BUILDING THE LANDBRIDGE
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THOMAS CHEPAITIS: CREATOR OF THE UNIQUE VILNIUS MICRO-STATE UžUPIS
BRITAIN AND TURKMENISTAN: INTERVIEW WITH THE AMBASSADOR LITERATURE CHANGES THE WORLD FOR A BETTER LIFE! JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE EARTH: ECG IN YAKUTIA UZBEKISTAN’S ZARA KING GRACEFULLY CONQUERS MISS USSR UK 2018
The Land Drenched in Tears: Story of a Tatar Woman in Mao’s China The Land Drenched in Tears is a moving history of the tumultuous years of modern China under Mao’s rule, witnessed, experienced, and told through the personal lens of an ethnic minority woman, who endured nearly 20 years imprisonment and surveillance regime as a result of her political activism in Xinjiang, or East Turkistan, located in the far west of China. Writing her autobiography as an extraordinary melange of diary and memoir, which oscillates between first-hand narrative and flashback, the author, Söyüngül Chanisheff, traces her unfortunate youth from her university years, when she founded the East Turkistan People’s Party as a result of her anger and frustration with communist China’s devastating mishandling of the socio-economic life of the people of her native land, through her subsequent imprisonment in China’s notorious labour camps as well as under the surveillance regime, to her emigration to Australia. Chanisheff’s autobiography is a rare, detailed, and authentic account of one of the most poignant and most fascinating periods of modern China. It is a microcosmic reflection of the communist regime’s tragic realities presented through the suffering and hope of a young woman who tied her fate to that of her beloved homeland. By boldly exploring hidden territories of modern Chinese history, it not only invites the reader to contemplate the universal topics, such as the relationship between citizen and state as well as between ethnic minority and majority, but also encourages similar stories to be told from our troubled contemporary world. This book is highly recommended for anyone who seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the many issues contemporary China faces. *The Land Drenched in Tears was translated from Uyghur by London-based Uyghur translator and singer Rahima Mahmut. Having received English PEN Translates grant in May 2017
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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.
FROM THE EDITOR
For the Central Asian nations, regrettably there is no such presence or stage upon which to embark on such diplomacy that far exceeds that which any embassy can muster these days. Sadly, football is still low on the radar of course for these nations and they struggle to compete on the world stage despite a rich heritage of their own sporting culture. So that means that hopefully you will enjoy an issue devoid of talk on who might win or who scored the best goal and be able to spend some (perhaps welcome?) time taken from your armchair back to the wonders of Central Asian history, culture, tradition and relatively little politics. And if you enjoy travels, and are missing the winter, then you can enjoy a sample of my early January trip to Yakutia to experience the coldest city on earth, Yakutsk. Maybe you are reading this relaxing in some sunny clime by the pool or in Central Asia’s stunning nature. Wherever you are I hope you will enjoy the summer, the football and the latest news and opinion from the region.
WELCOME WORD Well, as I sit down to write this, the World Cup has gotten off with a bang as hosts, Russia, trounced footballing minions, Saudi Arabia 5-0. Pessimism around the host nation’s footballing prowess before the match turned to jubilation and optimism within the space of 90 short minutes. All reports, thus far, have thankfully provided a view of Russia as a welcoming and energetic host with good natured mingling of nations playing football on the lawns outside the Kremlin and dancing arm in arm in the surrounds of Red Square.
Yours, Nick Rowan Editor-in-Chief
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COVER STORY
Užupis Republic? And where on earth is that? A Look at the Unique Creative Environment of the Old Town of Vilnius
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Tomas Čepaitis has been an ECG member since 2017. He is an essayist, English translator, and speaker of Lithuanian, Polish and French languages. He is also the publisher of the “Glashatay Zarechiya” newspaper and the “Zarzecze” Publishing house in Vilnius, and has been a European Culture Parliament member since 2013. Tomas translates verse, prose, dramatical works (from the likes of W.Saroyan, Y.Erlickas, S.T.Kondrotas and Laurence Stern) as well as scientific texts. He is the author of libretto, songs, musicals and rock operas and the winner of the “Haiku to Vilnius” award (2009).
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Besides, Tomas is one of the founders of a unique art project – Užupis Republic – a bohemian neighborhood-turned-independent-Republic based in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Currently Tomas is the Minister of Foreign Affairs of this “Republic”. It is not the first of such small micro-republics to sprout up across the world, but as with all such places it has an interesting story to tell. Initially Užupis was a district largely located in Vilnius’ old town; today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Užupis means “the other side of the river” in the Lithuanian language and refers to the Vilnia River; the name Vilnius was derived from the river Vilnia. The district contains the Bernardine Cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries in the city. Most of the district’s Jewish population were killed during the Holocaust, and later the old Jewish Cemetery further uphill would
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be destroyed during Soviet times. The houses left abandoned were later occupied by marginal elements of society, mainly the homeless and prostitutes. Until Lithuania’s declaration of independence in 1990, it was one of the most neglected areas in the city, containing many run-down houses, largely without utilities. The district has been a common haunt of artists and bohemians since Soviet times, and even today many young artists are squatting in abandoned buildings near the Vilnia River. 2013 saw the inauguration of two big art centres by the river and by the gymnasium. The “Art Republic Užupis” was founded on April 1, 1997 (April Fools’ Day) when the district declared itself an independent republic (The Republic of Užupis). This community started life as a squat. In 1997 the residents of the area declared that Republic of Užupis, put up their own independent flag, issued currency, post-
age stamps, and elected a president, and a cabinet of ministers. Of course, today artists are no longer squatting...but many art students still rent flats here. Meanwhile Tomas is the author of the famous Užupis constitution, which was co-written in a couple of hours with his friend Romas Lileikis, who later became the President of Užupis. Romas Lileikis is himself a poet, a musician, and a film director. This whimsical text, which also doubles as a Bill of Rights, would come to embody the philosophy and character of the newly-formed nation. Copies of the 39 articles of the Republic’s constitution and 3 mottos - “Don’t Fight”, “Don’t Win”, “Don’t Surrender” - in 23 languages, can be found affixed to a wall in Paupio street in the area. Sanskrit and Hindi versions of the constitution were added on 25th May 2017, and the latest board opening was a Kazakh version (on 15th June 2018) - the first official text in Latin alphabet for
over a hundred years. The next language will be Armenian and the launch is planned for July 5th. Some of these articles would be unremarkable in a constitution; for instance, Article 5 simply reads “Man has the right to individuality.” Others are more idiosyncratic; a typical example can be found in Article 1 (“People have the right to live by the River Vilnelė, while the River Vilnelė has the right to flow past people.”), Article 12 (“A dog has the right to be a dog.”) and Article 37 (“People have the right to have no rights.”), each of which makes an unusual apportionment of rights. There are a number of paired articles, such as Articles 16 (“People have the right to be happy.”) and 17 (“People have the right to be unhappy.”) which declare people’s right to either do or not do something, according to their desire. Today the population of Užupis is about 7,000 inhabitants including approximately 1,000 artists. The Republic even has its own national anthem, money, passport stamp, and an army (numbering something like 11
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men)! Each year they celebrate their independence on Užupis Day, April 1. Artistic endeavors are the main preoccupation of the Republic. The symbol of Užupis is an Angel – a statue of an angel blowing a trumpet – which was unveiled in the main square on April 1, 2002. It became a symbol of the revival Užupis. Previously, a temporary sculpture of an egg stood in its place. The egg itself became the subject of various anecdotes. After being replaced by the larger statue of Gabriel, the egg was sold at an auction and now stands on Pylimo street. Even Artūras Zuokas, a former mayor of Vilnius, lives in Užupis and frequently takes part in the Republic’s events. Užupis does not house Internet-cafes, kiosks, big malls, or governmental institutions (except Užupian ones), and there is no embassy to Lithuania.
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It is not a new idea – to organize free spaces, and it is popular around the world – squats, art spaces, intentional communities, alternative festivals, parties and dance events, eco-villages, etc. are rather popular. And, meanwhile, Užupis is not the only autonomous micro-nation in Europe. The most famous self-proclaimed autonomous village in Europe is Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen, Denmark. There are, of course, quite a few differences. The number of people living in Christiania seems to be considerably smaller, officially below 1000. But the project started by Tomas Čepaitis remains unique. Where Užupis seems to be not only condoned, but even celebrated by members of the Lithuanian Parliament, Freetown Christiania’s relationship with Denmark would appear to have been considerably rockier. Some long-term residents of Christiania even had the idea to buy (or rent) all of the land occupied by Christiania from the Danish State.
