afghanistan doesn’t have a history of being used as an administrative language or in the mass media. Unlike neighbouring Uzbekistan, where, in the 1920s, under Stalin’s policy, one particular dialect was selected as core and developed into a standard language, the Afghan Uzbek hasn’t had such a chance.

Or has it?

BBC Uzbek started its special radio broadcasts to Afghanistan’s Uzbek-speakers in 2003. Over the years of these broadcasts, the team has developed the Uzbek language that is understood in the country’s Uzbek-speaking areas. Based on the mammoth linguistic effort of our journalists, painstakingly honing the references, the nuances that work on radio and online, the BBC has developed its standards for the Uzbek language spoken in Afghanistan. This work has continued as we moved to the digital platforms and now to TV. We will continue to bring the world to them – and also help take their story to the rest of the world. There is so much to tell.

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SILK ROAD Project description. Photo project “On the Great Silk Road” is a showcase of diverse eastern women living in Kazakhstan. This manifold is shown as a gallery of feminine types through images in eastern outfits.

These are stylized eastern images of modern women, who, as the result of the project, came out with inner style of each one of them.

How did it begin? We started a regular photo-shoot of eastern clothing collection to promote outfit rental service. But in the process of creating images an interesting observation took place. Materials and clothes revealed various genetic trait of every model. After understanding which texture corresponds to what style, we understood that each woman has different bloodline - khan, tsar, Chinese, Iranian, Uzbek, Turkmen, Tajik, Kazakh, Mongol, Russian etc.

We didn’t just put on a costume, we made decisions corresponding to Inner structure of structures of every Style. We also understood the character of every woman: delicate, vulnerable, strong, bright, powerful, creative, etc.

Project: ON THE GREAT SILK ROAD...

Motto: «World without national or government borders!

We are one! We are a single field!»

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What is Inner Style? When we created an image, we tried to base it on different face features, energy, eye and skin color, even voice and movement calisthenics.We tried to create costumes as fit as possible, of each and every color, and not only costumes, but accessories, too. This work was created according to L. M. Popova’s technique “Visual perception.

Inner art style structure” after studying in “Philosophy of Mirskaya’s Style” studio (Moscow). But even after following trails of these masters’ experience, our experience and methods are unique and were born as a result of this work, because it includes even broader understanding of perception and touches upon ancestral energies.

Creativity Space. The project has one more unique feature. You can never know that one or the other costume will suit a certain woman. Everything happens in action. It comes from the visual perception of one, who is on our “hot chair”.

Photography. An ordinary photo session turns into a kind of ritual of rebirth. We can see a person change immerses himself in his image in a less of an hour of shooting. The main task of the photographer is to catch the very amazing moment when a person forgot that he was being photographed and he actually exists in a new image for himself.

The reason. Surprisingly for us, the project seems to be “alive” now , it grows, becomes stronger, attracts great prospects, and even has a Mission - to unite peoples, to open eyes to the fact that there are no national or state restrictions.

Team: Costume Designer - Asel Shalabaeva; Photographer – Jane Berman; The make-up artist - Botagoz Abdibaeva.

Our next projects: • The photo project “When Kazakhstan was Europe”. It is a surrealistic picture, as if the European Renaissance fashion was in Kazakhstan. For example, lines and forms of clothing of the Renaissance would be from oriental fabrics.

(During the development stage).

• Photo projects “Ego and Alterego”, “Me and My Shadow” - psychological photo sessions, designed to host internal sub personalities of Clients Yours faithfully, Asel Shalabaeva and Jane Berman.

In the instagram @halcyonbear, @imaginary.group.kz

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GENERATION

In just two weeks, a young and inspirational Megan Werner visited seven cities and held 25 presentations across Russia and the Republic of Crimea. Megan Werner is a successful author of the book “It is Up to You”, as well as a trainer, coach and a successful model. She started performing at the age of 12, in 2015, and collected 5000 listeners at the “National achievers congress”.

The inspirational book by Megan Werner is a short guide for anyone who wants to make his or her lives better. The 15-year-old describes the rules of life, motivates development, kindness, strength and perseverance in achieving goals. She shows that you need to take responsibility for your destiny, no matter how old you are. She also, encourages leaving one’s comfort zone and looking at life from a new angle.

“I was inspired by my mom and dad. They themselves have made their interesting thoughts into reality and published a book about the feeling of confidence in today’s world and how to find yourself. It helped many people. Thanks to them, I decided to write a book for teenagers. All in order to change the world for the better,”- notes Megan Werner.

Teen Idol: Megan Werner Tours the Cities of Russia and the Republic of Crimea 28 OCA MAGAZINE

Megan’s book “ It is Up to You” was published abroad and has made a lot of noise. Until recently, simple but effective rules, a positive outlook on life and self-belief, described in the book, were available only in English and African languages, but now the book is also published in Russian so that Russian-speaking teenagers have access to Megan Werner’s book. This is a guide about the correct and safe behaviour in social networks, for example. Today, this is important because the number of different online communities that call young people to engage in life-threatening behaviours is growing daily. You can help make a child’s environment safer after reading Megan’s book.

The book was released in an edition of 1500 copies for promotion and review. Thus, the book promo-tour began with one of the most remote regions of Russia - the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Megan Werner

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GENERATION arrived in the capital with her parents, Belinda and Des, and director of the OEBF literary festival, Anna Lari.

From April 18th to 20th, the young author performed at various platforms in Yakutsk, such as the state Yakut gymnasium, the national library, the Northeastern Federal University and school number 33. Members of the Eurasian Creative Guild and the people’s poet Natalia Kharlampieva were engaged in finding the premises and conducting the meetings. She praised Megan’s position and noted her contribution to the literature that motivates teenagers: “We all know that young people between 13 and 15 ask global questions that are difficult to find answers. With her example, Megan proves that if you believe in yourself and look optimistically at reality, you can realise all your dreams. No wonder the edition was released in several languages”.

The arrival of the South African model and coach-motivator also interested local media. Werner gave a series of interviews for newspapers and TV, where she shared her impressions of Yakutsk.

The Executive Director of the Eurasian Creative Guild, and literary manager of the Hertfordshire Press, Anna Lari, noted that Megan’s book really helped many teenagers: “We are glad that her work finally came out in Russian. The tour of the country has just begun, the first presentation platform was Yakutsk. “ In the Nizhny Novgorod region, Megan Werner stayed on 22nd and 23rd of April. The next three days the writer gave lectures and met with young representatives from Nizhny Novgorod city. The organizer, who held an event in the private school “The Stage of Education” and a meeting with the youth city parliament, was Pavel Sergeevich Shumov, a member of the Guild and musician and laureate of the Prize Arcadia Bezrukov Festival Open Eurasia 2015. In the Nizhny Novgorod State Art Museum, the coordinator of the event was the head of the department of scientific and educational work Surganova Elizaveta Sergeevna.The author also visited the Philological faculty of the NNSU (Nizhny Novgorod State University) and conducted a lecture in the architectural and ethnographic museum.

In the Republic of Crimea, the model spent four days and managed to visit four cities from April 24th to 27th.

The trainer-motivator represented her book in Simferopol and Yalta. She also visited Koktebel - the Mecca of

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writers, poets and artists, where she recharged with inspiration and energy. In addition, the sunny city of childhood - Evpatoria, where the stage for her oratory was the children’s theater stage.

In Simferopol, Megan Werner met with young readers from gymnasium number 9, shared with them her experience: how to believe in yourself and not pay attention to negative attacks from peers. In the capital of Crimea, the participants of the festival of arts “We are Youth” welcomed her. In addition, Megan held a presentation at the CEPU (Crimean Engineering and Pedagogical University) and the Zhukovsky library. She held live broadcasts on television and radio, numerous interviews for media sponsors – the newspaper “Moskovsky Komsomolets in the Crimea” and other federal and Crimean publications – and a press conference in the Crimean press center “Komsomolskaya Pravda.”

In Yalta, a meeting of the Eurasian Creative Guild and the presentation of the author’s work were held at the Humanitarian and Pedagogical Academy of the CFU (Crimean Federal University) named after Vernadsky.

Werner got acquainted with the work of artists from the academy and enjoyed the Crimean nature: the sea and mountain landscapes of the southern coast of Crimea.

In Evpatoria, the place of the young writer’s speech was the International Centre for Theatrical Art “Golden Key”. Then there was an excursion around the city and Megan was shown ancient exhibits of the museum of the fortress gates “Odun-bazar kapusy”, the hospitality area “Jeval” and the unique route of “Lesser Jerusalem”.

In Koktebel, in the children’s art school, where the next presentation of Megan’s book took place, the gifted children staged a real concert for the guest from South Africa: an ensemble of violinists, vocalists and dancers performed. Despite her tight travel schedule, Megan also visited the home of the outstanding poet Maximilian Voloshin and she saw the beauty of the Crimean landscapes – the famous volcano Karadag and the permanently changing colours of the mountain Chameleon. She even climbed the Klementieva mountain, which became the cradle of Russian aeronautics.

In the Crimean cities Megan’s performances took place within the framework of the international project “Art-

Media Tour in Crimea”, led by a member of the Eurasian Creative Guild, journalist Oksana Zhukova. “Our project is designed to promote the peninsula abroad.

With the help of people’s diplomacy, we introduce to foreigners the Crimea, its sights and culture, build bridges between people, cities and countries, proving once again that art and creativity knows no boundaries, “said Zhukova.

The Eurasian Creative Guild and the publishing house Hertfordshire Press expresses deepest appreciation to all those who met and supported the arrival of this exciting young writer from South Africa.

by Oksana Safronova

The next stop on the tour was the Republic of Bashkortostan, the city of Ufa. On 28th, 29th and 30th April Megan Werner, together with the parents and the delegation from Hertfordshire Press, was able to enjoy the hospitality and beauty of the capital. In addition, she led meetings during which she told the story of her life.

The main meetings were with schoolchildren, teachers, creative representations of the city of Ufa and were held in the National Library of Ahmet Zaki-Validi.

Megan held presentations and master classes for students and teachers of the Bashkir State Pedagogical University and Bashkir State University. A meeting was held with children of the musical Republican Gymnasium - Zagir Almukhametov boarding school.

During the tour of the capital, Megan visited the monument of the national poet of Bashkortostan Musta Karim. At the opening of the city fountain, the Mayor of Ufa personally talked with guests from abroad.

The last point of departure in the publishing tour of the writer was Moscow. In the capital, Megan celebrated the First of May public holiday, which celebrates on the territory of the post-Soviet countries. On May 2 and 3, the author and model conducted a lecture with Oxbridge school students with the help of the representative of Olga Gafarova’s school. At the meeting of the Eurasian Creative Guild and the presentation of Megan’s book, guild members Gulsifat Shahidi, Anastasia Sotnikova and Elena Korneeva attended and performed. Megan Werner had the opportunity to talk with an authorized minister from the Embassy of South Africa, Henry William Short.

The warmth and hospitality of Russian readers inspired the young author so much that Megan plans to come with a new tour to Central Asia and meet new readers.

Nevertheless, the South African teenager is winning the hearts of peers and parents in the Eurasian region.

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EDUCATION DG: As two British-based professional women we realised there was a gap in the market to help individuals and families who need access to services in the UK including schools, property and healthcare.

child’s progress and families often retain our services in an academic guardian capacity. This might involve attending parents’ evenings and liaising with staff on the family’s behalf if they cannot attend in person.

Who are your clients?

DG: In some cases, the interest in our education services can lead to other things too, like the search for a second home in the UK or private health insurance for the family.

DG: Busy, busy people!

NS: Indeed, time is always at a premium for our clientele.

DG: Our aim is to help those high-net worth individuals in either setting up or maintaining aspects of their lifestyle here in the UK. It might be a foreign executive who wants to buy a second home in London or someone who would like their children to benefit from a British education.

EDUCATION IS A CORNERSTONE OF SUCCESS Panoba Executive Lifestyle Services specialises in education, property, relocation and events services for the discerning overseas executive. The London-based firm works with a network of esteemed partners to offer a five-star British lifestyle management service to its ranks of international customers. Directors Debbie Gispan and Nicky Sakpoba explain to OCA the crucial importance of knowing and understanding their market and why every client is treated as a VIP.

What is Panoba?

Nicky Sakpoba (NS): Panoba is a dedicated lifestyle service for the international executive and his or her family. We offer a professional concierge approach in order that you can focus on your business affairs overseas, while we effectively manage your concerns here in the UK. Debbie Gispan (DG): Panoba is derived from both our family names as we feel we bring together two

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types of skill sets and life experiences. We both have extensive experience working in the City and also of relocating, so feel we are well placed to understand the way our clients operate.

NS: Debbie worked in investment banking in London, whereas I studied languages and worked in high end property management. But for the education business, our experience as mothers and navigating the complex school admissions process for our children has provided the best background.

NS: Some families already have a property here or a child at a UK private school. In that instance they might need assistance to maintain the property or move their child to another school. One couple were keen to move their daughter to a larger school for A Levels.

They didn’t feel she was progressing academically and wanted external help. We put a plan together for her to be tutored throughout the holidays and made sure they got the results they wanted.

DG: In another case we had an entrepreneur who wanted to move his business to the UK, which meant relocating the family too. Not only did we advise on immigration and visas but Panoba also helped install the family in a great area with access to top schools.

NS: The system can be complicated for someone who wasn’t raised in Britain or doesn’t currently reside here, which is why we hold our clients’ hands from start to finish. Our service provides access to the best of the British lifestyle, including invaluable insider tips and advice.

How did you decide which areas to specialise in?

DG: Our relationship with many of our clients stems from their need for the educational consultancy service we offer, but that relationship doesn’t need to end as soon as a school place is secured.

NS: Yes, we pride ourselves on following up on the

How do you measure up to the expectations of parents?

NS: No two families are the same, which is why we treat each case individually. As a result, clients automatically expect a tailor-made service and they are never disappointed. We have an extensive network of top-performing UK schools, which gives parents the widest possible choice when it comes to making the right choice.

DG: Our involvement can be as far-reaching as our clients like, from the initial registration to exam preparation and accompanying children on school visits.

Understandably, parents expect and demand the highest levels of discretion and customer service when it comes to their children and we never fail to deliver.

How does your tutoring service work?

NS: There are many times during the education pathway when tutoring might be required. Either before children start school for entrance exams or at times when facing a particular challenge. As with all our services, the tutoring we offer is completely bespoke and tailored to the needs of the individual.

DG: Rest assured that we only work with the best tutors as we know the value of mentoring and inspiring your child. Whatever the child’s needs, Panoba can be trusted to deliver the best organised and well managed plan. We have found tutors abroad for a summer holiday period or someone to support the child in their own home.

NS: We organise the whole package for that to happen. Flights, visas etc, as well as organising sessions via Skype if necessary beforehand to prepare for exams.

When selecting tutors for residential placements outside of the UK, we always send the most suitable and

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EDUCATION

able individuals who will approach your family and host country with the utmost respect.

DG: And, on a separate note, if either you, your partner or your children need a little help with your English, we can also arrange for private language tutoring when you arrive or before you touch down in the UK. Where would you recommend setting up home in Britain?

NS: There is no question that as a global city, London is by far the most desirable and popular location for international visitors. But where to settle depends on individual tastes and requirements. Central areas like St John’s Wood, Chelsea and Kensington are always popular, though we have noticed a shift towards leafier parts of north-west London and Home Counties like Surrey and Hampshire, which are within an easy drive of the capital.

DP: We save our clients a lot of time and effort with our property consultancy, which takes in their needs and preferences. Once we have a shortlist of desirable locations, clients then often arrange a short visit for viewings – or entrust their choice to our expert advisors.

NS: That integration is valuable for both adults and children. British education is still seen as a world class leader and schools are keen to recruit families from growth economies to extend all that they have to offer.

Why choose Panoba?

DG: Our motto is ‘wisdom is wealth’ and this is what we hope to convey to our highly valued customers.

With the help of our extensive expertise in high end lifestyle management, you and your family will have more time to focus on enjoying and making a success of your time here in Britain.

NS: Arriving in any new country can be overwhelming and disorientating, but Panoba promises the smoothest and most pleasant of traditions into British society. No two clients are the same. For us the most important thing is to provide a high-quality personal service tailored to their needs. We pride ourselves in developing relationships to make sure we accommodate every need of our clients. A bespoke tailored service to each person’s needs and not a one size fits all model.

How important is the Central Asian market?

DG: We recognise Central Asia as a strong growth market and that relationships are flourishing between the UK and countries in the region. As such, a growing number of highly influential people now have interests in the UK. NS: We have strong connections with the representatives of London’s Central Asian community. They want to know where the best areas are to live and, like all our clients, how to make the most of their time in Britain for themselves and their families.

DG: As Britain prepares for a new future and plans to open up its relationships it’s vital that we forge solid reliable relationships in growth areas such as Central Asia.

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EDUCATION

By showcasing the cultural, political and economic dynamism of this rapidly-developing region, the Forum hopes to spark interest amongst novices to the region, whilst enhancing the knowledge of experts. Beyond the conference, it has been working to establish an online platform for publishing and sharing content regarding Central Asia, including articles, videos and podcasts.

Warwick Central Asia Forum

The CAF web platform provides an opportunity for students to be published alongside academics and experts, including a forthcoming article by Austria’s former foreign secretary, Dr Benita Ferrero-Waldner. CAF warmly invites experts, academics, journalists and students to make contributions, help us to expand our presence beyond the University of Warwick.

For the event; amongst other, speakers include Stanislav Pritchin, a leading an analyst at Chatham House, who will discuss the future role of Russia and China in Central Asia; and Aliya De Tiesenhausen, an art historian whose recent book, Central Asia in Art: From Soviet Orientalism to The New Republics, traces Soviet portrayals of the region in twentieth-century art. The Forum plans to announce many more speakers and panellists over the coming weeks.

The conference seeks to bring together the worlds of academia, politics, business and culture to discuss Central Asia’s place in the world. Speeches and breakout sessions on topics ranging from regional security to the one belt one road project will dominate the day, and ample opportunity for networking and discussion will be provided at the University of Warwick’s state-of-the-art conference facilities.

Tickets are available now at the CAF website and Facebook page, along with updates and region-specific new and analysis.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS Website http://centralasiaforum.org/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/centralasiaforum/ Email contact@centralasiaforum.org

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37

ART tan Republic in 1944-1951. Following the establishment of the Mao Zedong’s regime, thousands of families had to abandon their homes and flee for their lives. Both his grandfather and father were repressed by the Mao regime in the 1950s. In 1955, in a tender age, Azat had to flee to Kyrgyzstan with his mother and close family. Later, the family settled in Almaty. In spite of turbulent events and a dangerous journey, Akimbek’s grandmother managed to keep the family’s ancient Uyghur carpets, jewellery and other valuable familial keepsakes.

Azat’s admiration for the beauty of his grandmother’s gift - the ancient Uyghur jug - gave him an incentive to start collecting Uyghur artefacts. That is how he found the passion of his life – collecting arts and antiques.

He used to travel to the most remote corners of the former Soviet Union to collect precious pieces. Some items were abandoned in sheds in dust until they caught the eye of this expert who could appreciate their value.

Opening borders with the SUAR in the 1990s released new opportunities for Akimbek whose links with Xinjiang traders helped to give new life to ancient artefacts from East Turkestan.

To prove his unique ability to recognise the originality of antiques by his eye, Azat successfully passed a tough exam at the world-famous auction house in Paris, Lib-

Azat Akimbek: Art Collector,

ert & Gastor, and received the title of its Honorary Member in 2000. Since 2010, Akimbek has been collaborating with the Christie’s Auction House in London. In Europe he is known as a reputable expert on Central Asian art and antiques.

Azat Akimbek is a distinguished expert in art and antiques and a well-known philanthropist in Kazakhstan.

He is renowned for his unique collections of antiques from Central Asian, Caucasian and Russian heritage.

Azat holds a special award ‘The Honorary Arts Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan’. In 2011, Akimbek was awarded the ‘Barys’ State Order in recognition of his outstanding contribution to promoting arts and cultures of Kazakhstan and Central Asia, together with his generous philanthropic contributions to art projects.

In the course of 46 years, Azat Akimbek has collected seven collections, including unique pieces of art of Kazakh, Turkmen, Tajik, Uyghur, Uzbek, Caucasian, Russian and Chinese origins (related to a very wide span of time). His most famous collections include 200 Oriental manuscripts of XII- XIX centuries, ethnographic costumes and rare jewellery from Central Asia and Caucasus (XVI – XX centuries), and his collection of vintage armoury that mentioned in the 2010 Kazakhstan Guinness Book of Records. In 1977 – 2016, Azat’s various collections were presented in 70 exhibitions in the CIS as well as in Turkey, Japan, France and Hungary.

Antiques Expert and Philanthropist

I met Azat Akimbek last summer in his Salon ‘Antiques’ situated in a bustling area of Almaty. Immaculately-dressed and courteous, he offered us tea in a beautiful Uyghur teapot. The two-hour conversation

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had flown in one moment. I felt blissfully lucky to hear a fascinating story of Azat-aka: a tragedy of being brutally de-rooted from his motherland in Xingjian (East Turkestan), finding a new life in Kazakhstan and reconnecting with his past and identity through his insatiable passion for art and history.

Akimbek was born in Kuldja of East-Turkestan Republic in West China. His origins can be traced back to the tragic history of the Uyghur dynasty of Khakim-Beks established in 1762 by his great grandfather, Khalzat-khan. Earl Akimbek is the only remaining successor of this ancient aristocratic dynasty. His grandfather, Earl Djakhangir Khakimbek-Khodja (1871-1957), was a hereditary ruler and a vice-president of the East Turkes-

Azat is very proud of his Uyghur collection. In 1977, the Kazakhstan State Museum of Arts named after A. Kasteyev hosted his first exhibition demonstrating the beauty and sophistication of the ancient Uyghur workmanship. In 2016, the Kasteyev Museum hosted exhibi-

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CA M

S ES

ART

ERNATION E INT AL IDG PR R B

2016

tion displaying over 1000 exhibits - the most complete and versatile private collection of Uyghur Applied and Decorative Art in the world. The show was a detailed depiction of a daily routine of an ancient Uyghur peasant displaying his tools, clothing, shoes, house and kitchenware, ornaments, outfits for special occasions and jewellery.

the Steins’ material is now shared between the British Library, British Museum, and the V&A Museum. Many artefacts, however, are kept in offsite location due to space shortage.

Earl Azat is keen to follow the footsteps of famous art collectors who donated precious collections to their nations - Sir Hans Sloane (his private collection beThis collection is an outstanding presentation of the came the founding collection of British Museum in Uyghurs’ craftsmanship in East Turkestan, the bustling London), the merchant Pavel Tretyakov (the founder trade hub in the old net of the Silk Road routes (par- of the Russian Art Gallery in Moscow), and The Rothticularly, Kashgar, Kuldja, Yarkend, Khotan and Turfan). schild Family (that donated their Waddesdon Bequest The region was the object of fascination for Europe- collection to British Museum). Azat Akimbek cherishes an explorers and scholars including Marco Polo. Both a hope of bequeathing his priceless private collection Russian and British Empires were competing for power to the nation of Kazakhstan and establishing a unique and influence over Central Asia. A number of expedi- Uyghur Museum. Undoubtedly, it would greatly contions led by British, Russian and German explorers was tribute to the preservation of a unique material culture sent to East Turkestan at the end of XIX- beginning of of the Uyghurs and further studies of diverse cultural XX century. First information about Kashgar appeared heritage of the Silk Road. in British publications in 1860-1870, leading to naming one of the streets in East London Kashgar Road.

By Rosa Vercoe The First Russian expedition to East Turkestan was led

by Sergey Oldenburg in 1909-1910. His materials are held in Hermitage (St Petersburg). Later, a number of Acknowledgments Russian diplomats and collectors contributed to this collection. British adventurer and expert on Central I would like to express my gratitude to Klara Isabayeva, Asia, Sir Aurel Stein (1862-1943) carried out four exthe Head of External Relations of the Kazakhstan State peditions to West China and Central Asia in the period Museum of Arts named after A. Kasteyev and curator of of 1900 - 1931. Some artefacts brought from his expeAkimbek’s exhibitions, for providing valuable information, ditions are held in India and Pakistan. The majority of advice and photographs of art works.

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Bringing together two works by the Tajik author, Gulsifat Shahidi, I am Looking Towards the East and Sentimental Journey or All in Good Time, this title takes an in-depth look at the historical relationship between Tajik and Russian literature and literary figures.Volume one draws an endearing portrait of the nineteenth-century translator-poet, Vasily Zhukovsky, whilst volume two concentrates on Russian-Tajik literary connections during the early years of the Soviet Union. Through her painstaking analysis of texts, archival documents and personal interviews, Shahidi masterfully bringing the characters and events of both periods to life. Her works are both academic thesis and a lovingly drawn living history.

The recipient of awards for her work in promoting peace and conflict resolution, Shahidi’s novel, The City Where Dreams Come True won first prize at the Open Eurasia International Literary Festival in 2015. The prolific author of forty-four titles in Russian and Tajik, this collection represents Gulsifat Shahidi’s third book to be translated into English.

ISBN: 978-1-910886-66-3 RRP: £19.95 AVAILABLE ON AMAZON WWW.OCAMAGAZINE.COM

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SOCIETY

Bonding for change and functionality:

water users of Turkmenistan

How much would you charge a neighbour for access to water? How many volunteers can you gather to clean up a dam? Who will get access to the biggest water well in the middle of the desert?

These are the questions on the daily agenda of the farmers, land lease holders, and cattle breeders of the three pilot areas of the UNDP/Adaptation Fund project “Addressing Climate Change Risks to Farming Systems in Turkmenistan at National and Community Level” in Nohur, Sakarchage and Karakum.

Sixty members of the “Garawul” Water Users Group (WUG) (36 women and 24 men) worked during 7 days on the fixing of several kilometers of drip irrigation systems in Nohur pilot area. The local residents covered the cost of the work of 12, 600 Manats (USD 3, 600).

The Adaption Fund Project supplied construction materials and helped in building a demonstration greenhouse in Bokurdak. In 2015, local farmers produced around 1000 kg of cucumbers in the sandy soil conditions.

In the country where about 50% of the population are employed in agriculture and cattle breeding, the issues of sustainable land use practices are primary, but not the only one. Availability and accessibility of water is the issue that makes some give up on farming or cattle and move with other available employment options.

The livelihood of farmers in Turkmenistan consists of cotton and wheat growing, which means that the water is needed in certain amounts and in certain season.

Availability of water depends on the time of the year and the weather conditions. The dryer the year, the less rainfall, the less water is accumulated for irrigation.

“When you plant cotton seeds, the first irrigation comes immediately after 60 days. If you wait more cotton seeds will dry out. The second watering comes 25 days after the first one. And this is a must because otherwise all your cotton will dry out and die. If the year is rainy and we are planting cotton, the seeds will rot in

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43

VIEW water dripping irrigation system for the new farming fields, but we cannot cover the cost of constructing a new borehole,” explains Kurban, local project coordinator in Nohur.

Empowering local communities to act as a legal entity to create new opportunities in diversifying sources of funding for construction of the water wells and others, is one of the main goals of the proposed amendments to the Water Code.The amendments foresee legalizing water users groups and providing them with an opportunity to have a bank account and be able to raise funds for the new projects.

the land, because too much watering is not good either.

Therefore, my income really depends on how much water we get and if the year is dry or wet,” explains land lease holder, Tuvak.

The water for Mary region comes from the Karakum River, which takes its origin from the Amudarya River where the water intake is facilitated by pumps. When the Karakum River reaches Mary, the water is distributed through the channel system to the agricultural areas of the region, such as Sakarchaga. The distribution of the water for irrigation in Mary is organized by the schedule provided by the local state regulatory body.

Currently, the issues of the water use for irrigation in Turkmenistan are regulated by the Water Code adopted in 2004 but highly depend on community bond, because the current Water Code does not regulate equal distribution of water, nor it legalizes the informal relations among water users. Thus, in a highly competitive farming regions like Sakarchaga social cohesion cannot replace the required legal base for water regulation in the area. As a result, those whose fields are located in the close proximity to the water sources benefit more from it and do not consider the need for equal distribution with the fields located in remote areas.

Observing the challenges and the needs of the local beneficiaries, UNDP/AF experts developed a list of recommendations for amendment of the Water Code, which is now under consideration of the Parliament of Turkmenistan. Continuous work on climate change risks management and introduction of the sustainable

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land use practices resulted in identifying the key challenges in water distribution and use in the three pilot regions of Nohur, Karakum and Sakarchage. Addressing the current situation with availability of water, social organization of the local communities and the purpose of water use (farming, cattle breeding), the new Water Code will provide functionality to the existing intra-communal relations that already help regulate the use of water.

The example of a strong social cohesion is the Nohur pilot area of UNDP/AF project. Local residents live remotely from the city and other towns around. Historically, residents of Nohur preserved social bond which is manifested in the way the community distributes the common pool resources and the benefits from the income sources. Residents appoint miraps who manage water distribution from springs and dams. Mirap should be an honest and fair person, who knows people well.

“We have no issues with drinking water. However, water for irrigation is hard to provide as it depends on how much rain and snow we get, which means we need to accumulate water. The water is accumulated in the dams (snow and rain fall), from springs and boreholes.