In Užupis artists, local people and visionaries have joined forces to creatively turn the area into a place of the ‘beyond’. Beyond, in the sense of being ‘wished for’, a collection of mindscapes and spaces for possibilities to become realities. Juhani Ihanus, Užupis Ambassador to Helsinki and Beyond, calls it a place that is not ‘owned’. He says, “Užupis is not ‘ours’, not belonging to ‘us’, to ‘our’ group or pals. If owned, it would become an institution systematically depriving its members of their individual rights. Perhaps it is for nomadic seekers of changing truths, for the wise and the ship of fools.” So, Tomas, his friends and colleagues have found their own understanding of freedom in their free cultural creative space. As Tomas says, “I was always a defender of small ways in politics, which do not harm other people. It is possible for humanity to survive, if it turns to restoring the stories of your generations, personal family sagas, and harmonize them with the times. There is no progress in the world, it is an illusion. Only installing new districts, while destroying old ones to build a “future oasis” is in fact a runaway from reality, cutting the roots and natural Godgiven rhythm. And every place, district of the world has its own sense and possibilities, not less richer than Uzhupis had. Every place deserves the same reverence, as was given by us to Užupis, and is waiting for its genius loci to return, as English poet Alexander Pope stated even in the 18th century.”
Constitutional Text in Kazakh Opened A ceremonial opening of a board with the Užupis Constitution text on Kazakh language was held on June 15th, 2018. Translation of the Užupis Constitution text into the Kazakh language was done by the famous Kazakhstan artist and the public figure Eraly Ospanuly, who is recognised not only in Kazakhstan, but also abroad. His graphics are placed in many museums of the world, and his pictures have appeared on lots at Sotheby’s and Christie’s – the oldest auction houses in the world. He is also the author of the academic publication “Kazakh Folk Customs”. As Užupis Ambassador in Kazakhstan Yana Gulbas said, “He has created this translation from all his creative soul and united thereby two really wise traditions of his nation – a holiday of the first word pronounced by children and celebrating the first steps in child’s life (“cutting the rope”). The sense of the words in Užupis Constitution can make happy both a child, and an artist, and a person grown with wise life experience. And the main thing to learn is not to stumble but to give the truly human wisdom for the words of the fundamental life law. This wisdom lies in the simple concepts listed in the Užupis Republic Constitution: • • • • • •
Everyone has the right to be of any nationality. Everyone may share what they possess. No one can share what they do not possess. Everyone has the right to have brothers, sisters and parents. Everyone may be independent. Everyone is responsible for their freedom.”
photo by Arita Golub text by Olga Mitakovich
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POLICY
BRITAIN AND TURKMENISTAN I write this looking out over the foothills of the Kopet Dag, which are lightly frosted with snow, a week after the Turkmenistan UK Trade and Industry Council (TUKTIC) in London: a good time to reflect on the relationship between our two countries. TUKTIC alternates between Ashgabat and London. It takes place at approximately 18 month intervals. It signals the clear desire on the part of the UK and Turkmenistan to expand and strengthen our commercial ties. We are both trading nations, though Sir Simon McDonald, Permanent Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, conceded last week that Turkmenistan has the longer track record in international trade. The city state of Merv was a regional centre and major transit point on the Silk Road in the 12th century. It was among the largest cities in
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the world at the time, second only to Kaifeng in China. And although it is technically still a young country, the territory which Turkmenistan now covers also had a capital city some time before we did. The fortress and settlement at Nisa, on the outskirts of present day Ashgabat, was the capital of the Parthian empire in the middle of the third century BC. As Sir Simon pointed out, that makes London, which was founded by the Romans only in 50 AD, look a comparative latecomer. Nor can we compete with Ashgabat’s marble buildings. London looked very brown by comparison. And of course it rained. Our welcome was warm, however. Turning to business, British companies have wide-ranging expertise to offer in areas where Turkmenistan has expressed an interest or a need. These include the oil and gas sector, financial services, engineering, ag-
riculture, utilities and education. We are pleased and proud that it was a British company, Trivandi Chanzo, which helped organise the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat last September. We are also delighted that Cambridge University has now signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Turkmen Ministry of Education which will enable them to work together to develop the English language curriculum for schools in Turkmenistan. We look forward to reproducing these successes in other fields, in particular with those companies which were represented at TUKTIC, and which all have a serious interest in doing business in Turkmenistan. We also had representatives from the Department for International Trade (DIT) there, including Arslan Garryyev, the International Trade Officer in our Embassy in Ashgabat. DIT promotes British trade and investment globally, and can link foreign companies to companies in the United Kingdom in their sector. Conversely it can, through Arslan, provide reporting for British companies on opportunities in Turkmenistan in their field. In some cases export finance is available to British companies trading with Turkmenistan through UK Export Finance.
We can tell you about that, too. Beyond trade, 2017 marked the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Turkmenistan. The year saw visits to Ashgabat by the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy, Baroness Nicholson, and also by Sir Simon McDonald himself, the first visit to independent Turkmenistan by a Foreign Office Permanent Under Secretary of State. This underlined our common interest, not just in trade, but more widely, in both the prosperity and wellbeing of the Turkmen people and the peace and security of the Central Asian region. We have noted, and value, Turkmenistan’s engagement in helping Afghanistan work towards a stable and prosperous future. We commend plans to expand transport links to its Central Asian neighbours and the country’s contribution to the equitable sharing of regional water resources through its chairmanship of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. We look forward to continuing our dialogue with the Turkmen government on these. We have much to learn from Turkmenistan’s understanding of the dynamics of Central Asia from its geographical position at the heart of the region.
POLICY
And there is a broader message to take away. It is that Britain is, and will remain, a reliable partner and an honest friend to Turkmenistan. We are a European country, proud of our European heritage and values. That will not change when we leave the European Union next year. But we have always looked out beyond Europe to the wider world. We see our global role as a country which promotes good governance, democracy, the rule of law and human rights, and which seeks to prevent and resolve conflict and to build stability, peace and prosperity. We will, in the words of the Prime Minister last year, now become even more “a country that goes out into the world to build relationships with old friends and new allies.” Turkmenistan is among those old friends, and last week’s meeting marked a further stage in that friendship. President Berdimuhamedov has designated 2018 the year that Turkmenistan commemorates its place at the heart of the Great Silk Road. With the development of a 21st century Silk Road from China across the world,
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Turkmenistan will once more be at the heart of the continent, a link in the chain, a connecting road. We hope that Turkmenistan will let us walk that road with them. Thorda Abbott-Watt British Ambassador to Turkmenistan 29 January 2018
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Cashing in on Kyrgyz Tourism Room for Further Development? 16 OCA MAGAZINE
Take it how you like but having been based in Kyrgyzstan for two years now as a freelance consultant completing evaluations of developmental projects I’ve seen tourists to the country come and go and have reflected on my own experiences in the process too. I originally herald from the historic city of York in the North of England, whose main source of revenue comes from the large number of tourists who visit the city each year, largely attracted by it’s spectacular architectural and cultural heritage. As such, I am well aware of the benefits that tourism, when managed well can bring to a city, a region and a country. I have frequently noticed people discussing how to develop tourism into a viable and sustainable sector of Kyrgyzstan’s economy whilst I have been here. A two day international forum held in Bishkek in November 2017 was in fact dedicated to the development of Kyrgyzstan as a ‘brand’ that could help to attract foreign visitors. At that forum, the consensus seemed to be that the Kyrgyzstan has great tourist potential, but to date this remains relatively untapped. What can Kyrgyzstan actually offer foreign tourists? Due to the fact that the Kyrgyz were a nomadic people, and so did not construct buildings, Kyrgyzstan does not possess an abundance of historic sites such as those in Uzbekistan or Georgia. It can however offer a range of largely outdoor activities, all of which have the potential to play a role in attracting those in search of adventure and something ‘a bit different’ from the average ‘package’ holiday. The impressive beauty of Kyrgyzstan’s mountainous wilderness offers huge possibilities for hiking, trekking, horse riding and skiing for the intrepid. Since 2014, Kyrgyzstan has hosted a biannual Nomadic Games, which are open to national teams from anywhere in the World who wish to compete in it. During the ‘Games’, over ten categories of traditional national sports associated with nomadism are conducted, including horseback archery, wrestling on horseback eagle hunting and ‘Kok Boru’, a sport similar to Polo in which two teams of hose riders battle over the carcass of a dead goat
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TOURISM which serves as the ball. The Games start with a lavish opening ceremony, which includes national music and dancing provided by skilled performers in national costume, and is introduced by the country’s President. For those who prefer less strenuous pursuits, Kyrgyzstan can also offer spectacular Issyk Kul, one of the world’s largest fresh water lakes, which was a popular holiday location during the Soviet period. Issyk Kul can offer can offer swimming, sunbathing, fishing and water skiing amongst other attractions. Winter also can offer excellent downhill and overland skiing at cheaper prices than in many locations. Kyrgyzstan’s current immigration regulations are very favourable to attracting tourists, as no visa is required before arrival for the nationals of many countries. There is accommodation available all over the country to meet all kinds of travel budgets from a few dollars to several hundred dollars a night. Return flights to Kyrgyzstan from Western Europe can cost less than $500, and internal prices are some of the lowest in the Central Asia region. As such, holiday prices are reasonably price competitive internationally.