In 2008, within UNDP’s SLM project, we have built 5 boreholes, each costs USD 25000. One borehole covers 20 ha (0.2 sq km) of land. Our community is organized in a way that we get together to discuss where we need to put a new dam or a borehole, and how to distribute the water and the harvest from the irrigated fields. We have shared the cost of constructing new

Karakum area community traditionally consists of cattle breeders/shepherds who use the desert pastures.

Not surprisingly, water accessibility is also a pressing issue in the desert. One million hectares (10 000 sq km) is the territory of the Karakum farmers union.

Based on the distribution and the number of cattle, the territory is divided into two farms. Those farms assign grazing areas and water wells after cattle breeders.The water wells are different in their size and the volume of water. Who gets what well is fairly decided depending on the number of cattle a shepherd has. One well is assigned to one shepherd.

“We are all cattle breeders and spend a lot of time in the desert. Sometimes, there are situations when breeders need to help each other and share the well, but that cannot last for too long, because water is so scarce. Therefore, we are all willing to contribute to make sure that everyone has water and that our animals are safe every year no matter how weather conditions change,” concludes Kakabay.

At the moment, the water wells in Karakum region are maintained by the cattle breeders for their own resources, which are quite limited both in capital and human resources. UNDP/AF project has reconstructed 15 and constructed 13 new wells, but that is only about 10% of the total approximately 150 wells on the territory of 1 mln ha (10 000 sq km). Upon legalization of the water users group, cattle breeders will be able to contribute resources to the joint fund and conduct maintenance of the water wells.

By Nazik Avlyakulova

The dream of the main character nevertheless has come true. That’s wonderful!

What it is possible to dream in such time of.

In the story the subject of the military childhood is touched. The main character by the name of Faya waits the father from war whom practically doesn’t remember, only the fact that he is big and kind. Describing the different situations which have occurred with Faya, the author wants to show how she has grown up in a year, has grown up not so physically, rather spiritually. Despite hard times the girl is very sociable, cheerful and inquisitive. Faya believes in good and remains happy!

ISBN: 978-1910886656 RRP: £9.50

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.CO.UK

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ART OCA: Tell us a little about yourself. How did you become a jeweller?

My name is Gulsara Davis. I am from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and now live and work in London. I am a linguist.

After graduating I became an English teacher in the Foreign Language Department at the Kyrgyzstan State University. I originally came to London as part of my work but eventually settled here. I have always been interested in art and design. I studied in Leningrad during the Soviet era and had the opportunity to spend so much time in all of the museums and galleries - especially the Hermitage looking at jewellery and gemstones. My mother too was interested in jewellery and had a great friendship with a Bishkek jeweller who would make pieces for her to her own designs.

OCA:Tell us about your first job, what was that?

And for whom did you make it for?

My first pieces were made for me and my family. The first piece that I made to sell commercially was a pearl necklace which I made to order for a Russian friend’s daughter’s birthday.

OCA: Making jewellery is your main occupation or hobby?

It was always a hobby and I think I will always make jewellery just for the pleasure, but it’s also been very nice to have it as a business now!

A Sparkling Success

“I love pearls for their colour and lustre and they are very tactile”

OCA: What materials do you use to make jewellery?

Mostly pearls, although I also work with a large range of semi precious stones. I love pearls for their colour and lustre and they are very tactile.

OCA: Where do you get inspiration for your work?

In an interview with OCA magazine, jeweller Gulsara Davis, a linguist by education, but according to her nature a creative personality, tells of her life in London, to where she moved from Bishkek a couple of years ago and how she is fascinated by the creation of pearl jewellery.

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Well I love living in London and just strolling around places like Bond Street and Burlington Arcade. Looking

at all the great design work on show enthuses me, and there is such great energy amongst the people living and working here. It reminds me a little of my student days when I could visit museums and galleries. Some years ago the Natural History Museum staged an exhibition of diamonds including the Kohiinur, the Mulligan, and the black Orlov. I don’t suppose I’ll ever get to make jewellery with gems like those, but they fired up my imagination and made me think that I could turn my hobby into a business. I’ve had opportunities to view lots at the Auction Houses - Sotheby’s, Christies and McDouglas, which again is very interesting to see some of the historic designs. I particularly like looking at Russian work and developing designs that pay tribute to the Russian history and skills.

OCA: Which jewellery is most in demand today? Who most often buys your work?

The most popular pieces of my work with my regular customers is pearls - necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and brooches are all very much in demand. I try to make everything as a one off and something that reflects the personality of the wearer, so mostly I sell to people I know either for themselves or for them to give as presents.

OCA: Have you exhibited your work somewhere?

I have shown my work at a number of places in London and Hastings as well as Bishkek.

OCA: How do people perceive your creativity?

Well I hope they like it!

OCA: Do you plan to further develop in jewellery business? What are your plans?

Right now my work in jewellery is part time and fitted around lots of other interests and volunteer work that I have. I would like to do more though and am currently researching the possibility of opening a small shop or else developing online sales.

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OEBF 2017 Few people know that Alfred Nobel himself insisted that the award be given to outstanding scientists, writers and public figures, regardless of their country of origin. This fact prompted the organisers to hold the VI OEBF-2017 Festival in Stockholm. Moreover, the idea of the opening ceremony of the festival and awarding the winners of the open literature competition Open Eurasia was to be held in the Nobel Museum.

All agreements with the Nobel Museum were reached.

However, 10 days before the opening of the festival, on the basis of ideological and cultural disagreements, regrettably, the Nobel Museum abandoned its earlier commitments. The museum management did not stop there, having learned that the festival was supported by the Writers ‘Union of Sweden, where it was planned to hold a part of the OEBF events, they did everything possible so that the Writers’ Union would refuse to provide its halls on the eve of the festival.

VI Open Eurasian Literature Festival & Book Forum Held in the Homeland of Alfred Nobel The Sixth Open Eurasian book forum and literature festival became the most anticipated event of 2017 for representatives of the Eurasian region. The venue of the festival was chosen as Sweden - a country that is famous for its sights and its own extraordinary culture and traditions. Sweden is home to many famous writers such as Astrid Lindgren, Selma Lagerlöf - the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, Mai Shevall and other gifted authors.

Organisers of the Open Eurasia Literature Festival & Book Forum timed the festival with the 100th anniversary of the outstanding Uzbek diplomat and writer, the author of the legendary story “Kashmir song”, Sharaf Rashidov. This decision was made with the aim of popularising Uzbek literature around the world.Within the framework of the festival a presentation of the story “Kashmir song” by Sharaf Rashidov was reprinted in London in 2017 in English.

In 2017, the whole world celebrated the 100th anniversary of the October Revolution and the 100th anniversary of such outstanding people as John Kennedy, Indira Gandhi and Sharaf Rashidov. The destinies, of these bright personalities that have changed our world, miraculously interwoven with each other. 2017 was a year of rethinking the historical events of the 20th century.

Sweden was not accidentally chosen to host the 6th OEBF festival. The Scandinavian state is famous not only for its culture, it is also the birthplace of Alfred Nobel. Nobel is known to the general public as a chemist, inventor and founder of the most prestigious award in the world - the Nobel Prize.

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The organisers of the event, who were the Eurasian Creative Guild (London) and the British publishing house Hertfordshire Press, are sure that in the future, thanks to such events as the Open Eurasian Literature Festival, it will be possible to convince the Swedish Conservatives that the literary world of Eurasia does not carry a political ideology any longer, but is an expression of the cultural and literary heritage of eurasian nations.

Despite the difficulties that the organisers had to face on the eve of the festival thanks to the support of like-minded people, the Open Eurasian Literature Festival & Book Forum was successfully held in Stockholm nonetheless. On one platform representatives of creative intelligentsia from 20 countries of the world received a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the creativity of the peoples of Eurasia.

OEBF-2017 was visited by over 100 guests from Russia, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Great Britain, Belarus, the Netherlands, Norway, Uzbekistan, France, Pakistan, Ukraine, Sweden, Bulgaria,Turkmenistan, Scotland and other countries. The event was attended by representatives of the Belarusian embassies in Sweden Alexey Poplavsky, first secretary of the Russian Embassy in Sweden Lyudmila Klimenkova, second secretary-consul of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Sweden Makhambet Ensegenov and others.

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OEBF 2017 The festival was held on the ABF Stockholm site in the central part of Stockholm from November 17 to 20.

During the 4 days of OEBF-2017, 14 events took place, most of which were open for free.

The main events of the festival were held in the cultural centre of ABF Stockholm in the halls of Elsa Beskov and Olof Palme.The grand opening ceremony of the 6th International Literary Festival took place on November 17 in the Palme hall. At the opening of the festival, an evening of “Uyghur culture” was held. At the evening, the names of the winners of the Open Eurasia-2017 contest were announced, which were 20 contestants from 8 countries.

The evening was accompanied by the performance of Central Asian musicians Rahima Mahmut, Gulzhahon Mugam and Alimzhon Baizov. Guests and participants of the festival were welcomed by the Chairman of the Eurasian Creative Guild, David Parry, publisher of the Hertfordshire Press Mark (Marat) Akhmedjanov.

During all the days of the festival, exhibitions of the artist’s works from Kazakhstan Dauren Kasteev were organised, guests could get acquainted with works in the style of beech art from the Russian master Emil Guzairov and accessories of the brand “LkM” from the Kazakhstan ethno-designer Svetlana Yudina. The works of Svetlana Yudina were awarded with the diploma “Best ethnographic accessories collection of the year”.

The festival creates a platform on which creative people can express themselves on the international level, share their ideas, and also hear the opinions of readers and experts about their work. Thus, at the OEBF-2017 festival, modern writers and scholars of the countries of the Eurasian region made presentations: Gulsifat Shahidi (Tajikistan) made a presentation of a collection of short stories, in the framework of which Laura Hamilton, David Parry and Stephen Bland spoke.

Aigul Ryskulbekova (Kyrgyzstan) made an author’s speech on children’s books in Kyrgyzstan, behind the scenes.

A presentation on the current topic “Revelation, rationality, knowledge and truth” was an outstanding masterpiece of the 20th century from the encyclopaedist with historical roots from Central Asia Nurym Taibek (Kazakhstan). Bakhtygul Makhanbetova, Naziken Alpamyskyzy, Saule Doszhan, Nazipa Shanai, Kenes Duy-

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sen spoke at the Kazakh literature evening dedicated to the 120th anniversary of Mukhtar Auezov. A presentation of the complete collection by the ECG Book Series, which was published in 2017, which included 18 books by authors from 7 countries of the world published by the Hertfordshire Press was also made.

Within the framework of the Open Eurasian Literature Festival & Book Forum, the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the members of the Eurasian Creative Guild was held, whereby Laura Hamilton was elected as the new chairman of the Guild and the new members of the Guild Advisory Board was approved: David Parry, Anna Lari, Paul Wilson , Solvi Fanar, Oksana Zhukova, Shahzoda Nazarova, Nick Rowan, Svetlana Yudina, Marat Akhmedjanov, Raim Farhadi, Ksenia Gold, Elena Bosler-Guseva, David Pearce, Megan Werner, Natalia Kharlampieva.

A round table was also organized on the topic “Possibilities of translation and publication in Great Britain”, conducted by Mark (Marat) Ahmedjanov (Great Britain), Bakhtygul Makhambetova (Kazakhstan), Laura Hamilton (Scotland-Great Britain) and David Parry (Wales).

On November 19, in the presentations of the winners of 2016: Shakhzoda Nazarova, Evdokia Irintseeva (Ogdo) and Maral Hydyrova (winner of the “Best Literary Work” in 2016), the names of the winners of: the “Best Female Author-2017” award named after Mariya Zakiryanova awarded to Anna Komar (Belarus ) and awar named after Maria Shevel “The best work dedicated to children’s topics” was awarded to Kamran Alioglu Salayev (Azerbaijan).

By tradition, the publishing house Hertfordshire Press announced its nominations. The best book of the year was the book “Everything up to Me” by a young writer from South Africa Megan Werner. A writer from Bashkortostan Marcel Salimov was awarded a prize in the nomination “Breakthrough of the Year”. Kazakhstan’s writer Yermek Amanshaev became the author of the year.The award “For Contribution to the Development and Promotion of Eurasian Literature” was awarded to the Uzbek diplomat and writer Sharaf Rashidov.

Also, the publishing house announced an additional prize “For Personal Contribution to the Association of the Peoples of Eurasia through Literature”, which was

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OEBF 2017 awarded to the Tajik writer Gulsifat Shahidi. A solemn presentation of the “Dove of Peace” medal and letters from the international association “Generals of Peace for Peace” was held.

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The medal was awarded to the Kazakhstani writer 26.

Adam Kapanov (Kazakhstan). A diploma from the In- 27. ternational Association of Generals was awarded to: 28.

Raim Farhadi (Uzbekistan), Naziken Alpamyskyzy (Ka- 29. zakhstan), Anastasia Kuzmicheva (Belarus) and Temir- 30. bek Dzholdobaev (Kyrgyzstan).

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At the end of the festival, excursions were organised 33. for the guests to visit the National Library of Stock- 34. holm and the International Library of Sweden, where 35. the authors donated their books as a sign of friendship 36. between peoples and cultural exchange.

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The culmination of the last day of the festival was the 39. solemn closing ceremony of OEBF-2017, which was 40. held on November 20 at the restaurant Farsta Går 41.

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Note that the Festival OEBF-2017 was held with the 44. participation and support of the Eurasian Creative 45.

Guild (London), the British publishing house Hertford- 46. shire Press, ABF Stockholm, Uyghur World Congress 47. and the international association “Generals of Peace 48. for Peace”. Participants included: 49.

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Kairat Zakiryanov (Kazakhstan)* 51.

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Asel Artykova (Kazakhstan) 52.

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Mars Artykov (Kazakhstan) 53.

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David Parry (United Kingdom) 54.

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Sultan Raev (Kyrgyzstan) 55.

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Temirbek Dzholdobaev (Kyrgyzstan) 56.

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Laura Hamilton (United Kingdom) 57.

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Gulsifat Shahidi (Tajikistan) 58.

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Vera Kulakova-Brannerud (Sweden) 59.

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Oroy Mahtumova (Tajikistan) 60.

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Umed Azimov (Tajikistan) 61.

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Umar Rakhimov (Tajikistan) 62.

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Nisor Aburazakov (Sweden) 63.

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Antonina Shuster (Kazakhstan) 64.

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Liliya Alimjanova (Sweden) 65.

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Alita Senavska (Latvia) 66.

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Raza Syed (United Kingdom) 67.

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Ermek Amanshaev (Kazakhstan) * 68.

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Aigul Ryskulbekova (Kyrgyzstan) 69.

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Bahtygul Makhambetova (Kazakhstan) 70.