needs from backpackers, and have the potential to create a sustainable source of income to a variety of operators in Kyrgyzstan. To date, the overwhelming majority of foreign short-term tourists are from post-Soviet countries, for the most part from neighbouring Kazakhstan and Russia. Unlike potential tourists from elsewhere, post-Soviet tourists know about Kyrgyzstan’s attractions and in this sense Kyrgyzstan can be said to already have something of a ‘brand’ among this section of the potential tourist market. They also view the country as in some way being part of ‘their world’ with a shared joint historical experience, similar psychological makeup and do not experience any language barriers. To date, the number of non-Russian speaking shortterm holiday-makers in Kyrgyzstan has been relatively modest. According to Government statistics, they have largely been from Western Europe, China, India and the Arab World. Non-Russian speaking short-term holiday makers would no doubt enjoy the same types of activities as Russian speakers, but would require an English, Chinese, Arabic or other language guide.
Backpackers visit Kyrgyzstan as part of their long-term world tours, often arriving overland from Kazakhstan or Tajikistan.They travel independently on a ‘shoestring’ budget, staying in cheap hostels and planning their own activities largely by consulting travel guides, other backpackers and social media. Although they are not always popular with mainstream travel agencies, they do provide income to hostel owners and other operators in the service sector. A future increase in their numbers would only bring more money into Kyrgyzstan
Having given the subject much thought, It has occurred to me and no doubt to others that there is great potential in Kyrgyzstan for incredible organised adventure holidays for groups of foreign tourists both from former Soviet countries and elsewhere. An action packed holiday of two to three weeks of could for instance consist of: • Hiking and trekking in the mountains, including camping in scenic locations such as beautiful lakes. • Horse riding either for experienced or lessons for beginners. • Coaching in how to play Kok Boru. • Coaching in archery. • An overnight stay in a yurt stay with a semi-nomadic family. • Learning Central Asian cooking from a master chef. • Souvenir hunting in the bazaar. • Sunbathing, swimming, water-skiing for the experienced and learners, or yoga at Issyk Kul. • Skiing in winter and spring, which could of course make up an entire holiday itself with some of the above-mentioned activities thrown in. • A historical tour of Bishkek.
Short-term holidaymakers whether they are from post-Soviet countries or elsewhere have very different
In early February 2018, I spoke with Azamat Zhamankulov, the Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Culture, in-
It seems to me to be possible to divide foreigners who come, or may come in the future, to Kyrgyzstan into four distinct categories, each of which has it’s own particular characteristics, which need to be taken into account by those working in tourism. The four distinct categories I would identify are English and Russian language backpackers, short-term Russian language holiday-makers, short-term English language students and short-term holiday-makers and tourists of all nationalities who attend the biannual Nomadic Games. Let’s take a look at the dynamics of each.
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formation and tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic in order to get an idea of the Government of Kyrgyzstan’s plans for developing the tourist sector. I learned that the Government views tourisms as being one of the most important economic sectors to develop and aims to in crease revenue from tourism to over 10% of GDP by 2023 from less than 5% at present. Government strategies to create ‘sustainable’ tourism include support to private sector operators, support to infrastructure, support to the biannual Nomadic Games and continuing and expanding the most liberal visa regulations in the Central Asia region. I have been impressed by the Government’s positive support for tourism in Kyrgyzstan whilst I have been in the country, and consider that their intentions to develop tourism potential in cooperation with the private sector are fully realisable.
explained something of the cultural significance of the Games. The Games are not political and have international significance. They can be viewed as a celebration of the world’s largely lost nomadic lifestyle, which was/ is totally un-polluting, lived in harmony with nature and has it’s own history, legends, form of leadership, art forms, games and laws. There is insufficient space to explore these kind of issues here, but anyone interested in finding out more, may like to attend the next Games themselves in September 2018.
I spoke with another person who can potentially play a key role in making Kyrgyzstan a major tourist destination also in February 2018, Nursultan Adenov, Head of the Secretariat of the World Nomad Games. He
For the 2018 Nomadic Games, I would suggest that it is desirable to maximize both international television and social media coverage of the games. Searches on the internet show that there was some international
One of the main things that has become clear to me is that the next International Nomad Games in September 2018 has the potential to be a catalyst for the development in Kyrgyzstan into a sustainable industry in the future.
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coverage of the previous Nomad Games. Reputable international newspapers, such as The Guardian, wrote about the 2016 Games, whilst international TV channels, Al Jazeera and an Indian channel DD News, produced informative reportages on it. On Youtube, as of early January 2016, the short clip of Al Jazeera had just under 20,000 views, whilst the DD News coverage had less than 2,000.
interest in tourism development in Kyrgyzstan should do as much as they can to make the film go viral as far as is possible. After this, individual travel agents in Kyrgyzstan could then take the opportunity to publicise their services online to potential new clients. With this kind of exposure to what tourists are likely to come Kyrgyzstan, and with the money they bring, tourist services can be improved and expanded.
I would suggest that government and private sector planners in Kyrgyzstan’s tourism business might like to aim to increase the coverage of the Nomad Games on international TV channels, newspapers and social media through implementation of a carefully planned strategy. They might like to have in mind the ‘brand’ of Kyrgyzstan they wish to create. I would suggest that this ‘brand’ could be, for instance, a fascinating, beautiful, largely undiscovered destination for the adventurous and a relatively new, modern, developing nation, rediscovering its lost traditional nomadic heritage.
In some cases international aid projects from private sector development have provided support to the tourism sector, for example by training hotel staff and tourist guides. I would suggest that future projects could continue to help tourism in Kyrgyzstan by teaching basic English phrases with the necessary interpersonal skills to border guards and those who work with tourists, such as guides and accommodation receptionists. Border guards smiling and saying ‘Welcome to Kyrgyzstan. Enjoy your stay’, and friendly hotel and hostel with whom foreign tourists can communicate would no doubt make a good impression on foreign visitors, who would then write about it on social media. This could only boost the budding tourist business and delivery the country a potentially even bigger future.
A quality documentary about the Games, which gives a flavour of Kyrgyzstan’s potential tourist attractions shown on international channels that could be very welcome. If such a film were to be made, those with an
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text by Symon Lord
VIEW
Tajikistan: Female Faces of Violent Extremism
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Participation of women in jihadism is an intriguing subject. Here, ideology and emotions, rejection and expectation are intertwined,and personal circumstances and spiritual motives are often mingled together. Yet, a recent upward trend has been noticeable. In Tajikistan, women constitute some 20 percent of those who travelled to the Middle East to join Salafi jihadi groups there, a slightly higher proportion than the EU average. Three types of women’s involvement with jihadi movements can be observed: passive, active and confused. The passive type prevails. This is a wife taken to the Middle East through pressure or a lack of awareness, or a woman married to a domestic jihadi who has been unable to resist indoctrination in family. Their problem is often the marriage they are in, over which they have little control, especially if they have children. Many young women are taught since childhood that loyalty to one’s husband is a woman’s greatest virtue and that the ability to bear come what may is a secret of a good married life. Thus, they fall victims of ignorance, are motivated by a desire to keep the family together, or by excitement of going abroad. Some women are materially driven and are susceptible to the promises of flats, cars, money, allowances, an opportunity to have domestic help and avoid living with one’s mother-in-law under the same roof. Some believed that they were going with their husbands to Turkey for work, and realised that they were in Syria when it was too late. The active type is a local recruiter and a propagandist, a transnational activist facilitating the movement of recruits into foreign fighting zones. She could have moved to Iraq or Syria to become a nurse, a doctor or a teacher, to be in a profession where interaction is confined to females only. She is an activist by nature, holds ideological convictions, wants to be a part of ‘something big’ and is internet-savvy. Such women embrace Salafi jihadism on their own free will and in different circumstances might have joined another type of social movement.Exodus to Syria is a conscious choice and sign of empowerment, with men often uninvolved in their decisions. They tend to be educated and conscious about the world around them. Such women are active on internet sites and mobile applications, as they have sufficient education to master prolific social networking and enough time to engage in it.Those with active minds and ambitions do not find it easy to fulfil behavioural expectations that the community places
on them, and the socially conscious types despair of the problems their country is experiencing. These are the women that are likely to be attracted by the false notions of moral certainty, purity, overcoming ethnic boundaries, social equality and justice that IS claims. They started to come out.The first six trials of women accused of recruitment into Salafi jihadism took place in Tajikistan in 2016 showing that women began to play greater and more pro-active roles, because there were no such convictions reported before. Around that time, they started to feature on the wanted list of photos of foreign fighters in Syria and Iraq, - one posing with a machine gun, which previously only included men.