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Kenes Dusen (Kazakhstan) Nazym Saparova (Kazakhstan) Saule Doszhan (Kazakhstan) Nazipa Shanai (Kazakhstan) Tynymbai Nurmaganbetov (Kazakhstan)* Stephen M Bland (United Kingdom) Olga Fiedorczuk (Poland) Natalia Chernysheva (Russia) Shahzoda Nazarova (Holland-Uzbekistan) Azita Ghahramani (Sweden) Nurym Taibek (United Kingdom) Khalid Javed (Sweden) Kashif Virk (Sweden) Basharat Ahmad (Pakistan) Tahir Hayat (Sweden) Agha Yahya Khan (Sweden) Dr Muhammad Jalsl Shams (Turkey) Delyan Balev (Bulgaria) Lenar Shayeh (Russia) Oxana Safronova (Russia) Yuliya Sibirtseva (Russia) Marsel Salimov (Russia) Denys Kuvaev (Russia)* Anastasia Kuzmicheva (Belarus) Sergey Molohovsky (Belarus) Varvara Huliayeva (Belarus) Zoya Zaharova (Israel) Dauren Kasteev (Kazakhstan) Gaukhar Balmahaeva (Kazakhstan) Marina Mikhailovskaya (Kazakhstan) Peter Berman (Kazakhstan)* Dilyara Lindsay (Kazakhstan) Adam Kapanov (Kazakhstan) Anuar Kapanov (Kazakhstan) Medetbek Temirkhan (Kazakhstan) * Naziken Alpamyskyzy (Kazakhstan) Gulzada Neitkalieva (Kazakhstan) * Jeinbay Kuanish (Kazakhstan) * Serik Karakulov (Kazakhstan) * Anna Zenkova (Belarus) Evdokiya Irentseeva - Ogdo (Russia) Aleksandr Irentseev (Russia) Nadejda Moskvitina (Russia) Aleksandr Irentseev (Russia) Rahima Mahmut (United Kingdom) Erdem Ozdemir (Turkey) Mukhtar Abdukarim (Sweden) Ak Welsapar (Sweden -Turkmenistan) Torgny Hinnemo (Sweden) Jens Westlund (Sweden)

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Åke Petersson (Sweden) Eremei Chiriaev (Russia) Svetlana Chiriaeva (Russia) Yuliana Koshkina (Russia) Julia Dobrovolskaya (Russia) Aleh Yaravenka (Belarus) Aleksandra Kosyachnaya (Kazakhstan) Artur Wirch (Kazakhstan) Marat Akhmedjanov (United Kingdom-Uzbekistan) Anna Lari (Russia) Timur Akhmedjanov (United Kingdom) Urunboy Usmonov (Tajikistan) Kudrat Babajanov (Sweden-Uzbekistan) Alimjan Baizov (Sweden-Uzbekistan) Mahbuba Hurramova (Uzbekistan) Tatiana Bestvitskaia (Ukraine) Gulyajahon Hurramova (Uzbekistan) Habira Majieva (Sweden) Sirojidin Kopiev (Sweden) Ludmila Klimenkova (Russia) Alexey Poplavskiy (Belarus) Mukhanbet Esegenov (Kazakhstan) Nuraim Amanova (Sweden) Regina (Sweden-Kazakhstan) Svetlana Yudina (Kazakhstan)* Raim Farkhadi (Uzbekistan)* Emil Goozairow (Russia-Kyrgyzstan) Dushon Sultankulov (Kyrgyzstan) Bryan Loke (Singapore - Sweden) Felicia Aldringuests (Sweden) Larissa Godlewski (Sweden) Alexander Blinkovski (Sweden) Elisabet Risberg (Sweden) Irina Persson (Sweden) Ewa Andersson (Sweden) Anna Kotova (Kyrgyzstan) Maral Hydyrova (Turkmenistan)* Marsel Salimov (Russia-Bashkortostan) Marina Ivanina (Norway) Donata Marzionolit (Lithuania) Irina Dergacheva (Sweden-Russia) Tatiana De Viers (Russia) Dolkun Isa (Germany)* Madina Demirbash (Turkey) Tilek Maratov (Sweden) Aigerim Maratova (Sweden) Anna Komar (Belarus) Murat Ualee (Kazakhstan) * Sarhang Said (Sweden) * by representative or online

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OEBF 2017 The organisers of the competition, inspired by this statement of Genis, decided to publish the books of all 4 prize-winners in the category “Small Prose” as the main prize of the contest “Open Eurasia-2017” The winners were as follows:

CATEGORY “LITERARY WORK“: NOMINATION OF “PROSE”

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1ST PLACE: SULTAN RAEV (KYRGYZSTAN) the novel “The Flood”, laureate of the award named after Henryk Sienkiewicz

Open Eurasia contest Winners

3RD PLACE: VERDI YOSSI (RUSSIA) drama “The Last Victim of the War”

NOMINATION OF “SMALL PROSE”

1ST PLACE: JACQUELINE DE GE (USA) story “Chicken fried”

2ND PLACE: ROMAN KAZIMIRSKY (MONTENEGRO) historical adventure, thriller - “Illusion of Mistake”

2ND PLACE: LENAR SHAEH (RUSSIA) “... My heart is burning with fire ...”

3RD PLACE: SAULE DOSZHAN (KAZAKHSTAN) the story “Өge zherek”

3RD PLACE: ISAZHON SULTON (UZBEKISTAN) the story “Kazrati Khizr Izidan”

The 6th Eurasian Literature Festival & Book Forum was held from the 17th to the 20th of November 2017. As the world’s leading literature festival for promoting Eurasian literature on the international level, one of the primary parts of the weekend-long event is the chance for authors to win an opportunity to have their book published. In 2017 the cash prize reached 27,000 and attracted more than 1,100 authors from 37 countries.

One of the bright features of modernity is the polyphony of literature, the lack of a single style, a single leader.

“One can not regard the modern literary process as one-line, one-level,” says the well-known critic A. Genis.

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OEBF 2017

CATEGORY “TRANSLATION” The first place in the category “VIDEO FILM” of the jury of the open competition Open Eurasia in 2017 did not award to one of the contestants.

3RD PLACE: MUHAMED-ALI SULAYMANOV (REPUBLIC OF CRIMEA) «A Drug Addict’s Confession»

1ST PLACE: MICHAEL MAKIN (USA) «Kleimo siyatel’noi ptitsy»

NOMINATION OF “POETRY”

1ST PLACE: NADEZHDA KUZMENKO (UKRAINE) The poem “Sorry, Man”

2ND PLACE: DAUREN KASTEEV (KAZAKHSTAN) illustration to the «Under the sign of the wolf» (Kairat Zakiryanov) 2ND PLACE: VYACHESLAV LESKOVSKY (BELARUS) poems by Tamara Lisitskaya from the collection “The Goddess, or Lamentations of the Housewives”

2ND PLACE: ALLA FISHBEIN (RUSSIA) the poem “Kozhny chatsvorty” from the book of poetry “Fear of Vyshyni”

3RD PLACE: MARIA EROKHINA (FRANCE) illustration to the “A Tale of a Girl on the Road to Belovodia”

3RD PLACE: YULIYA SAGADATOVA (RUSSIA) film to the story “Steppe”

CATEGORY “ILLUSTRATION”:

2ND PLACE: ELENA KORNEEVA (RUSSIA) collection of poems

3RD PLACE: GALYM ZHAILYBAY (KAZAKHSTAN) the poem “Kara Oramal”

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3RD PLACE: EKATERINA KRAVCHUK (BELARUS) miniatures and short stories “LIFE”

1ST PLACE: EN POLI (RUSSIA) illustration to the mythical detective “Chimera of the Goat Island”. Winner of the award “Live Line” established by Adam Kapanov (Kazakhstan) 3RD PLACE: FERUZA ESHMIRZAYEVA (UZBEKISTAN) “One day of the big year or when the pope returned”

ECG EVENTS THE HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS AWARDS Each year Hertfordshire Press nominates a selection of their published authors and their books for an award.

The winners for this year were as follows:

THE GENERALS FOR PEACE AWARD THE MARZIA ZAKIRYANOVA AWARD

THE MARIA SHEVEL AWARD

On August 1st 1991, Marzia Zakiryanova’s life had been split in two through a single twist of fate which left this mother of two small children disabled. Narrating her tale of self-conquest, the author speaks about how she managed to hold her family together and win the respect and recognition of people around her. By the time Marzia’s book went to print she had already passed away, but not before making the final correction to her script. We bid farewell to this powerful and remarkably creative woman.

The Maria Shevel Prize was established for the second time this year. The prize is awarded to contestants in the Literature Category for works focused on children’s topic and written in any language or genre.

The Marzia Zakiryanova Prize of $5,000 for the best female work was won by, Anna Komar from Belarus for her poem, «Fear of Vyshny». The prize was presented by Marzia’s daughter, Asel Artykova, along with writer and journalist Shahzoda Nazarova.

Anna Komar is a young, talented poetess. Anna began to write early enough, but according to her design, it was the immature poetry of a teenager. At the age of 25 the poet began a period of searching for himself, which resulted in a collection of poems in the Belarusian language. The main theme of the poems of Anna Komar is the Motherland.

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Maria Shevel is a Ukrainian architect (b. May 1st 1943).

After graduation she departed for Central Asia to participant in the construction of the Toktogul hydroelectric power plant in Kyrgyzstan. Afterwards, in 1965, she began working under the direction of Sharaf Rashidov’s personal administration team in the development of the Hungry Steppe and the architectural layout of Dzhizak city in Uzbekistan. She received numerous state awards for her work, such as the Hero of Social Labour, Retired Worker and the Motherhood medal.

This year the Maria Shevel Prize of $1,000 was awarded to Azerbaijan writer, Kamran Alioglu Salayev, for him work,”Ilish and wicker stories”. The prize was awarded to Kamran Alioglu Salayev by the Yakut writer Evdokiia Irintseeva (Ogdo).

The Generals Award from the Association of Generals “Generals of the World for Peace” and the Association’s highest award of the “Dove of Peace” medal, was awarded to the Kazakh writer Adam Kapanov, for the best work on the topic of strengthening peace, friendship and mutual understanding between people.

The International Association “Generals of the World for Peace” is based on membership by voluntary association, at the initiative of citizens, united by common interests to pursue common goals focused on strengthening of peace and friendship between peoples. The Generals from Russia, Armenia, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are in our Association. The Generals from over 50 countries gave their approval to establish the association and to join it.

Awards of the International Association “Generals of the World for Peace” Publick Union (hereinafter “awards”) is a form of incentive for a significant contribution for consolidation of peace, friendship and mutual understanding between nations, for active charitable activity and other services in front of the world and the International Association “Generals of the World for Peace”.

Everyone can merit an award irrespective of citizenship, race and religion.

● “It is Up to You” a young writer from South Africa Megan Werner awarded the “Best Book of the Year”. ● The writer from Bashkortostan, Marsel Salimov, was awarded a prize in the nomination “Breakthrough of the Year”. ● “The author of the year” was the Kazakh writer Yermek Amanshayev. ● The award “For Contribution to the Development and Promotion of Eurasian Literature” was awarded to Uzbek writer Sharaf Rashidov. ● The award “For Personal Contribution to the Association of the Peoples of Eurasia through Literature” was awarded to the Tajik writer Gulsifat Shahidi.

THE LIFE LINE AWARD

BY ADAM KAPANOV The Adam Kapanov Prize was established for the first time this year. The prize is awarded to contestants in the Illustration category.

Adam Kapanov was a Candidate of Biological Sciences (1988), member of the Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan (2006), author of four documentaries, ballet librettos and more than 500 journal and newspaper publications. In addition to this he was a popular author of famous periodicals, and the editor-in-chief of the first Kazakhstan illustrated magazine for men, “Season of DM” (2002-2010). His other accomplishments as a photographer, publicist and traveller also saw him visit the summit of Kilimanjaro, Everest base camp, sailing in amateur regattas, and participating in a 4x4 expedition through the Karakorum. Lastly, he is the orchestrator of a number of charitable projects and the founder of a private fund supporting arts and culture called, Sunny Wind. In 2010 he wrote a libretto for the ballet performance, Air Nomad, which included an original score from the composer, Aktoty Raimkulov.

This year the Adam Kapanov Prize was awarded to Russian illustrator, En Polly, for her work, Chimera of the Goat Island.

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Based in Scotland, I have been associated with the Eurasian Creative Guild since its inception in 2015 and from 2013, have had the privilege of editing over 18 books and becoming acquainted with emerging and leading Central Asian authors for Hertfordshire Press.

ESTABLISHED 2015

After attaining my MA hons degree in Art History from the University of St Andrews, I became a professional curator of Fine and Decorative Art and was Director of the Collins Gallery at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow from 1989 until its closure in 2012. During this period, I researched and originated some 300 exhibitions and published over 100 catalogues of work by artists from throughout the world. I was the first curator in the UK to organise a major exhibition of contemporary textile art from Mongolia; a project which led to a collaboration with Dr Stephanie Bunn at the University of St Andrews, and a research trip to Kyrgyzstan culminating in a comprehensive exhibition of contemporary Kyrgyz textile art. The first of its kind in the UK, the exhibition represented over 60 artists, ranging from top fashion designers to makers involved in the revival of traditional crafts as a means of sustaining the local economy of rural areas. Public response to the exhibition and related educational events run by visiting Kyrgyz artists, was overwhelming and testified both the outstanding calibre of the work and the enormous interest in this hitherto unknown country and her people.

The project which received stellar support from Edinburgh-based, Kyrgyz author Shahsanem Murray and Marat Akhmedjanov, opened up exciting opportunities for me to become involved in activities organised by Scotland’s Central Asian community, Orzu Arts, Hertfordshire Press and Silk Road Media, as well as the annual Open Eurasia Literature Festival and Book Forum.

Over the ensuing years, firm friendships have evolved and with an ever-growing respect and passion for the arts of Central Asia, whether literary, performance or visual, I am determined that work from this region receives the international recognition it deserves.

The process is already well underway and great progress is being made with each festival attracting an increased representation of authors and artists as well as submissions of new written work, thanks to the continuous commitment and hard work of all parties concerned and especially, retiring Chairman David Parry who will be a hard act to follow!

There is still much to be done, of course and patience will be required along the way, but encouraging changes are afoot in the publishing world in an attempt to curb the dominance of ‘populist’, and largely Western, literature. Random House for example, is already expanding its remit to represent more authors from non-academic backgrounds and more significantly, in translation in a quest to broaden the range of literature which appears on the shelves of the high street bookshops.

So, the time is ripe for the wider exposure and celebration of the work of the Eurasian Creative Guild and it will be an honour to participate in the expansion and consolidation of our remit through further dialogue and projects throughout Central Asia, Europe and further afield.

Eurasian Creative Guild An Introduction to the new Chair: Laura Hamilton

ADVISORY & EXECUTIVE BOARD

MARK (MARAT) AKHMEDJANOV VICE CHAIRMAN OF ECG

The Eurasian Creative Guild (London) - is a new meeting place for creative talents. As an actual and virtual association, it generates a framework within which creative people from across the board can gather together and discuss their work. Indeed, the Guild has already enlisted dozens of significant cultural figures from across the globe due to its proactive support for writers, musicians, illustrators, graphic designers, sculptors and poets along with anyone else who considers themselves to be creative and seeks promotion of their works around the world for mutually beneficial cooperation. We received over 400 applications to join Guild from 30 countries and keep growing.