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VIEW The ‘confused’ face is often driven by reaction to circumstances and strong emotions. Some women find themselves in problematic life situations and become targets for recruiters who offer a way out of family tensions or financial difficulties. Redemption can be a motivational drive. Repentant sex workers and women in entertainment industry can regard involvement into Salafi-jihadism as redemption for their past ‘sins’ and a ‘born again’ experience. For example, in Sughd, which has a holiday resort with various facilities, a 28-year old former night club dancer R.M. was sentenced to a 12-year in prison for intending to participate in the armed conflict in Syria with her common-law husband. Reportedly, the couple were recruited by her brother who was fighting in Syria. Pursuit of love and marriage is also a powerful driver. The notion of ‘jihadi love’ gained traction as some women fall to the appeal of warrior masculinity of jihadi fighters. For them, they are ‘real men’ – heroes in contrast to banality and what they perceive as a deficit of masculinity around them. They also think that the sex power equation is in their favour, as there are many more men than women available for marriage in the conflict zones. There is a distinct group of jihadi brides - single women who are considered to be past marriageable age in their home communities.They leave for Syria for romantic reasons, with engagements made on WhatsApp prior to departure, and marry as soon as they get to their destinations. It has been alleged that women who are educated, but have been unable to find any husbands, are particularly vulnerable to recruiters. Often all ends rather badly. Many became widows in Iraq and Syria, sometimes more than once, and they and their children face great difficulties in leaving the conflict zones. So-called ‘ISIS families’ got displaced after the fall of Mosul and Raqqa, and have been dispersed throughout the region, including Turkey and Jordan. In Tajik law, women who were taken as family members into fighting zones and were stay-at-home wives and daughters, are not prosecuted on return, but such cases hardly happen.They have no documents and are too scared to declare where they come from when they arrive into refugee camps, and repatriation help is hardly available. To be fair, the state authorities, including the Committee on Women and Family Affairs, make efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism. However,
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the phenomenon of radicalisation is elusive, and far more developed countries than Tajikistan struggle with the same problem. Different cultural influences pull Tajikistan in different directions, and radicalised teachings and jihadi propaganda increasingly are one of them. As long as these ideas are not defeated, there will be women drawn into them. Research in Tajikistan was supported by the UN Women. Anna Matveeva is the author of Through Times of Trouble (Lexington Books, 2018)
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.
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HISTORY
THE ENCHANTED WANDERER
AVICENNA
There are only few people from the East who are unconditionally recognised by Europe. Avicenna takes the first place among these glorious people. Suffice to say that after the invention of a printing press, Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine became the first printed book after the Bible.
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APPRECIATED GENIUS We mostly know him as an outstanding physician, who in those days was compared to Hippocrates and Galen. If everything is more or less clear with Hippocrates and his oath, then Galen is rightfully considered the father of European medicine. The great Michelangelo used to say, “It is better to make mistakes eulogising Galen and Avicenna than to be right, eulogising others”. We will talk a lot about the medical heritage, but now let’s highlight Avicenna’s main works, in addition to his most famous “The Canon of Medicine”.There are “The Book of Knowledge”, “The Book of Instructions and Notes”, “The Book of Fair Trial”, “The Book of Salvation” and even mystical works such as “The Book of Love”, “Liberation from Death Fear”, or “Books about Predestination”. Researchers still cannot say exactly how many works he has written. According to some data, the number of scientific works by Avicenna exceeds 456! Many works were misattributed to Avicenna, which is also a sign of success. Other works may be forged. There is one thing beyond doubt, though, the personality of Avicenna is comparable perhaps only with Leonardo da Vinci. He was interested in absolutely everything: mathematics, physics, chemistry, animal physiology, music theory, military strategy, linguistics, law and astronomy. Avicenna has been mentioned in European culture since the XII century. Since then people and books can’t stop talking about him. A lot of books are written about this famous man, many of his thoughts are relevant to this day. Avicenna is one of the few people in the history of human civilisation, whose fame has not faded for a thousand years, but even became more vivid. Till now, many countries have argued about who owns exclusive rights to this genius.Turkey, Uzbekistan,Tajikistan, Iran - each of these countries treat him as their own national treasure and they all have a reason to believe so. After all, Avicenna was born in Turkestan and buried in Persia, although he spent most of his life wandering around Iran and Turan. Several monographs, such as “Ibn Sina the Great Turkish Scholar”, have been published in Turkey, while a majestic monument was erected in Dushanbe.The Turks and Persians consider him to be a diamond of their history. For more than a thousand years the Muslims, in their turn, have been visiting the Mausoleum of Avicenna as a holy place in sign of respect and in the hope of being healed. Avicenna, or more precisely, Abu Ali Al-Hussein Ibn Abdallah Ibn Sina, was born into a wealthy family. His father, Abdillah Ibn Hasan, served as a tax collector. However, unlike present times perhaps, this service required education, life experi-
ence, intelligence and decency. After all, “only pure thoughts and responsibility can prevent abuse, because bribery cannot be concealed.” Anyway, Avicenna’s father spent a lot of money on the education of his children and was not found to be involved in anything suspicious. Avicenna’s mother, Sitara, was from Afshan, a small village near Bukhara, where Avicenna was born in 980AD. THE MAIN THING IS TO UNDERSTAND THE ESSENCE… In those days, children were trained from the age of five until “fully being educated”. In school they studied Farsi and Arabic, grammar, stylistics, poetics, the Koran and much more. As a school boy, Avicenna made great progress for five years of training. Finally, it turned out that he had nothing to do at this school by the time when he turned ten. He brilliantly mastered Arabic, Farsi-Dari was his native language, therefore the boy’s quatrains in both languages were always the best. Being a ten-year-old boy, Avicenna knew the Koran by heart. He was yet to get acquainted with his favourite topics of mathematics and medicine, but even then his mind was ready for the hardest work. One of these days, Bukhara was visited by Abu Abdillah Nathili, a well-known scientist of that time.The tax collector immediately went to the scientist and literally begged him to stay at his home. Avicenna’s father even promised to provide the scientist with food and water and pay a salary only for training his son and giving him an example of “comprehension of knowledge.” Continuous communication with the scientist immediately delivered its benefits. Avicenna wrote, “I was the best among many students asking questions.” A little later, he became the best of those who tried to answer these questions. At that time, Aristotle was the greatest figure of authority in the scientific and philosophical world, and at the age of fifteen young Avicenna began to study Aristotle’s Metaphysics. Surprisingly, this philosophical treatise was translated at that time into all major Eastern languages and repeatedly commented. The fifteen-year-old teenager read this fundamental work several times and, as he recollected, could not comprehend it until a bookseller advised him to read Al-Farabi’s Comments to Aristotle’s Metaphysics. Later Avicenna called Al Farabi’s work a “treasure and key to the understanding of everything.” After this breakthrough, Avicenna called Aristotle his teacher, while his theory about the unity of material, physical and spiritual things became a determining point for the young man.
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HISTORY Perhaps, after comprehending this treatise, he extraordinarily easily learned medicine. “Medicine is not as difficult as it is commonly believed. The main thing is to understand the essence, but not the outward appearances,” said Aviccena, being a daring boy of sixteen, not a grey-haired wise man. No, young Ibn Sina was not an arrogant braggart...When the Emir of Bukhara, Nuh Ibn Mansur was sick, the best healers could do nothing about his illness, and seventeen-year-old Avicenna was invited to the palace. Avicenna cured the emir and was appointed as the emir’s resident physician and granted an access to the emir’s personal library. Avicenna triumphed as he could read “books that no one else could see.” The fact is that Bukhara experienced the last quiet years in its history, a little later the city was conquered by sultan Mahmud Gaznevi. The city was ruined, the emir’s palace and library burned down. By that time, the twenty-year-old young man already became a well-formed scientist, who wrote several large books and held correspondence with all the bright minds of his time. But life in Bukhara became more and more alarming and the young genius went to Urgench at the personal invitation of Khorezm Shah Mamun II.