The Eurasian Creative Guild was founded in November 2015 as a public non-profit initiative that has taken up the mission to create a common information space and unite creative people of Eurasian region. The founders of Guild are such international companies as Hertfordshire Press, Cambridge International Press and Silk Road Media Group.

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First chairman of Eurasian Creative Guild was is a famous British author, poet, dramaturge and winner of numerous awards David William Parry.

ANNA LARI OECBF DIRECTOR

DAVID PARRY DRAMATURGE AND WRITER

SOLVI FANNAR ACTOR, WRITER, MUSICIAN, MODEL

NICK ROWAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ОСА MAGAZINE

PAUL WILSON SCIENCE FICTION WRITER

KSENIA GOLD WRITER AND ACTRESS

SHAHZODA NAZAROVA POET AND JOURNALIST

MEGAN WERNER WRITER AND MODEL

OKSANA JUKOVA (JOURNALIST

SVETLANA YUDINA WRITER AND ETHNO-DESIGNER

DAVID PEARCE (EDITOR

NATALIA HARLAMPIEVA WRITER AND TRANSLATOR

ELENA BOSLER-GUSEVA CORRECTOR AND TRANSLATOR

RAIM FARKHADI WRITER AND POET

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CURRENT ECG PROJECTS: OCA MAGAZINE - a quarterly not-for-profit magazine, published in Great Britain since 2009, which connects and highlights the links between Europe and the Eurasian region. It promotes the cultures, politics, events and communities of both regions and opens a discussion and exchange of ideas between them to promote both business co-operation and tourist and cultural relations. The magazine is for everyone interested in the region and also for natives from Central Eurasia who currently live in Europe. It is thought-provoking for both international and Eurasian business communities and features a series of interviews with important figures from the world of politics and culture. The hard copy of the magazine is currently distributed mainly in 8 countries (UK, Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan) among over 1000 business companies and has over 2000 paid international subscribers. The magazine is also available at selected Universities, Embassies, Air companies and other organizations related to Central Eurasia in Russia, Central Asian countries, UK and USA.In December, 2017, the will be the first number OCA USA magazine.

OPEN EURASIA LITERATURE FESTIVAL & BOOK FORUM - an annual international contest, festival and forum, which unites poets, writers, artists, directors along with anyone else, who considers themselves to be creative from the Eurasia region and all over the world. The overall purpose of the contest “Open Eurasia Literature Festival & Book Forum” is to draw the attention of readers, as well as specialists, to the achievements of Eurasian creative people. It also connects creative minds with representatives of publishing houses, new audiences, libraries, educational institutions and the media, has been warmly welcomed. Today the contest includes more than 1200 participants from 40 countries.

A COMMON INFORMATIONAL SPACE “Open Eurasian Literature Festival & Book Forum” have had more than 1,300,000 annual site

visits and 4,500 contestants

THE ANNUAL COLLECTION OF THE “100 OUTSTANDING PEOPLE OF EURASIA” is a project, together with the publishing house Cambridge International Press. The publication seeks to enlighten, promote and recognize the region’s great people and their invaluable work. Chosen by an advisory panel from outside Eurasia, assembled for their breadth and depth of Eurasia experiences and knowledge, ”The 100 Outstanding People of Eurasia” will provide the first peer-assessed evaluation of the contribution of these great men and women, both historical and current.

DACORUM EURASIAN FILM FESTIVAL (DEFF). The new millennium promptly throws down new challenges. The world is compelled to unite against an economic crisis, terrorism and climate change. There are different ways of stabilization of these circumstances. As the great Russian writer F M Dostoevski has told “Beauty will save the world” each person has the aspiration to beauty, regardless of nationalities . Why don’t we unite mankind in search of fine and beauty? For realization of this purpose it is offered to create a film festival where cinematographers of Europe and Asia will search the peaceful and beautiful solution of universal problems gathering annually in Dacorum, UK. Currently a film industry is powerful weapon! First festival will be held August 2018.

from 40 countries. About 40 events are held each year within the framework of festivals held in London and Eurasian region.

“OCA magazine”: 4 issues annually. The audience of the printed and online version is

50.000 readers all over the world

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The new millennium promptly throws down new challenges.The world is compelled to unite against an economic crisis, terrorism and climate change . There are different ways of stabilization of these circumstances. As the great Russian writer F. M. Dostoevski has told “Beauty will save the world” each person has the aspiration to beauty, regardless of nationalities. Why don’t we unite mankind in search of fine and beauty? For realization of this purpose it is offered to create a film festival where cinematographers of Europe and Asia will search the peaceful and beautiful solution of universal problems gathering annually in Dacorum, UK. Currently a film industry is powerful weapon!

First festival will be held August 2018

BOOK SERIES ECG - 2018 - Eurasian Creative Guild is pleased to present to your attention a project entitled “Book Series ECG”. Now you have the ability to publish your book in London! You can create your own personal book within the book series “Eurasian Creative Guild (London)”. The work will be published in the British capital, the home of many world famous writers, including William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Charlotte Bronte, Rudyard Kipling, Agatha Christie and JK Rowling. Your book will become a part of the history of mankind. It will receive its very own ISBN and the book will be given to the second library in the world - the British Library and the Legal Deposit.The book series, by Eurasian Creative Guild, will be placed not only on the largest popular shopping website - Amazon, where tens of thousands of items are bought and sold every day – but also in online stores in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Great Britain and America.The author will be paid royalties of 10% of the funds received by the Guild for every book sold. The authors, who have participated in this project will be able to present their book at the 7th International “Open Eurasia Literary Festival” to be held in late November 2018.

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ACADEMIC BOOK SERIES ECG - 2018: Share your work with the scientific elite of the world! This year, the British company Cambridge International Press announced their new project together with the Eurasian Creative Guild - the academic book series of the ECG. The Academic book series of the ECG opens the door for authors, specialising in all scientific fields. A publication of your work in the series is a significant step towards collaboration with the international scientific Assembly. You have a unique opportunity to learn how relevant your work is to the world of the reader. Your essay will be printed in the world’s capital, London, with the support of a team of professionals. Authors also have the opportunity to present their work in the world’s leading universities (including Cambridge University in the framework of their annual conference) and speak to future scientists, politicians and researchers international organisations. The author will be paid royalties, to the amount of 10% of the funds received by the publisher for each book sold. The authors who participate in this project will be able to present their book at Cambridge University in March 2018.

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Book readings, presentations and exhibitions - more than 60 events every year all over the world.

More than 100.000 subscribers on social media - Facebook, VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, Linkedin, Instagram and Youtube

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JOIN US! REGISTRATION FORM EURASIAN CREATIVE GUILD (LONDON)

First name_____________________________________________________________ Last Name_____________________________________________________________ Company Name_________________________________________________________ Date of birth____________________________________________________________ Place of birth____________________________________________________________ Place of residence________________________________________________________ Phone number (with area code)______________________________________________ E-mail____________________________________________________________________ Field of activity * Writer Poet Musician Actor Photographer Designer Sculptor Illustrator Dancer Graphic Designer Other:____________________________

invites all creative individuals to unite into one creative community for exchange of experience and provide mutual assistance to each other.

HOW IT WORKS?

As a member of the Eurasian Creative Guild, you can meet and make acquaintance with interesting and creative people. It can be individuals and organizations in every part of the creative sector, not only in Great Britain, but also throughout Europe and Central Asia.

ON OUR SITE YOU CAN: • • • •

Create a personal profile To share with your creativity with others, To share contacts and communicate with other members Find out about events where you can meet interesting creative people and open new areas of art

3 STEPS TOWARDS JOINING THE EURASIAN CREATIVE GUILD: 1) fill out printed form or register on the website 2) send your photo, and information about yourself and your oeuvre 3) contribute membership fee MEMBERSHIP FEES £50 INDIVIDUAL £30 CONCESSION £300 CORPORATE

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE AMOUNTS:

50

individual

30

concessions

300 corporate

BY BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE GUILD, YOU GET THE FOLLOWING BONUSES: Alternative E-Mail, Phone Number, Skype, Msn,Viber, Whatsap______ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Is your work publicly available on the internet?

If yes, please provide a link to them or web site__________________________________ I have read and agree with the constitution of the Eurasian Creative Guild________________ Signature, Date _________________________________________________________

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• • • • • •

free tickets to OEBF festival free tickets on Guild events Free subscription to the online version OCA Magazine (http://www.ocamagazine.com) advertisement of your events in social network groups and pages of the Guild 25% discount on all books of “Hertfordshire Press” and “Cambridge International Press” 25% discount on publication within Book Series ECG

We invite every person, who considers him/herself a creative individual, to join Eurasian Creative Guild and become a part of unique and growing community!

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Academic Book Series ECG - 2018: Share your work with the scientific elite of the world!

Your essay will be printed in the world’s capital, London, with the support of a team of professionals who are published writers, such as Orazaly Sabden (Kazakhstan), Robert White (UK), Yury Sigov (USA), Gerold Berger (Kazakhstan), Salima Kunanbayeva (Kazakhstan) Marinika Babanazarova (Uzbekistan), Fahridin Vaisali (Azerbaijan) and many others. Authors also have the opportunity to present their work in the world’s leading universities (including Cambridge University in the framework of their annual conference) and speak to future scientists, politicians and researchers international organisations.

The publishing house “Cambridge International Press” takes the example of the oldest educational institutions - the University of Cambridge. Cambridge University is one of the oldest universities in the UK and is among the top universities in the world. Cambridge International Press puts quality and professionalism above all else like the Cambridge University. The main specialisation of the publishing house is the publication of educational works, textbooks and academic books.This year, the British company announced their new project together with the Eurasian Creative Guild - the academic book series of the ECG. The Academic book series of the ECG opens the door for authors, specialising in all scientific fields. A publication of your work in the series is a significant step towards collaboration with the international scientific Assembly. You have a unique opportunity to learn how relevant your work is to the world of the reader. One of the goals for the British publisher will be to popularise your educational work around the world.

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Books will never disappear from the shelves of the mankind, because they have a British ISBN, international standard book number, by which your readers will be able to track information about the publication in a global network and place orders.

You will also be able to control the sales. Cambridge International Press provides authors a rare opportunity to store your work in the second world in the stacks of the British library and Legal Deposit repository of copyright books.

The publishing house is also willing to place your work on the largest shopping site Amazon, where millions of goods are bought and sold every day.

Online shopping in such countries as Australia,

New Zealand, Canada, Sweden, Netherlands, Denmark, UK and America will be enriched by copies of your masterpiece.

The author will be paid royalties, to the amount of 10% of the funds received by the publisher for each book sold. The authors who participate in this project will be able to present their book at Cambridge University in March 2018.

Your book can be published both in soft and hardcover.

BOOK EDITION OPTIONS IN SOFTCOVER: Cover color, uniform for the whole series Volume - 120 pages, (25 000 words) Format - 203 x 127 mm Indoor unit - black and white Author’s copies - 10 books * The period needed to publish the book is 3 months.

The cost of publishing a book in paperback is £1,995. For members of the Eurasian Creative Guild (London), a 25% discount is provided - The cost of the publication will be 1495 British pounds sterling.

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HARDCOVER EDITION OPTIONS: Cover colour, uniform for the whole series Volume - 120 pages, Format - 203 x 127 mm Indoor unit - black and white 10 copies will be submitted to the author * The period of the book is from 3 to 9 months The cost of publishing a hardcover book is £2,995 British pounds sterling.

For members of the Guild, a 25% discount is available. The cost of the publication will be £2,250 British pounds sterling.

All manuscripts are previously approved by the editorial board. The book is printed in the author’s edition after the provision of suitable text in the submitted template.

The cost of the publication includes - the publication with the name Cambridge International Press, the British ISBN, the organisation of the availability and sale of books on print on demand with the possibility of placing books in online stores around the world, including the Amazon site with payment of copyright royalties - 10 percent of the funds received - printing and sending books to the author, sending mandatory copies to the British Library and the copyright depository and protection fund Legal Deposit, a presentation at the University of Cambridge in March 2018 as part of a general book presentation series, posting information on the website of the Eurasian Creative Guild (London), social networks and the Guild in the quarterly British Journal OCA magazine.

You can choose not only the hardcover edition, but additionally you can make an individual cover design.

ADDITIONALLY: • Individual cover ( with the imprint name and logo of the Guild) - from £ 200 • Additional copies of the books at 25% off - RRP cost of 1 book in soft 14.5 lbs, solid £19.50 • Proofreading - from £2-5 per page depending on the complexity of the text • English translation of from £50 to £150 per 1000 words depending on text difficulty

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• Mailing to universities, educational institutions, and libraries: • Europe - £ 25 per copy • worldwide (ROW) - £ 35 per copy • Additional pages - there is a possibility to increase the volume of the book. The cost for each additional page will be £5.

• Coloured pages - £450 with the increase in RRP of approx. 25% • Professional layout - £1-3 per page depending on the complexity of the text

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THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS FOR PUBLICATION: 1.Information about the author 100 words 2.Synopsis (promotional text) for the back cover of the book (100-150 words) 3.The author’s photo in good quality (300 dpi) 4.Manuscript format in Word with the contents All documents must be sent by e-mail to: academy@ocamagazine.com * Including delivery of books by mail to the Author (up to 2 kg), additional weight is £11 per kilo. Customs clearance and paperwork at the expense of the recipient.

If you have any questions, we will be happy to help.

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS UNTIL 1 AUGUST 2018.

Works which sent by 31 January 2018 will be presented at Cambridge University, works submitted AFTER 31 January 2018 will be presented in the framework of the festival Open Eurasian Literature Festival - 2018.

If you are interested in this project, please contact us.

Email: academy@ocamagazine.com Tel: +44 7411 978 955 Facebook: https://eurasiancreativeguild.uk

11 thousand young people had studied and have been studyingabroadunderBolashak (future) International Scholarship of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is a pleasure to know that representatives of mass media are among them. Author of the book, Bolashak graduate, a well-known journalistin his country, compares the life abroad and in Kazakhstan during his education in Great Britain. This book is not a blind cheer of life abroad. Author avoids”tourist syndrome”of praising the other country in contrast to reviling one’s own motherland. The book describes the peculiarities of everyday life, life values, the importance of English language in globalization, education system and mass media, young people’s problems, etc. Author provides the examples of pure English novelties which were implemented in Kazakhstan. There is an idiom in Kazakh language: “The one who saw Moscow”. In the Soviet Union,it was considered prestigious among Kazakh intellectuals to study in the capital of USSR. It was a kind of trend of that time. Today the US and Great Britain colleges are trending. Hence the book is entitled “Batyskorgen” which is literally translated as “the one who saw the West” or «Looking west». English and Kazakh languages

ISBN: 978-1-910886-37-3 RRP: £14.50 AVAILABLE ON AMAZON WWW.OCAMAGAZINE.COM

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CATALOGUE

EURASIAN CREATIVE GUILD BOOK SERIES - 2017

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ПИТЕР БЕРМАН БОИ БЕЗ ПРАВИЛ авантюрный роман russian language ISBN: 978-1-910886-42-7 RRP: £12.50

ДИЛЯРА ЛИНДСЕЙ МУЗЫКА МЕЖДУ СТРОК поэзия russian language ISBN: 978-1-910886-57-1 RRP:£ 9.50

МАРИНА МИХАЙЛОВСКАЯ СОРОК ХРАМОВ поэзия russian language ISBN: 978-1-910886-41-0 RRP: £14.50

MARSEL SALIMOV

ANASTASIA KUZMICHEVA BELARUSIAN WHALES poetry english-russian language ISBN: 978-1-910886-45-8 RRP: £14.50

LENAR SHAYEKH ONE OF YOU poetry

МУРАТ УАЛИ ИЗ СИБИРИ К СВОБОДЕ роман russian language ISBN: 978-1-910886-44-1 RRP: £12.50

РАИМ ФАРХАДИ ОСТРОВ СТИХОВ стихи

THE BOOK WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN WRITTEN BEFORE

ISBN: 978-1-910886-61-8 RRP: £12.50

ISBN: 978-1-910886-47-2 RRP: £9.50

ISBN: 978-1-910886-56-4 RRP: £14.50

ГУЛЬЗАДА НИЕТКАЛИЕВА ЖҮРЕКТЕГІ ИМАН ГҮЛІ поэзия на казахском языке /kazakh language ISBN: 978-1-910886-51-9 RRP: £9.50

ТЕМIРХАН МЕДЕТБЕК КӨК ТҮРІК - КӨК БӨРІ поэзия на казахском языке / kazakh language ISBN: 978-1-910886-48-9 RRP: £9.50

КУАНЫШ ЖИЕНБАЙ ТАҒДЫР рассказы на казахском языке / kazakh language ISBN: 978-1-910886-50-2 RRP: £9.50

НАЗЫМ САПАРОВА ПРАВДИВЫЕ ИСТОРИИ рассказы russian language ISBN: 978-1-910886-55-7 RRP: £12.50

САУЛЕ ДОСЖАН САҒЫНЫШ... сборник рассказов на казахском языке / kazakh language ISBN: 978-1-910886-46-5 RRP: £9.50

ANTONINA SHUSTER THE LINES OF LIFE

НАЗИКЕН АЛПАМЫСКЫЗЫ ҚИЯЖОЛ ҒҰМЫР поэзия на казахском языке/kazakh language ISBN: 978-1-910886-49-6 RRP: £9.50

DENIS KUVAEV THE DOOR TO A FAIRY TALE Fairy tale Illustrated (english /russian)

ISBN: 978-1-910886-64-9 RRP: £9.50

ISBN: 978-1-910886-63-2 RRP: £22.50

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HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS - AWARD WINNING CRANES IN SPRING by Tolibshohi Davlat (2015) BLUE RIVER

by Zinaida Longortova (2016) Through her childhood reminiscences, Zinaida Longortova brings to life a remote region in far-northern Russia. Extrapolating the folklore and mythology of the Khanty people from her experiences - set around the simple story of a wounded elk calf - the author explores the bonds between humans and nature. Yet whilst this is a novella about a little known indigenous group, the narrative succeeds in harnessing powerful emotions which speak to us all. A timeless story, at once both joyful and melancholy, Blue River is a beguiling tale for all age groups.

LANGUAGES ENG / KHANTY HARDBACK ISBN:978-1-910886-34-2 RRP: £17.50 GODS OF THE MIDDLE WORLD

by Galina Dolgaya (2013) The Gods of the Middle World tells the story of Sima, a student of archaeology for whom the old lore and ways of the Central Asian steppe peoples are as vivid as the present. When she joints a group of archaeologists in southern Kazakhstan, asking all the time whether it is really possible to ‘commune with the spirits’, she soon discovers the answer first hand, setting in motion events in the spirit world that have been frozen for centuries. Meanwhile three millennia earlier, on the same spot, a young woman and her companion struggle to survive and amend wrongs that have caused the neighbouring tribe to take revenge. The two narratives mirror one another, and Sima’s destiny is to resolve the ancient wrongs in her own lifetime and so restore the proper balance of the forces of good and evil

My Neighbourhood Sisters

CATALOGUE

hbourhood Sisters proendeavours to adjust to in the 1990s.

My Neighbourhood Sisters

ISBN: 978-0957480797

autiful book filled with n and her actual family, rselves and people from n that close camaraderie hich in our current age,

RRP: £19.95

A Collection of Short Stories

GULSIFAT SHAKHIDI

RRP: £14.95

And so it came to be: I graduated in journalism from Tajik University, worked for the republican youth newspaper, undertook scientific research, and completed my thesis on “Twentieth Century Tajik-Russian literary connections in the 1920s-‘30s.”

I later worked in the Tajik branch ISTRC “Mir”, as chief editor of Radio and Television and had my work published in Tajikistan and Russia.

This collection of stories was first published in Russian but it is my hope that the English edition is just the start of it being translated into other languages.

Gulsifat Shahidi НА КЕ ИИ ЗЫ РС Я ВЕ КОМ СС РУ

+

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LANGUAGES ENG / RUS RRP: £19.95

HARDBACK

This novel highlights a complex issue that millions of Tajiks face when becoming working migrants in Russia due to lack of opportunities at home. Fresh out of school, Saidakbar decides to go to Russia as he hopes to earn money to pay for his university tuition. His parents reluctantly let him go providing he is accompanied by his uncle, Mustakim, an experienced migrant. And so begins this tale of adventure and heartache that reflects the reality of life faced by many Central Asian migrants. Mistreatment, harassment and backstabbing join the Tajik migrants as they try to pull through in a foreign country. How will Mustakim and Saidakbar’s journey end? Intrigued by the story starting from the first page, one cannot put the book down until it’s finished.

LANGUAGES ENG / RUS RRP: £14.50

HARDBACK

ISBN: 978-1-910886-06-9

THE BEST DAY OF THE YEAR THE DAY THAT DAD RETURNED Maral Hydyrova (2017) “One day of the big year or when the father returned” is a new novel that was written

by Hydyrova Maral. According to the author herself, she is an amateur in the art of literature.

Nonetheless, in the category “best literary work” in the “Open Eurasia 2016” competition, this book has won the first place.

LANGUAGES ENG PAPERBACK ISBN: 978-1-910886-65-6 RRP: £12.50 FOREMOTHER ASIA

by Natalia Kharlampieva (2016)

I was born in Leningrad in 1955, where my parents lived and studied. According to my mother, children of the postwar generation rarely came into the world healthy. My extraordinary birth- weight of 5 kilograms surprised everyone and the doctors declared me the most perfectly healthy baby. My birth weight was even posted by a Leningrad newspaper, causing my mother to often joke that my profession as a journalist was set from the very start of my life.

MY NEIGHBOURHOOD SISTERS

by Gulsifat Shakhidi (2016) Set in Dushanbe, Tajikstan’s capital city, My Neighbourhood Sisters provides a snapshot of a close-knit community as it endeavours to adjust to changes induced by the country’s senseless civil war in the 1990s. Turning the pages of Gulsifat Shakhidi’s novel is like looking through a photo album, in which the narrator, Zulfiya has lovingly pasted images of both her own family and those of her neighbours. And behind each picture lies a poignant story. Shakhidi’s key protagonists are her close female friends; a group of proud, hardworking Tajik women who are challenged by both political and domestic unrest as they wrestle to maintain traditional family values.

GULSIFAT SHAKHIDI

usewives, grandmothers ow they value being able mes of trouble. They also fiya’s adopted uncle and

HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS

looking through a phoy pasted images of both behind each picture lies her close female friends; are challenged by both aintain traditional famihe communal courtyard - may belong to Central fidelity, addiction, abuse, ed by Shakhidi that will

PAPERBACK

HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS

ISBN:978-1-910886-35-9

In this first ever collection of Sakha poems in our English language, the highly talented poet Natalia Kharlampieva weaves openly neo-Impressionistic threads of common heritage, communal faith and shared ethnicity, into an overall tapestry of cultural optimism.

Indeed, to Kharlampieva’s mind, the unique significance played by independent women (willing to endure every hardship) in these restorative endeavours clearly signals the spiritual strength of Central Asia Unanimously applauded as an impassioned book revealing the delights of a recovered national identity, Kharlampieva also captures Natures savage beauty, as well as the harsh existential truths of life in the far North.

LANGUAGES ENG / SAKHA RRP: £17.50

HARDBACK

ISBN: 978-1-910886-22-9

01/01/2017 23:25:28

STOCKHOLM SYNDROME S.S. NAZAROVA (2017) MY HOMELAND, OH MY CRIMEA

by Lenifer Mambetova (2015) Mambetova’s delightful poems, exploring the hopes and fates of Crimean Tartars, are a timely and evocative reminder of how deep a people’s roots can be, but also how adaptable and embracing foreigners can be of their adopted country, its people and its traditions.

LANGUAGES ENG / RUS HARDBACK ISBN: 978-1-910886-04-5

Called ‘taboo-breaking… revolutionary” by RFE/RL, Stockholm Syndrome is one of the most controversial books to emerge from Tajik society in recent years. The story of a young woman’s struggle to choose between her career and motherhood, the novella shocked this traditional and conservative society. A remembrance of childhood and rumination upon challenges present and future, Nazarova’s work explores themes of immigration, identity and mental imbalance.

Acclaimed as ‘ahead of its time’ by Persian reviewers, Stockholm Syndrome is an emotional tour de force.

LANGUAGES ENG HARD BACK RRP:17.50 ISBN: 978-1-910886-60-1

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HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS

PRIME HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS

KASHMIR SONG

by Sharaf Rashidov (translation by Alexey Ulko, OCABF 2014 Winner). 2017 This beautiful illustrated novella offers a sensitive reworking of an ancient and enchanting folk story which although rooted in Kashmir is, by nature of its theme, universal in its appeal.

Alternative interpretations of this tale are explored by Alexey Ulko in his introduction, with references to both politics and contemporary literature, and the author’s epilogue further reiterates its philosophical dimension.

The Kashmir Song is a timeless tale, which true to the tradition of classical folklore, can be enjoyed on a number of levels by readers of all ages.

RRP: £24.95

ISBN: 978-0-9930444-2-7

THE PLIGHT OF A POSTMODERN HUNTER Chlngiz Aitmatov Mukhtar Shakhanov (2015) “Delusion of civilization” by M. Shakhanov is an epochal poem, rich in prudence and nobility – as is his foremother steppe. It is the voice of the Earth, which raised itself in defense of the human soul. This is a new genre of spiritual ecology. As such, this book is written from the heart of a former tractor driver, who knows all the “scars and wrinkles” of the soil - its thirst for human intimacy. This book is also authored from the perspective of an outstanding intellectual whose love for national traditions has grown as universal as our common great motherland.

LANGUAGE: ENG RRP: £24.95

HARDBACK

ISBN: 978-1-910886-11-3

HEIRS TO THE GREAT SINNER SHEIKH SAN’ON

by Erkin A’zam (2016) I think that anyone who wants to write in Uzbek will address again and again the books of Erkin A’zam even in 100-150 years ahead because he is unique. He is the only one.

Nabijon Boqiy An Uzbek writer PAPERBACK ENG

ISBN: 978-1-910886-32-8

RRP: £14.50

KAРА Автор Султан Раев (2015) Кара - главный на сегодняшний день роман автора - писатель работал над ним на протяжении двадцати лет. Это философское размышление о пути человеческом и о роли человека в мире. Книга, удостоенная премии Лучший роман 2014 года. Как сказал Э. Арнольд - Жизнь человека... результат его предшествующих жизней; Горе и беды проистекают от содеянного в прошлом зла, тогда как праведность родит блаженство.... Семь пациентов психиатрической лечебницы решают совершить побег, чтобы достичь Земли Обетованной. Как они оказались в сумасшедшем доме, истории жизни, злоключения в пустыне... Язык издания РУССКИЙ / RUSSIAN ISBN: 978-1910886137 RRP: £24.50

REPENTANCE Yermek Amanshaev (2016) SERAGLIO’55

by Georgy Pryakhin (2016) “This is a wonderful publication, full of Georgy Pryakhin’s personal recollections of a lifetime spent not only as one of the most revered Russian writers but as a political supremo in the inner circle of the Gorbachev government during the last years of the USSR. It will enchant readers with a thirst to learn more of the inner workings of those who lived through the USSR, Glasnost and Perestroika.

Pryakhin’s vivid recollections of real events, idealistic dreams and his way of seeing life, tell stories that go much deeper than the words printed on the page.

PAPERBACK ENG ISBN: 978-1910886281

RRP:£ 12.50

WHEN EDELWEISS FLOWERS FLOURISH

by Begenas Saratov (2012) A spectacular insight into life in the Soviet Union in the late 1960’s made all the more intriguing by its setting within the Sovet Republic of Kyrgyzstan. The story explores Soviet life, traditional Kyrgyz life and life on planet Earth through a Science Fiction story based around an alien nations plundering of the planet for life giving herbs. The author reveals far sighted thoughts and concerns for conservation, management of natural resources and dialogue to achieve peace yet at the same time shows extraordinary foresight with ideas for future technologies and the progress of science.

The whole style of the writing gives a fascinating insight into the many facets of life in a highly civilised yet rarely known part of the world.

ISBN: 978-0955754951

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PAPERBACK

RRP: £12.50 ( ALSO AVAILBLE IN KYRGYZ )

‘Repentance’ is a poignant collection of three short stories- ‘Song of Laments’, ‘Futility’ and ‘Repentance’ – which explore the psychological complexity of relationships between fathers and sons.

The issues addressed are ageless and universal. Set across the centuries, from biblical times to the present, often merging mythology with illusion and reality, the stories focus on challenges faced by fathers and sons as each struggles to assert his own identity and individual place in the world.

LANGUAGE ENG PAPERBACK / HARDBACK ISBN: 978-1-910886-33-5 RRP: £14.95 / £19.95 THE GRAMMAR OF WITCHCRAFT David Parry (2016) In this collection of Mini-Sagas and poems, Parry narrates the final journey taken by his alter ego Caliban from the surreal delights of a lesbian wedding in Liverpool, all the way back to a non-existent city of London. In himself, the author is aiming to resolve lyrical contradictions existing between different levels of consciousness: betwixt reality and the dreaming state.