Losing his strength and friends, Avicenna crossed the terrible desert and came to western Iran. There he was met by emir Kudus, a poet and philosopher, who surrounded himself with scientists (people of that time called them “the light of truth”). Ibn Sina became a star of the first magnitude among these scientists. The emir presented Avicenna with a house and gave him all he needed, including an opportunity to communicate with others and work. It was the place where Avicenna started writing the first volume of the Canon of Medicine. However, a quiet life is not for the eternal wanderer. Whether for safety reasons, or in search of new knowledge, Avicenna left everything and set foot on the path of adventure once more. He slept in inns, paid visits to rich people, communicated with the poor. And everywhere he healed and cured people, sometimes saving hopeless patients. Everything he saw and felt he entered into his travel books. But sinister Sultan Mahmud Ghaznevi didn’t stop searching for him. The scientist was put on the wanted list, a reward was promised for his head. Forty drawings describing the fugitive were issued.
Khorezm Shah Mamun was an amazing figure of his time. He was a well-educated, witty man, who always tried to come to the core of the matter. At the same time, he was rich and powerful. He brought together all outstanding representatives of science and culture at his court. The most outstanding minds could discuss the most pressing problems and exchange views in his palace. Most importantly, the scientists were given an opportunity to work, in particular to verify scientific hypotheses and conduct the most courageous experiments. Often there were serious disputes between researchers and philosophers, in which Avicenna was a winner more often than others. The arguments of Avicenna baffled even Biruni, the most famous wise man of that time.
In 1023 Avicenna stayed in Hamadan and cured another emir from gastric disease. As a reward, Avicenna was appointed a vizier in the rank of advising minister. The new vizier worked hard and developed a number of projects to manage the country and even a reform of armed forces. But the Ministry of Defence had its own views on this matter and military generals asked the emir to execute Avicenna. The pressure from military officials was so great that the emir was forced to expel the reformer from the country. Forty days after Avicenna’s deportation, the emir suffered another attack, and the physician was returned back with honour. However, Avicenna didn’t want to stay at the court and tried to leave. But the ruler was changed and military officials imprisoned Avicenna for four months. The physician was treated with extreme caution as everyone could fall ill. This fact enabled him to escape.
ENDLESS WAY
ALLAH HAS MORE IMPORTANT THINGS TO DO…
However, this idyll could not last long. Mahmud Gaznevi, a new formidable ruler, appeared on the horizon. The cruel despot wished to see the most famous scientists, musicians and poets at his court so that they “could enjoy the honour of presence” in the sultan’s palace. Disobedience was equated to a treason felony.The ruler of Khorezm could not disobey and only advised his friends to flee before it was too late. Finally, Avicenna and his friend went to sandy Kara-Kum in order to prove that scientists serve for science, not for authorities, no matter how terrible they are.
While wandering, Avicenna still made his research and practiced medicine. Sometimes Avicenna healed his patients in the open air from his saddle. Finally, the scientist came to the heart of Persia - the city of Isfahan, the largest city of that time. This bright and noisy city with a population of a hundred-thousand people became the place where Avicenna completed the fifth volume of his Canon of Medicine, a work that took ten years. This unique work collected all the medical knowledge accumulated by that time. The Canon covers anatomy, physiology, surgery, acute, chronic and even hered-
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Even a simple enumeration of what he did is amazing. There are more than 450 works covering 29 areas, of which 274 have survived. Moreover, Avicenna composed poems and wrote many philosophical works. Unlike many other people, Avicenna understood God in his own way. Allah is the all-knowing father, who created this world. This is his main mission. Avicenna believed that God supervised only such issues as creation of the universe and maintenance of the general order. In his opinion, it is wrong to believe that God keeps watch over the daily bustle of people and participates in their affairs. Meanwhile, Massoud Gaznevi, the successor of Sultan Mahmud, together with his huge army broke into Isfahan in 1030. Violence, fires and outrages came about with a bang. Avicenna also was faced with difficult times: his house was destroyed, many of his manuscripts and works disappeared without a trace. “The Book of Justice” consisting of 20 parts was irrevocably lost. Who knows, maybe this book unveiled the deepest thoughts of our genius.
itary diseases. It describes 800 simple medicines and even complex ones: some of them contain up to 37 components. Almost on every page the Canon offers new information, previously unknown to medical science. In gratitude for such a thorough work, naturalist Carl Linnaeus called a whole family of tropical plants as Avicennia. Avicenna was the first scientist who described plague, cholera, jaundice, distinguished smallpox from measles, described diabetes, named symptoms and treatment for such diseases as meningitis and stomach ulcers and many others.The scientist believed that “febrile states” are caused by invisible carriers of disease. Louis Pasteur confirmed this theory more than 800 years later.Avicenna had a lot of similar hypotheses. It was Avicenna who first explained how the eye worked. Earlier people believed that the human eye emitted special rays like a flashlight. Being reflected from objects, these rays returned back and give images.This is not so much medicine as physics of course.
Avicenna died at the age of 57 during a military campaign in 1037, accompanying the emir. When Avicenna realised that his body was exhausted, he advised physicians,“Do not waste medicines. It’s in vain. I’m not suitable for treatment”. Before his death, the genius donated his property to the poor and rewarded and dismissed his servants. Avicenna was buried in Hamadan, where his tomb is located now. His mausoleum was rebuilt in 1954, when the World Peace Council celebrated the millennium anniversary of the scientist. In general, little is known about Avicenna and his personal life. You may ask, “What about women?” There are only beautiful poems glorifying their beauty. There are no names, no specific references. But in his edification for descendants he said, “We die in full consciousness and take only one thing: the understanding of the fact that we have learned nothing.”
text by Adam Kapanov image AVICENNA, Fathy Zin
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EDUCATION
Welcome to Belarus:
A Glance at Educational Opportunities Many years have passed since the Republic of Belarus was considered to be on the outskirts of Russia and needed a special introduction. Nowadays Belarus is a dynamic, fast-growing country with cities of European format and an open visa-free policy. Every year the number of tourists increases; in 2017 Belarus was visited by more than 283,000 foreign citizens. Guests are attracted by the unique Belarusian nature; a distinct and proud culture with its own language, customs, cuisine and art; and the warm and friendly attitude towards foreigners. Of particular interest is acquaintance with the educational system of the Republic of Belarus. Belarusians have not destroyed the strong traditions of the Soviet school system and are moving confidently along the path of the Bologna process. About 15,000 foreign students from 126 countriesare enrolled today in higher education institutions.They opt for Belarus due to the high quality of education, qualified faculty members and the possibility of studying Russian and Belarusian languages in an authentic environment. The relatively low cost of training also serves as a good opportunity to participate in the educational programs of the Republic of Belarus. The Belarusian system of higher education comprises 42 states and 15 non-state higher educational institutions (VNU) with a total of 243,700 students. Universities and academies offer graduate and post-graduate programs and are engaged in fundamental research. Higher educational institutions offer full-time (day) and part-time (night and correspondence) programs in Russian, Belarusian and English languages. The degree that has been traditionally conferred by Belarusian higher educational institutions is called a Certified Specialist. It usually requires five years of training, success in the final
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state examinations and the defense of a thesis. The study at medical institutions lasts longer and has a different set of requirements. The need to integrate into the world educational community has stimulated the introduction of two other degrees: Bachelor’s, after four years of training, and Master’s, after six years of instruction. The advanced scholarly degrees include Kandydatnavuk (literally “Candidate of Sciences”) and Doktarnavuk (Doctor of Sciences). The degree of Kandydat is approximately equivalent to a Ph.D. and requires at least three years of post-graduate study, success in qualification examinations, and the defence of a dissertation. The Doktar’s degree is highly prestigious and can be obtained after many years of teaching and independent research. A three-year sabbatical called daktarantura leads to the defence of a second dissertation of high theoretical and practical value.The defence is preceded by the publication of several dozen articles and at least one monograph.[1] Belarusian education never stops in its development. Recently, the National Institute for Higher Education (NIHE) has entered the world ranking, Round University Rankings (RUR). RUR is a world university ranking, which measures the performance of the world’s 930 leading universities by 20 indicators across 4 key missions: teaching, research, international diversity and financial sustainability. The National Institute for Higher Education has the official status of the leading educational institution in the sphere of professional development and normative-methodological support of the higher school of the Republic of Belarus. In implementing its educational and cultural programs, the Institute makes wide use of the human and intellectual potential of education and science of the Republic of Belarus, close partnerships with the institutes of the CIS, the UN, UNES-
CO, the Council of Europe, foreign universities, educational, scientific and information centers.[2]
choice for obtaining comprehensive informationabout educational programs and any forms of cooperation. [3]
Today, the Republic of Belarus sets ambitious goals in the sphere of exporting educational services and attracting foreign students. The Study Centre for International Cooperation in Education is engaged in the scientific, methodological and organizational support of this activity. Here an examination of international treaties in the field of education is carried out, continuous professional training of employees of institutions of higher education engaged in international cooperation is organized, various trainings and conferences on the development of export activities of the Republic of Belarus are held. On the basis of the centre there is an information-consulting centre on foreign citizens training in the Republic of Belarus, remote consultation of representatives of higher education institutions, recruiting companies on international cooperation issues. This centre is the right