And as such, unnervingly illogical scenarios emerge out of a stream of consciousness wherein bewildering theatrical landscapes actively compete with notions of Anglo-Saxon witchcraft, Radical Traditionalism, and a lack of British authenticity. Each analysis pointing towards those Jungian Spirits haunting an endlessly benevolent Archetypal world.

LANGUAGE ENG PAPERBACK ISBN: 978-1-910886-25-0 RRP: £9.95

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SERIES

HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS SILK, SPICE, VEILS AND VODKA

by Felicity Timcke (2014) Felicity Timcke’s missive publication, “Silk, Spices, Veils and Vodka” brings both a refreshing and new approach to life on the expat trail. South African by origin, Timcke has lived in some very exotic places, mostly along the more challenging countries of the Silk Road. Although the book’s content, which is entirely composed of letters to the author’s friends and family, is directed primarily at this group, it provides “20 years of musings” that will enthral and delight those who have either experienced a similar expatriate existence or who are nervously about to depart for one.

HOWL novel

by Kazat Akmatov (2014) PAPERBACK ENGLISH –RUSSIAN ISBN: 978-0993044410 RRP: £12.50

SHAHIDKA/ MUNABIA

by KazatAkmatov (2013) PAPERBACK ISBN: 978-0957480759 RRP: £12.95

Raushan

THE WORMWOOD WIND Raushan Burkitbayeva - Nukenova (2015) LANGUAGE ENG HARD BACK RRP:14.95 ISBN: 978-1-910886-09-0

ISBN: 978-0992787318

ALPHABET GAME

by Paul Wilson (2014) Travelling around the world may appear as easy as ABC, but looks can be deceptive: there is no ‘X’ for a start. Not since Xidakistan was struck from the map. Yet post 9/11, with the War on Terror going global, could ‘The Valley’ be about to regain its place on the political stage? Xidakistan’s fate is inextricably linked with that of Graham Ruff, founder of Ruff Guides. Setting sail where Around the World in Eighty Days and Lost Horizon weighed anchor, our not-quite-a-hero suffers all in pursuit of his golden triangle: The Game, The Guidebook, The Girl. With the future of printed Guidebooks increasingly in question, As Evelyn Waugh’s Scoop did for Foreign Correspondents the world over, so this novel lifts the lid on Travel Writers for good.

PAPREBACK ENG ISBN: 978-0-992787325

THE TURKIK SAGA Kairat Zariyanov (2016) LANGUAGE ENG HARD BACK RRP:14.95 ISBN: 978-0-9927873-7-0

UNDER THE WOLFS NEST Kairat Zariyanov (2012 LANGUAGE ENG /KAZAKH HARD BACK RRP:14.95 ISBN: 978-0-9927873-7-0

Friendly Steppes: A Silk Road Journey chronicles an extraordinary adventure that led intrepid traveller Nick Rowan to some of the world’s most incredible and hidden places: from Venice through Eastern Europe, still recovering from brutal warfare; on to Turkey, the gateway to Asia, and much-misunderstood Iran; across the exotic steppes of Central Asia, emerging from Soviet domination; and finally into a rapidly developing yet still mysterious China. Intertwined with the majesty of 2000 years of Silk Road history, Friendly Steppes recounts not only the author’s travels but the remarkable impact that this trade route has had on modern culture.

Containing colourful stories and characters, wrapped in the local myths and legends told by the people who live along the route today, this is both an entertaining travelogue and inspiring introduction to a part of the world that has largely remained hidden from Western eyes for hundreds of years but is on the verge of retaking its central role on the international stage.

Since his first foray into Central Asia in 2006 during his Silk Road journey, Nick Rowan has developed an insatiable appetite for all things Central Asian. An Oxford University graduate, now working in the Oil industry in London, Nick spends much of his spare time exploring Central Asia and the Silk Road countries, having now travelled to all the countries on numerous occasions. He is Editor-in-Chief of Open Central Asia magazine and provides expert opinion and analysis on the region. When not at home with his wife in Buckinghamshire, where he now lives, his favourite evenings are those spent on the plains of Central Asia sitting in the warmth of a homely yurt, laughing and joking with its owners over a good bowl of laghman accompanied by freshly baked lepioshka bread.

FRIENDLY STEPPES. A SILK ROAD JOURNEY

by Nick Rowan (2012)

Friendly SteppeS: A Silk roAd Journey

RRP: £24.95

RRP: £14.50

Nick

A Silk roAd Journey

SHADOWS OF THE RAIN Raushan Burkitbayeva - Nukenova (2016)LANGUAGE ENG HARD BACK RRP:19.95 ISBN: 978-1-910886-31-1

PAPERBACK RRP: £12.50

THE NOVEL “ARHAT”

by Kazat Akmatov (2015) LANGUAGE ENG PAPERBACK ISBN: 978-1910886106 RRP: £17.50

kairat zakyryanov

13 STEPS OF ERIKA KLAUS

by Kazat Akmatov (2013) PAPERBACK ISBN: 978-0957480766 RRP: £12.95

Friendly SteppeS:

shahsanem murray

TRAVELOGUES

Rowan

Burkitbayeva - Nukenova

KAZAT AKHMATOV

HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS

Nick Rowan

This is the chronicle of an extraordinary adventure that led Nick Rowan to some of the world’s most incredible and hidden places. Intertwined with the magic of 2,000 years of Silk Road history, he recounts his experiences coupled with a remarkable realisation of just what an impact this trade route has had on our society as we know it today. Containing colourful stories, beautiful photography and vivid characters, and wrapped in the local myths and legends told by the people Nick met and who live along the route, this is both a travelogue and an education of a part of the world that has remained hidden for hundreds of years.

HARD BACK ISBN: 978-0-9927873-4-9

PAPERBACK ISBN: 978-0-9557549-4-4

DOES IT YURT? by Stephen M. Bland (2016)

COLD SHADOWS Shahsanem Murray (2016) LANGUAGE ENG PAPERBACK ISBN: 978-1-910886-27-4 RRP: £12.50

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FINDING THE HOLY PATH

by Shahsanem Murray (2014) RUS ISBN: 978-0-9930444-8-9 ENGL ISBN: 978-0992787394 PAPERBACK RRP: £12.50

Conjuring images of nomadic horsemen, spectacular monuments, breathtaking scenery and crippling poverty, Central Asia remains an enigma. Home to the descendants of Jenghiz Khan’s Great Horde, in the nineteenth century the once powerful Silk Road states became a pawn in the ‘Great Game’ of expansion and espionage between Britain and Russia, disappearing behind what would become known as the ‘Iron Curtain’. With the collapse of the USSR, the nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan were born. Since independence, Central Asia has seen one civil war, two revolutions and seven dictators.

LANGUAGE ENG PAPER BACK RRP:14.95 ISBN: 978-1-910886-29-8

WWW.OCAMAGAZINE.COM

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HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS

SELF HELP

JUNIOR HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS

LIFE OVER PAIN AND DESPERATION

by Marziya Zakiryanova (2014)

AYSU AND THE MAGIC BAG

by Maide Akan (2016)

This book was written by someone on the fringe of death. Her life had been split in two: before and after the first day of August 1991 when she, a mother of two small children and full of hopes and plans for the future, became disabled in a single twist of fate. Narrating her tale of self-conquest, the author speaks about how she managed to hold her family together, win the respect and recognition of people around her and above all, protect the fragile concept of ‘love’ from fortune’s cruel turns.

By the time the book was submitted to print, Marziya Zakiryanova had passed away. She died after making the last correction to her script. We bid farewell to this remarkable and powerfully creative woman.

In anticipation of Expo 2017 in Astana, publishing house Hertfordshire Press presents first book by Maide Akan. Entitled Aysu and the Magic Bag, the book tells the amazing story of a girl whose life is no different from ordinary children, until one day she meets a magical bird. Thus begin the extraordinary adventures of Aysu and her quest to save the environment.

Written with a charm and sophistication which belie her tender years, Maide Akan’s narrative is a seamless blend of fantasy and more modern concerns.

Beautifully illustrated, her work is sad and poignant, yet full of youthful hope for the future.

HARD BACK ISBN: 978-0-99278733-2 RRP: £14.95

CARDBOARD ISBN: 978-1-910886-24-3 RRP: £10.00 CRANE

by Abu-Sufyan (2015)

MADINA DEMIRBASH THE ART OF MATURE LOVE (2017) Madina Demirbash is an international relationship expert. She has lived and worked in seven different countries in the pursuit of the answer to one question: what does it take to be happy with somebody? It took her long years of personal and professional search to find but a simple answer: it takes one’s decision to grow up. As soon as she started a process of conscious maturity, her life thrived. She had better friendships with different kinds of people, started her own international business, and most importantly – regained her inner strength. She later met her husband, with whom she continues to enjoy growing every day, overcoming relationship challenges.

She believes every person deserves and capable of building truly happy relationship.

In this remarkable collection of prose poems, author Abu Sufyan takes readers through a series of fairy tale scenarios, wherein are hidden a number of sour existential truths.

Indeed, from the bewilderment felt by anthropomorphised cranes, to the self-sacrifice of mares galloping towards their (potential) salvation, all the way to the bittersweet biographies experienced by a girl and her frustrated mother, this book weaves darkly enchanted frame stories into highly illustrative fables. Structured, as they are, in the style of unfolding dialogues, Sufyan’s haunting literary technique serves to unveil a story within a storyline. Certainly, as adventures take place between named and memorable characters, each exchange is saturated with wit, practical jokes, and life lessons contributing to an overall Central Asian literary mosaic.

PAPERBACK ISBN: 978-1-910886-23-6 RRP: £12.50

ISBN: 978-1-910886-42-7 ENG RRP: £12.50 СВЕТЛАНА ЮДИНА КАК ПОЛЮБИТЬ СЕБЯ? (2017) автобиография «Как полюбить Себя» - это первый литературный проект Юдиной Светланы, своего рода – исповедь. Честный, открытый и прямой рассказ о том, как она: родилась, взрослела, развивалась и расцвела. Это история о том, как полюбить Себя, Родных и свое Дело. Если вы хотите вырваться из ловушки постоянных проблем и ищите собственный Путь в жизни, но не знаете с чего начать? Эта книга станет для вас открытием и настольным инструментом, применяя который, вы включите механизм трансформации себя и своей Жизни. Достоинством издания является простата изложения сложных идей и рекомендаций, а также нацеленность на практическое применение в Жизни. Для широкого круга читателей.

ISBN: 978-1-910886-53-3 RUS RRP: £9.95 RUSSIAN

POOL OF STARS

by Olesya Petrova (2007) It is the first publication of a young writer Olesya Petrova, a talented and creative person.

Fairy-tale characters dwell on this book’s pages. Lovely illustrations make this book even more interesting to kids, thanks to a remarkable artist Askar Urmanov. We hope that our young readers will be very happy with such a gift. It’s a book that everyone will appreciate. For the young, innocent ones - it’s a good source of lessons they’ll need in life.

For the not-so-young but young at heart, it’s a great book to remind us that life is so much more than work.

PAPERBACK ENG / RUS ISBN: 978-0955754906

RRP: £4.95

MENIK THE MAMMOUTH

by OGDO (2017) ЭТО ЗАВИСИТ ОТ МЕНЯ 7 СПОСОБОВ ИЗМЕНИТЬ ЖИНЬ К ЛУЧШЕМУ Автор Меган Вернер (2017) Знакомтесь - замечательная книга Мэган Вернер «это зависит от меня». Великолепный стиль изложения, живая, наглядная подача материала, все четко и объемно. Читается на одном дыхании, оставляет самые светлые эмоции, заставляет задуматься – помогает лучше понять себя, понять, надо ли что-либо менять в своей жизни, поставить цели и пошагово их решать, позитивно мыслить, а главное, программировать свое счастливое будущее!

PAPERBACK

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RUSSIAN ISBN: 9781910886397

RRP:£9.95

The charm of this children’s book lies in its original storyline which successfully encompasses folklore, science, natural history and geography. As the baby mammoth develops, the author raises issues concerning parenting and what a child needs to make its way through life, through the male and female perspectives of its young creators, Boris and Veronica. Menik, by default, finds himself facing the world alone and we learn how he copes with danger and struggles, as a displaced being, against ingrained prejudice and people’s fear of the unfamiliar. But there are also glimpses of human kindness and generosity of spirit which eventually, win the day.

Beautifully illustrated, this little book is likely to become a favourite bedtime story and one to which children will return again and again.

PAPERBACK ENG ISBN: 978-1-910886-62-5

RRP: £12.50

WWW.OCAMAGAZINE.COM

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DISCOVERY GUIDES & TRAVEL COMPANIONS

HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS THE GREAT MELODY

by Tabyldy Aktan ( dedicated to Toktogul Satylganov) E-BOOK ISBN: 978-1-910886-02-1 RRP:£3.24

100 EXPERIENCES OF KYRGYZSTAN

by Ian Claytor ENG ISBN: 978-0957480742 RRP: £19.50

100 EXPERIENCES OF KAZAKHSTAN

by Vitaly Shuptar, Nick Rowan and Dagmar Schreiber ENG ISBN: 978-0-992787356 RRP: £19.50

BUYUK THEMURKHRON

by Christopher Marlowe PAPERBACK UZ ISBN: 9780955754982 RRP: £10.00

TERROR: EVENTS, FACTS, EVIDENCE.

by Eldar Samadov, 2015 PAPERBACK ISBN: 978-1-910886-00-7 RRP: £9.99

CHANTS OF THE DARK FIRE

by ZhulduzBaizakova PAPERBACK RUS ISBN: 978-0957480711 RRP:£10.00

THE CITY WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE

by GULSIFAT SHAHIDI 2015 HARDBACK ISBN: 978-1910886205 RRP:29.99

KAMILA

by Rahim Karimov (OCABF 2012 Finalist) PAPERBACK KG / UZ ISBN: 978-0957480773 RRP:£10.00 ISLAM, RELIGION OF PEACE AND CREATION

by Sheikh Abdsattar Haji Derbisali * Joint edition with Stacey International HARDBACK ENG ISBN: 9781906768683 RRP:£24.95 DANCE OF DEVILS, JINLAR BAZMI

by Abdulhamid Ismoil and Hamid Ismailov E-BOOK UZ ASIN: B009ZBPV2M RRP:£2.00 VICTORS

by Sharaf Rashidov E-BOOK COMING SOON KURMAJAN-DATKA

by Bubaisha Arstynbekova COMING SOON

100 EXPERIENCES OF MODERN KAZAKHSTAN

by Vitaly Shuptar, Nick Rowan and Dagmar Schreiber ENG ISBN: 978-1-910886-15-1 RRP: £19.50

THE TASTE OF CENTRAL ASIA COOK BOOK

by Danny Gordon ENG ISBN:978-1-910886-09-0 RRP: £19.50

HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS

SILK ROAD

by Nick Rowan COFEE TABLE BOOK HARDBACK ENG COMING SOON

KYRGYZSTAN - 20 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE: BETWEEN SCANDALS AND CORRUPT ELITE

by Giorgio Fiacconi * Partner Edition By Times of Central Asia HARDBACK ENG ISBN: 9789967265578 RRP:£29.95 THE HOLLYWOOD CONUNDRUM OR GUARDIAN OF TREASURE

by Maksim Korsakov PARERBACK ENG ISBN: 978-1910886144 RRP: £24.95 LITERARY ALMANAC - TVORCHESKOE SODRUJESTVO - 1 RUS HARDBACK ISBN: 978-1910886014 RRP: £15.25 LITERARY ALMANAC - TVORCHESKOE SODRUJESTVO - 2 RUS PAPERBACK ISBN: 978-1910886212 RRP: £15.25

MAN OF THE MOUNTAINS

by Abudlla Isa (2014) ( OCABF 2013 Winner)

DISCOVERY KYRGYZSTAN travel guide

by Ian Claytor ENG, DE, FR, RUS, JAP ISBN: 9780955754920 RRP: £5.95

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DISCOVERY UZBEKISTAN travel guide

by Andrea Leuenberger ENG, DE, FR, RUS, JAP ISBN: 9780957480704 RRP: £5.95

DISCOVERY KAZAKHSTAN travel guide

by Vitaly Shuptar and Dagmar Schreiber ENG, DE ISBN: 9780955754937 RRP: £5.95

DISCOVERY KARAKALPAKISTAN travel guide

by Anja Weidner ENG ISBN: 978-0-9930444-7-2 RRP: £5.95

DISCOVERY TAJIKISTAN Travel Guide

by Vitaly Shuptar ENG ISBN: 978-09557549-6-8 RRP: £5.95

Man of the Mountains” is a book about a young Muslim Chechen boy, Zaur who becomes a central figure representing the fight of local indigenous people against both the Russians invading the country and Islamic radicals trying to take a leverage of the situation, using it to push their narrow political agenda on the eve of collapse of the USSR. After 9/11 and the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan by coalition forces, the subject of the Islamic jihadi movement has become an important subject for the Western readers. But few know about the resistance movement from the local intellectuals and moderates against radical Islamists taking strong hold in the area.