It is the NIHE where the foreign educational documents are examined for their recognition in Belarus. Annually, the centre issues about 2,000 responses on academic and professional recognition of foreign documents on education, training periods. The National Institute for Higher Education performs the function of the National Information Centre on Academic Recognition and Mobility (Belarus ENIC). For the last three years the Institute has organised and conducted an “International Summer School of the Belarusian Language�. During a two-week period the participants of the project have a unique opportunity to acquire the skills of Belarusian oral and written communication in a short time and to join the linguistic, historical and cultural heritage of Belarus. The lecturers, who are well-known Belarusian research-
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EDUCATION ers, introduce students to the current issues and problems of Belarusian linguistics, literature, history and culture. Visiting museums, exhibitions, libraries and other cultural centers of the country, meetings with figures of Belarusian culture, art and science and themed parties allow listeners to plunge deeper into the linguistic cultural environment.The “International Summer School of the Belarusian Language” is already a fairly well-known project, which every year attracts up to 80 people from about 45 countries, who are interested in the Belarusian language. The Russian school, teaching the language as a foreign language, and internship programs for foreign students are of no less interest. The lecturers have extensive experience in teaching Russian as a foreign language, using special teaching methods and individual approach to each student, making the learning process more comfortable and efficient including distance learning. Programs are designed for all levels and ages, at the end of the course a student receives a state certificate. On behalf of the Ministry of Education, the National Institute for Higher Education works on creating a regulatory and methodological framework for the establishment of the National Certification Centre of the Belarusian and Russian languages. The NIHE has prepared a new format of training programs for university staff and has enabled internship abroad as part of professional mobility on such subjects as: “The strategy of an educational institution for the development of export of educational services”, “Innovative strategies for the career guidance of centres for planning and career development in the institutions of higher education”,“Scientific, methodological and organisational support of pedagogical activity with foreign students in English”, “Cognitive Science and Education in the European Higher Education Area and the Republic of Belarus” and others. During these programs specialists, teaching staff and heads of educational institutions will be able to visit educational institutions, to get acquainted with the peculiarities of the organisation and implementation of activities of educational institutions abroad. A special role is played by the NIHE in the formation and implementation of the state youth policy, the organisation of educational work in the institutions of higher education. The qualification “A Youth worker” can be obtained only at the Department of Youth Policy and Social and Cultural Communication (it should be noted that far-sighted business leaders and organisations have recently introduced this position into the staff list). The NIHE prepares and publishes an annual national report titled, “On the situation of young
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people in the Republic of Belarus”, and holds a computer database of talented young people among students and working youth. The NIHE has some experience in the implementation of international projects and programs. For example, this period serves as the national coordinator of the project ERASMUS + “Promotion of development of competencies in Belarusian higher education (FOSTERC)”. 8 Belarusian universities are developing projects of experimental educational programs in the field of higher education stage II (training starts on September 1st 2018), providingthe implementation of the Bologna tools in the educational process of the organization and orientation of training content on the formation of competencies demanded by the labour market. Employees of the NIHE represent our country in the Council of CIS; the Council of Europe’s Steering Committee for Youth Affairs; the Pool of European Youth Researchers (PEYR), and the Group of national correspondents of the European Knowledge Centre on Youth Policy (EKCYP).
WELCOME TO BELARUS! Welcome to the National Institute for Higher Education! http://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/144/Belarus-HIGHER-EDUCATION.html#ixzz5EbFYwoUy http://www.nihe.bsu.by/index.php/ru/ http://studyin.edu.by/en
text by Ludmila Kozhuhovskaya Vice-Rector for International and Scientific-Methodical Work Of the National Institute for Higher Education (Minsk) photo by Varvara Smahtina
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LITERATURE
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LITERATURE CHANGES THE WORLD FOR A BETTER LIFE! by Bakhtygul MAKHANBETOVA, Literary agent, Kazakhstan
A love of literature made me get involved with the challenging project of promoting Kazakh authors. The idea came to me 3 or 4 years ago and I started to be interested in different international literature contests in the world. I invested a lot of time and energy to reach my goal and find prospective fields for me to realise my ideas. There is, however, one serious problem that does not allow literature to be available to world readers.This means that it must be translated into other foreign languages, mostly into English. My efforts presented me with a first lucky chance at the Open Eurasian Book Forum and Literature Contest that allowed any authors from Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries to be the participants of this big event, presenting their books without translation into English with the hope to win recognition on an international level. Hard work with Kazakh authors’ promotion sometimes seemed to me useless, but I did not give up. Fortunately, the 2016 OEBF literature contest results were very optimistic for my authors.The shortlist of winners contained the names of writers and illustrator presented by the first literary agency “Bestsellerkz”, from Kazakhstan, such as Serik Asylbekuly, Beknur Kisikov in the category of”Literature”, Aigul Kemelbayeva in the category of“ Translation” and Zhenis Nurlybayev - 2nd place in the category of “Illustration”. Following this appreciation, I decided to keep on working further with the same goal to open new names to world readers thanks to the organisers of this wonderful big event for creative people. Ten out of sixteen authors got into the shortlist of the 2017 OEBF that made me more certain with my directions. I am happy to name several Kazakh authors, whose works were selected as the best ones among others, such as Tynymbay Nurmaganbetov, Kuandyk
Tumenbay, Alibek Askarov, Saule Doszhan, Kenges Duisen, Galym Zhaylybay, Serik Aksunkaruly, Naziken Alpamyskyzy in the category of “Literature”, Saule Doszhan in the category of “Translation” and Kuralay Umbetova in the category of “Illustration”. As a surprise I found out one more recognition of my work in the literary contest, in the list of 3rd place winners were found Galym Zhaylybay – nomination for ”Poetry”, Saule Doszhan - nomination for “Prose”. Naziken Alpamyskyzy, the eldest participant of the contest, was awarded the nomination by the “Association of Generals of the World for Peace”, for the best work on the topic of strengthening peace, friendship and mutual understanding between people. Last year, five Kazakh authors publish their books within the book series “Eurasian Creative Guild (London)” by Hertfordshire Press publishing house. Presentations were held on 11-13 October in England, where the following writers and poets from Kazakhstan took part, such as: Kuanysh Zhiyenbay, Naziken Alpamyskyzy, and Gulzada Netkaliyeva. Gulzhan Elesheva, a journalist from Atyrau, Kazakhstan, was in the list of participants of the literary week in London, too. The group of writers and poets paid a visit to the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Mr. Erlan Idrissov, and had a very interesting discussion about issues of Kazakh literature promotion. Kuanysh Zhiyenbay, Naziken Alpamyskyzy, Gulzada Netkaliyeva, and Gulzhan Elesheva gave him their books and a young poet, Ardaktym Netkaliyeva was glad to read one of her poems during the meeting at the Embassy. Bakhtygul Makhanbetova, literary agent, shared her thoughts about the translation work of Kazakh literature and suggest-
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LITERATURE
ed some ideas to co-operate in partnership with the Embassy. We, also enjoyed the film “Hamlet” by Aziz Zairov during the literary days in London and took photos with the main leading actor. One more presentation of the authors’ books was held in Stockholm, Sweden, which was also full of interesting events during the annual international contest, festival and forum, OEBF2017. Three finalists, Naziken Aplamyskyzy, Saule Doszhan, Kenges Duisen, and Nazipa Shanai, with Bakhtygul Makhanbetova, as their literary agent were happy to spend wonderful time together as a group delegation from Kazakhstan, on 15-22 November, 2017, in Stockholm. The festival was a very good platform of exchanging ideas around literature, art, and culture. Saule Doszhan noted that, it helped her to prove herself. Naziken Alpamyskyzy presented her poems by commenting their history in Kazakh and Russian so enthusiastically. Kenges Duisen suggested some interesting ideas about an animation project based on his novels and tales for children to his colleagues from different countries. Nazipa Shanai is planning to publish a book in future. Bakhtygul Makhanbetova took part in all events actively and even functioned as one of the moderators of the round table dedicated to translation issues of the world literature. She and other moderators focused on the success of translating texts from original languages but not translating Kazakh
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works into foreign languages. A few words about other creative and talented people from Kazakhstan, first, poets, Marina Mikhailovskaya and Dilyara Lindsay were brilliantly genius with their poetry world during the festival days. Antonina Shouster talked about Elena Bezrukova in her book and it helped us to learn more about a successful woman, who has overcome many difficulties in her life and achieved a lot. Adam Kapanov and his son, Anuar Kapanov invested their energy and knowledge, and finance to let festival ideas come true. Dauren Kasteev, the 2nd place winner in the category of “Illustration”, presented his masterpieces successfully at the exhibition during literary week in London and at the festival in Stockholm. A special guest of the festival, Nurym Taibek was also a very respectable speaker of the literary days in London and festival week in Stockholm. He lives in London these days. Thanks to the Embassy employers of Kazakhstan, we were happy to visit the group of Kazakh diaspora that live in Sweden for a long time.We visited museums, libraries and took photos at the Nobel museum and other places of interest. In conclusion, I must note, that ECG started to function at the right time, co-ordinated by the right group of people, and at the right places where hundreds of creative and talented people from different parts of the world can communicate and become partners, friends and peacekeepers in the world!
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ART
Finding the Way to Yourself 38 OCA MAGAZINE
The artist, Zhurkabayeva Guldana, is on the threshold of her first mature personal exhibition “WAY TO YOURSELF” that will be held at the Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This sums up the results of what has been done since her first personal exhibition of 2008. Since then the artist has created about 150 creative works. During her training as an interior designer, Guldana began to take great interest in painting and graphics. At the same time she made a choice in favour of free creativity in the field of easel painting. The works of Zhurkabayeva Guldana reflect the signs of modern Kazakh art, where it is possible to see a mixture of techniques of Decorative and Applied Arts, a message to the symbolism of rock paintings, a historical past and comprehension of national symbols, both medieval and modern. At the same time, various works refer to the style trends of the 20th century. But most of all, her works also have a lot of their own, personal style. The silhouettes, symbols, proportions and plots of ancient rock carvings are aligned with a texture of natural “wild” material. The use of animal skins, the unpolished fur gives the impression of ancient messages. The “animal style” of the Scythians is repeatedly seen in the works of this modern master and other from Kazakhstan.The themes of totemism and shamanism are close and exciting for many contemporaries. Here the artist rethinks ancient symbols, extensively using them in her work. The works on the skin “Scythian Motifs”, “ Deer Hunting”, “Cave Circulation”, “Petroglyphs of Tamgaly”, “Sounds from the Past” and many others were made by the author under the impression of the first drawings of mankind.
The fragmented vision of the world, which for an ordinary person would be a disaster, for a true artist, perhaps, is a starting point for artistic experiments. The multiple projection of forms, or separation of compositions into the right and left parts, occurs in many of Guldana’s works, for example in one of her earliest works “Cause and Effect”. Here, conditionally depicted is an eye shape, torn in the centre, which reflects an endlessly repeated series of figures, like a reflection in a room of mirrors. All the expression of an irreversible reality is perceptible in this work. In general, in To bring your vision and to be understood by the view- the most of Guldana’s paintings, we can see images of er is not an easy task, especially if emotional feelings human eyes, “Glance of Green Eyes”, “The Priests of are added to it. The artist is given the gift to see the the Eye”, “Where is a Saviour?”, “Displacements” and world in a different way.The world is bifurcated, divided many others. The eyes are one of the main symbols, a window into a kind of unreal world and the centre of and emotionally sharp in the works of Guldana. Shortly before her first personal exhibition, Guldana the universe and the reflection - the mirror of the soul. underwent serious eye surgery, after which she saw the Choosing a theme for her future works, Guldana tries real world in a fragmented, divided state. Not only was to fully reveal and diversify the motives of her works, her acuity of vision changed, but also the estimation sometimes looking for answers in the works of old of the size of objects and the distances between them. masters. The artist does not just represent a divided world, she lives in it.
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Inspired by the creativity of the surrealists Giorgio de Chirico and Salvador Dali, she experiments with the shape and space as exemplified by the painting “The Unconscious”. In a flaming timeless space, on conventionally designated architectural forms, a lonely, lifeless sculptural figure melts.
recent works “Order in Chaos”, “Do it Now”, “Living Energy”, “Mirror of the World”, “Dissolve in Motion”, presented at the exhibition, clearly demonstrate it.
The all these works were created in the technique of traditional easel painting. Guldana learns new material for herself and the themes of the works tell about In other works of Guldana, we see the philosophy of many deep thoughts of the transience of life, death and Buddhism, “Meditation in the dimensions,” “The East love.The philosophy of the latest works reveals maturiis a subtle matter”. Guldana often discusses religion, ty and readiness for self-development, scrupulous work self-knowledge, faith in yourself and God.The names of in the ratio of colour elements, the search for form and harmony of composition.
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ZHURKABAYEVA GULDANA (ALINA) TURSYNOVNA. Kazakhstan, Astana • • • • • •
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Member of the Eurasian Union of Designers Member of the Union of Associations of Young Artists of Astana Member of the International Organization of Expo & Women Participant of international, republican, regional, city exhibitions The laureate of the “Shabyt” award of the Kostanay Public Fund of the Club of Patrons in the nomination of “Fine Arts”, 2009 Laureate of the 2nd degree of the International Festival-Competition “Tanysu”, Republic of San Marino, 2016, Nomination of Applied and Decorative Arts Laureate (1st place) of the International Festival-Competition Italy, 2016
Kazakhstani artist Guldana Zhurkabayeva, known to the creative world under a pseudonym “Alina”, expresses her inner world in her only artistic form. Her works are executed in a nomadic style of natural material with the use of skins and leather, filled with ancient symbols, sacred secrets and petroglyphs. Impregnated with a steppe smell of Artemisia, they attracted foreign experts’ interest and critics who awarded the first place at the International Festival of art “Tanysu” (San Marino, Italy).
The master always reflects an inner temperament in her works. Guldana Zhurkabayeva’s paintings are bright, colorful and the whole dance of singing colors is nothing more than a reflection of the artist’s soul. Absolute harmony. But has it always been this way? The task of art does not consist in the most accurate representation of reality, but in the depiction of the artist’s personality and their special view of the world, fantasies, memories, aspirations and visions from a special angle. Guldana does not adhere to a certain style, but simply follows her impulse, transferring her energy and creating a living surface on the canvas, in some of her works, the avant-garde direction is clearly observed. For what will a spiritual search lead the master? What will happen next: cubism, neoclassicism, surrealism, modern, nobody knows, even the artist herself. As many talented people, Guldana is not afraid to try herself in different hypostases and besides paintings, she also creates designer accessories. Guldana is planning to realize and develop herself in this direction.
Today the master gradually departs from Decorative and Applied Arts and tries herself in a new kind of fine art - painting. The first initiatives were highly appreciated at the exhibition “The Way to Yourself”, held at the beginning of the year at the Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. But those, who are not closely acquainted with the artist are hardly aware of her special vision of the surrounding world and the diagnosis with which the master of paintings has been living for decades (constant double vision). “This is a rare disease and cannot be cured. Only the philosophy of OSHO helped me to understand that it is my advantage, my UNIQUENESS, that gives me an opportunity to look at the world in a new way”.
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SILK ROAD
An Artist Who Draws Light Amir Shayesteh Tabar
When it comes to Persian culture, it is impossible not to mention the immortal names of great poets such as Rumi, Rudaki, Firdausi, Khayyam, Nizami and Hafiz. Persian poetry is the key to understand the culture of Iran, as it permeates all aspects of the life of the Iranians. And even in Persian fine arts, you can feel the influence of poetry. In an interview with OCA, the artist Amir Shayesteh Tabar talks about his main occupation and how his Persian culture affected his work. OCA: Amir, tell me a little about yourself. What influenced you, and what made you who you are today? Amir: I was born and raised in Iran. In my life, I had to endure many sad and tragic events. First of all, this was the Islamic revolution in Iran, which occurred in 1979. it changed a lot in my life. Many people had to leave their native country,. It was a forced step, I looked for myself, I longed for creative self-realisation. I would not become who I am today if I had stayed with my relatives and beloved ones at home.
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OCA: Was it difficult to be in foreign countries? Amir: After leaving Iran, I wandered a lot between countries, from city to city. Many times, living in a foreign country, I experienced prolonged financial difficulties, but all this did not undermine my belief in a better future. I learnt a lot, it changed me a lot. OCA: You create your paintings in a unique, previously unfamiliar technique. How did you get the idea of creating such works?