PAPERBACK ISBN: 978-0-9930444-5-8 RRP: £14.95

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2016

THE CONCEPTUAL STRATEGY FOR HUMANKIND’S SURVIVAL IN THE XXI CENTURY AND FOOD SECURITY

By Orazaly Sabden (Author), A Ashirov (2016) As the third millennium dawns, this world storms and changes unpredictably. Hence, it has become difficult to calculate what to expect on the morrow. Indeed, questions of recovery from innumerable crises (along with any possible rescue plan for humankind from adverse global conditions), are now paramount. After all, dangers such as rapid climate change, water scarcity, not to mention preventable food shortages, obviously shake social stability and economic sustainability on a planetary scale. At the same time, of course, as potential resource-based political conflicts appear on the horizon, various natural cataclysms, pure accidents, and negative environmental processes are increasing. All presenting humanity with unprecedented socio-environmental issues.

PAPER BACK ISBN: 978-1910886267 RRP: £17.50

PROJECTIVE GRAPHICS

by Yelena Bezrukova, Valentina Tikhomirova (2015) This album contains images of an aspiring new art movement known in Kazakhstan as “Projective Graphics”. The images presented in the publication, called “graphelvas” are accompanied by conceptual and explanatory texts, as well as an appendix of works associated with the small, but up and coming movement. This album is intended for a broad audience.

HARDBACK

THE MODERNIZATION OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION: THE LINGUOCULTURAL - COMMUNICATIVE APPROACH

by SalimaKunanbayeva (2013)

S ES

CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL PRESS

ERNATION E INT AL DG I PR BR

ENGLISH

ISBN: ISBN: 978 – 0993044434

AZERBAIJAN:BRIDGE BETWEEN EAST AND WEST

by Yury Sigov, 2015

Professor S. S. Kunanbayeva - Rector of Ablai Khan Kazakh University of International Relations and World Languages This textbook is the first of its kind in Kazakhstan to be devoted to the theory and practice of foreign language education. It has been written primarily for future teachers of foreign languages and in a wider sense for all those who to be interested in the question (in the problems?) of the study and use of foreign languages. This book outlines an integrated theory of modern foreign language learning (FLL) which has been drawn up and approved under the auspices of the school of science and methodology of Kazakhstan’s Ablai Khan University of International Relations and World Languages.

Azerbaijan: Bridge between East and West, Yury Sigov narrates a comprehensive and compelling story about Azerbaijan. He balances the country’s rich cultural heritage, wonderful people and vibrant environment with its modern political and economic strategies. Readers will get the chance to thoroughly explore Azerbaijan from many different perspectives and discover a plethora of innovations and idea, including the recipe for Azerbaijan’s success as a nation and its strategies for the future. The book also explores the history of relationships between United Kingdom and Azerbaijan.

PAPERBACK

HARD BACK ISBN: 978-0-9930444-9-6 RRP: £24.50

ISBN: 978-0957480780

RRP: £19.95

LOOKING WEST: A KAZAKH’S VIEW OF GREAT BRITAIN

by Kanat Auyesbay (2016) This new book by the Kazakh broadcaster and journalist Kanat Auyesbay is a fascinating and charming view of Britain. Kanat studied here for a year, living in Norwich with his wife and young son. Here he recounts his impressions of British life and compares aspects of it with life in Kazakhstan. He deals with subjects as diverse as school, charity, public transport, swimming, language and eating horse meat! There are also transcripts of interviews and additional chapters such as ‘35 years in front of the White House,’ in which he talks about Conception Picciotto about her anti- nuclear vigil. The reader will also learn about Kazakhstan and some of it’s customs and monuments. I am sure that British readers will enjoy Kanat’s impressions of our country, and I hope that they be inspired to visit Kazakhstan. I also hope that Kazakh readers will, perhaps, understand our small island a little better.

PAPERBACK

ISBN:978-1910886373 RRP: £14.50

VANISHED KHANS AND EMPTY STEPPES

by Robert Wight (2014) The book opens with an outline of the history of Almaty, from its nineteenth-century origins as a remote outpost of the Russian empire, up to its present status as the thriving second city of modern-day Kazakhstan. The story then goes back to the Neolithic and early Bronze Ages, and the sensational discovery of the famous Golden Man of the Scythian empire. The transition has been difficult and tumultuous for millions of people, but Vanished Khans and Empty Steppes illustrates how Kazakhstan has emerged as one of the world’s most successful post-communist countries.

HARD BACK

ISBN: 978-0-9930444-0-3

RRP: £24.95

PAPERBACK ISBSN: 978-1-910886-05-2 RRP: £14.50

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SAVITSKY COLLECTION SELECTED MASTERPIECES. Poster set of 8 posters (2014) Limited edition of prints from the world-renowned Museum of Igor Savitsky in Nukus, Uzbekistan. The set includs nine of the most famous works from the Savitsky collection wrapped in a colourful envelope. Selected Masterpieces of the Savitsky Collection.

ISBN: 9780992787387 RRP: £25.00

IGOR SAVITSKY: ARTIST, COLLECTOR, MUSEUM FOUNDER

by Marinika Babanazarova (2011) Since the early 2000s, Igor Savitsky’s life and accomplishments have earned increasing international recognition. He and the museum he founded in Nukus, the capital of Karakalpakstan in the far northwest of Uzbekistan. Marinika Babanazarova’s memoir is based on her 1990 graduate dissertation at the Tashkent Theatre and Art Institute. It draws upon correspondence, official records, and other documents about the Savitsky family that have become available during the last few years, as well as the recollections of a wide range of people who knew Igor Savitsky personally.

LANGUAGE: ENG, RUS, FR

ISBN: 978-0955754999

RRP: £10.00

WWW.OCAMAGAZINE.COM

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CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL PRESS

ERNATION E INT AL DG I PR BR

2016

GOETHE AND ABAI

by Herold Belger (2016) Present publication of Herold Berler’s personal and scholarly essay on these two giants of world literature. Berger’s unique stance is to follow the dictates of his imagination, inspired by a close life-long study of Goethe and Abai, and, alongside many detailed scholarly investigations, e.g. his comparative study of Goethe and Abai’s innovations in poetic metre, form and consonance, or of the sources and background of Goethe’s Eastern inspired masterpiece West-East Divan, Berler muses openly about the personal impact that Goethe and Abai have had on him.

HARDBACK ENG RRP: £17.50

ISBN:978-1-910886-16-8

COLD WAR II: CRIES IN THE DESERT OR HOW TO COUNTERBALANCE NATO’S PROPAGANDA FROM UKRAINE TO CENTRAL ASIA

by Charles Van Der Leeuw (2015) Cold War II” is the result of almost two years of intensive monitoring and collecting information and comments from various angles concerning US-led campaigns to surround the Russian Federation with enemies. The book offers a rich anthology of samples how media play into the hands of the US-led “war party” as well as those who try to expose such manipulations. Special attention is given to the civil war in Ukraine and the way it is exploited by the west for its own geopolitical goals, and to Kyrgyzstan which remains at risk of attempts to topple Central Asia’s sole parliamentary democracy and replace it by a US “client regime”.

HARDBACK

ISBN: 978-1910886076 RRP: £24.95

TALES FROM BUSH HOUSE (BBC Wolrd Service) by Hamid Ismailov (2012)

LAND OF FORTY TRIBES

by Farideh Heyat, 2015 Sima Omid, a British-Iranian anthropologist in search of her Turkic roots, takes on a university teaching post in Kyrgyzstan. It is the year following 9/11, when the US is asserting its influence in the region. Disillusioned with her long-standing relationship, Sima is looking for a new man in her life.

But the foreign men she meets are mostly involved in relationships with local women half their age, and the Central Asian men she finds highly male chauvinist and aggressive towards women.

PAPERBACK ISBN: 978-0-9930444-4-1 RRP: £14.95

BIRDS OF UZBEKSITAN

by Nedosekov (2012) FIRST AND ONLY PHOTOALBUM OF UZBEKISTAN BIRDS! This book, which provides an introduction to the birdlife of Uzbekistan, is a welcome addition to the tools available to those working to conserve the natural heritage of the country. In addition to being the first photographic guide to the birds of Uzbekistan, the book is unique in only using photographs taken within the country. The compilers are to be congratulated on preparing an attractive and accessible work which hopefully will encourage more people to discover the rich birdlife of the country and want to protect it for future generations HARDBACK ISBN: 978-0-955754913

RRP: £25.00

STRATEGIC GUIDLINES FOR HIGHER FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION

by Salima Kunanbayeva

Tales From Bush House is a collection of short narratives about working lives, mostly real and comic, sometimes poignant or apocryphal, gifted to the editors by former and current BBC World Service employees. They are tales from inside Bush House - the home of the World Service since 1941 - escaping through its marble-clad walls at a time when its staff begin their departure to new premises in Portland Place. In July 2012, the grand doors of this imposing building will close on a vibrant chapter in the history of Britain’s most cosmopolitan organisation. So this is a timely book.

PAPERBACK RRP: £12.95

ISBN: 9780955754975

PEACEMAKER THE SYRIAN CONUNDRUM

by Nurlan Onzhanov (2017) The Republic of Kazakhstan’s balanced foreign policy is one of our country’s main priorities and is recognised and understood by many. The aim of Kazakhstan, located in the centre of the Eurasian continent, is to maintain friendly relations with its neighbours and partners, and to develop and strengthen these ties, in line with the policy determined by the Republic of Kazakhstan’s president, our nation’s leader: Nursultan Abishuliy Nazarbayev. This book has been written from the perspective of an author who has personally witnessed the Head of State’s multifaceted work in the international arena.

Following the earlier publication of ‘Peacemaker’ it encompasses events connected with the Syrian crisis from 2011 to June 2017.

LANGUAGES ENG HARDBACK ISBN: 978-1-910886-52-6 RRP: £24.95

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PAPERBACK ISBN: 978-1-910886-67-0 RRP: £19.50 ENG

PHONETICS AND PHONOLOGY PROBLEMS

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PAPERBACK ISBN: 978-1910886182 RRP: £19.95 ENG

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AZAT AKIMBEK: ART COLLECTOR, ANTIQUES EXPERT AND PHILANTHROPIST

Karakalpakstan State Museum of Art, named after I. V. Savitsky K.Rzaev Street Nukus, 230100 Uzbekistan Tel/fax: (998-61) 222-25-56

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ISBN 978-0-9557549-9-9

IGOR SAVITSKY

Artist, Collector, Museum Founder

Marinika Babanazarova

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E-mail: museum_savitsky@intal.uz www.savitskycollection.org

IGOR SAVITSKY Artist, Collector, Museum Founder

6

by Marinika Babanazarova

CONTENTS

19/06/2011 22:34:31

Silk Road Media and the Karakalpakstan State Museum of Art named after I.V. Savitsky are pleased to announce the publication of “Igor Savitsky-Artist, Collector, Museum Founder” by Marinika Babanazarova, Igor Savitsky’s successor as Director of the Museum since his death in 1984. Since the early 2000s, Igor Savitsky’s life and accomplishments have earned increasing international recognition. He and the museum he founded in Nukus, the capital of Karakalpakstan in the far northwest of Uzbekistan, have also been the subject of numerous articles in the world’s most important newspapers and magazines, such as El Païs, Le Figaro, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, The Guardian, and the New York Times, of television programs in Australia, Germany, and Japan, and, most recently, of two full length documentary films . Marinika Babanazarova’s memoir is based on her 1990 graduate dissertation at the Tashkent Theatre and Art Institute (Department of Theory and History of Art). It draws upon correspondence, official records, and other documents about the Savitsky family that have become available during the last few years, as well as the recollections of a wide range of people who knew Igor Savitsky personally. As she states in the foreword to this deeply moving and personal narrative . . “I hope this memoir will serve not only as a multifaceted, broad-based portrait of a great man who was my mentor, but also as a tribute to his legacy.” The book’s publication-in separate Russian and English editions-was made possible with the support of several members of the Friends of Nukus Museum, a non-governmental, voluntary organization registered in The Netherlands.

ISBN: 978-0955754999 RRP: 10.00 AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

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L I M F F N EST A I S I A FILM FESTIVAL IN DACORUM EURASIAN

The new millennium promptly throws down new challenges.The world is compelled to unite against an economic crisis, terrorism and climate change . There are different ways of stabilization of these circumstances. As the great Russian writer F. M. Dostoevski has told “Beauty will save the world” each person has the aspiration to beauty, regardless of nationalities. Why don’t we unite mankind in search of fine and beauty? For realization of this purpose it is offered to create a film festival where cinematographers of Europe and Asia will search the peaceful and beautiful solution of universal problems gathering annually in Dacorum, UK. Currently a film industry is powerful weapon!

First festival will be held August 2018