Amir: In my youth, I was attracted to computer technologies, and the more they enthralled me, the more I realised their capabilities. I spent a lot of time and effort to master digital technology. At the same time, I was interested in visual arts the same time developing painting skills. Over time, the idea came to me to combine these two spheres - digital technology and fine art - to implement the “Blue Symphony”, which at that time existed only in my mind and it had no similar at real world. OCA: Tell us, what is the “Blue Symphony”? Amir: “The Blue Symphony” is a new concept formed by letters more than anything else. The whole image in Blue Symphony Artworks are a combination of words and letters only: “In the name of God, The most Graceful, The Most Merciful” Whatever you see in those pictures they are only about words. It took me 16 years. Only for the calibration of the colours I spent four years of my life. It’s not just pictures - it’s
the intertwining of letters and words into one whole, the use of digital technology in art as well. In that time no one was taking Digital Art Seriously. The title of each painting takes names from the suras of the Quran. Most important, what seems, at first sight, intricate and creating a sense of intricately intertwined patterns of the line are actually not lines, but words and letters that form the Arabic phrase, “In the name of the Lord, the Most Merciful and the Most Gracious.” All this is done with the Persian font Nastaligh. However, do not treat the “Blue Symphony” as calligraphy - I just used fonts as an element of work, but my main task was not just to appealingly form these words but to convey the essence of the concept through font, colour, and space. OCA: What messages do your pictures contain? What do people mostly say when talking about your work? Amir: They create an atmosphere of calm and comfort. Contemplating them, you feel some connection with the
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SILK ROAD universe, with God and all the composition merge together. Expressing Divinity, love, light and infinity, which is somehow the goal of my life, And moreover since living in many countries, having overcome my adaptation to the different cultures, I understood one of the main lessons of my life - to achieve mutual understanding between cultures there are a lot of barriers - language, traditions, mentality. But all these barriers exist only on the surface, and in order to achieve full mutual understanding it is necessary to go down to the very roots of your inner world where we are all one. And art is the one of the best tools that helps to achieve mutual understanding. OCA: Why are you so attracted to the new direction of digital art? Amir: Digital art offers many advantages, which were not available in the past centuries, as it was not achievable using other artistic tools. One of the advantages of digital art is saving original art works, preservable for centuries after creation, just by saving the files for the future and or re-printing, where the other tools and mediums were not able to be saved by the passage of the time, like oil on canvas or watercolour. Another advantage and potential of digital art is, for everybody and every place, not only for art collectors or museums, actually pure digital art has the ability to satisfy the heart of its audience by giving the possibility for everybody to have original in his home or office or even museum. How many people have the chance now to see the originals of Leonardo da Vinci’s works, or Mona Lisa ? Most people have only witnessed these from the newspapers, TV, magazines or the internet! OCA: Do you agree with your position in the art community? Amir: Not all representatives of the art community accept my position. The possibility of an endless reproduction of work, in their opinion, depreciates the value of the work. However, I believe in the digital future of the world. However, to satisfy art collectors, requiring unique works, I have a unique solution: A digital print and signature of the artist supported by the Blockchain system.That is my new project that will surprise the Art world.
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REFERENCE: Amir Shayesteh Tabar a well-known contemporary of the fine arts, the winner of the Lorenzo il Magnifico president Award In 2009, in Florence Biennale - an international exhibition of contemporary art. Timothy Verdon, an art historian, and teacher at Stanford University, praised the work “Blue Symphony�, calling Amir a true artist, able to eloquently and elegantly convey the beauty of the Eastern tradition to European audiences.
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. An insightful mix of travel, history and reportage, in Does it Yurt? journalist Stephen M. Bland takes the reader on a voyage of discovery. Travelling to a desert sea, a collapsed Russian gas rig daubed the ‘Gate to Hell’ and along the ‘Heroin highway’ atop the roof of the world, the author sets out to explore these lands, unearthing the stories of the people and places behind this fascinating region.
ISBN: 978-1-910886-29-8 AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM WWW.OCAMAGAZINE.COM
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Uzbekistan’s Zara King Gracefully Conquers MISS USSR UK 2018 MISS USSR UK is a fascinating show, with the contestants from all the different countries of the former Soviet Union, organised by Russian entrepreneur and founder, Julia Titova. The international beauty pageant MISS USSR UK, now in its sixth successive year, is gaining popularity more and more in London and beyond. After ten finalists competed for the top prize, Zara King was crowned MISS USSR UK for 2018. Zara King (26, Uzbekistan) was awarded the coveted title of MISS USSR UK 2018, which took place on Sunday 29th April at Proud Embankment, London. The winner received many amazing prizes including a £40,000 yacht trip from Riana Group to discover Montenegro, training worth £4,500 with world-class coach Harry Singha, gift certificates for £4,500 from prestigious medical clinic Dr. Rita Rakus and much more. Five contestants received a luxurious ultra all inclusive holiday to Rixos Sungate Hotel Mayfest, where will be performing well-known Russian stars like VIAGRA, Egor Kreed, Timati and others. They will be filmed by Fashion TV and the show will be broadcast all over the world. The popularity of MISS USSR UK has been growing every year. The project has received proposals for collaborations from all over the world. After the ambassador of the project and world-famous Irina Dedyuk, performed on the same stage in Monaco with the world stars, MISS USSR UK has signed the contract for a beauty contest MISS USSR in Monaco. It will be taking place for the first time on 8th of November 2018 at the venue in the south of France Grimaldi Forum, at the final evening of the largest event in the entertainment industry MICS Monaco. The audience choice Anastasia Abakumova (27, Russia) will be representing her country in Monaco already this fall as part of MICS Monaco and Miss USSR UK collaboration.
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Thousands of hopeful girls applied to participate this year. After worldwide online voting and judges’ votes, MISS USSR UK selected ten stunning finalists, who represented Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Russia, Lithuania and Uzbekistan at the Grand Final. During the last two weeks, the finalists were actively preparing for the contest in London with world acclaimed professional model coach and the director of the prestigious International Academy of Femininity “CATWALK”, Olga
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Lebedinova. They have also developed their communication skills during personal growth masterclasses with renowned world-class speakers Rakish Rana and Harry Singha. All contestants were revealed to guests during National Costume catwalk showcasing spectacular outfits. The show also featured catwalks in stunning evening gowns by the talented designer Cholpon as well as swimwear created by Room 24.
The festive atmosphere and stylish guests, who were the spectators of a variety of entertainment made the evening absolutely unforgettable. The spectacular night was filled with live music from sensational global artists, elegant beauty contests and celebrity performances. The event also held a charity auction during the Grand Final in aid of Sebastian Papadopoulos - little boy, fighting rare form of brain cancer. Auction is run by “Coordinates of Kindness Foundation” in
collaboration with “We Are Stronger Charity”, which had a massive success. The nominated charity has raised thousands of pounds, proving once again that beauty will save the world.
text & photo provided by Lana Raif
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A Journey to the End of the World
1 st ECG Meeting in Yakutsk
Strangely enough, it is not the cold that hits me as I step out of Yakutsk airport onto the frozen snow trodden path to my taxi. The whole area is shrouded in a thick misty fog and the waiting row of cars all sit patiently with their engines humming and billowing exhausts. It doesn’t feel to bad as i step out from the war safety of the terminal building having just landed that morning from Moscow. Within seconds my coat starts to rustle like an empty crisp packet and it feels brittle. And then the stinging cold hits me. My nostrils freeze as I take a deep breath and I cough a little as it become difficult to inhale the frozen atmosphere. Then my cheeks begin to sting and my thin trousers feel like an icy blanket as they rigidly wrap themselves around my legs. It is minus 42, but the locals seem almost unaware. My driver, Dmitry, meets me and takes my luggage so that I can put on my gloves and a hat. I start to shiver as I try to do so - my Moscow clothing is simply not up to the job. I can feel my cheeks burn and sting with cold and I am praying the car is not far but visibility is restricted to about 10 metres. I have been outside just 90 seconds and the cold is now very real. Its claws are wrapping themselves around me, constricting my movement and I am relieved that the car is cosily warm. Moscow’s balmy minus ten had felt refreshing and pleasant. I am used to walking in the park at this temperature and barely feeling cold. Here the only place that feels warm is my head, thanks to my fur hat - here fur is a necessity, not a nice to have fashion statement. “It’s colder today than in Omiyakon,” Dmitry chimes as we set off into town. Two weeks earlier temperatures in the coldest village on earth had plummeted to below minus 63.
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CONNECTIONS “Welcome to the coldest city on earth!” he says with a chuckle. But today’s temperature is nothing out of the ordinary. Only below minus 55 do schools and businesses start to stop. Today is warm in comparison to some winter days. Thank goodness for that, I think to myself. My hotel is the hostel-like Hotel Bravo, up nine flights of stairs in an ageing and unkempt Soviet building built on stilts thanks to the permafrost making any other foundation unsafe. The welcome is also warm in every way and I am shown to my room. I empty the contents of my suitcase onto my bed and start to don four days’ worth of clothes all at once. I plan to rotate the two thermal trousers, two pairs of jeans, two thermal tops, two T-shirts and two jumpers during my stay. The suitcase is empty and I am quickly wearing everything I own. I wrap my scarf around my face and, like a Michelin man, I walk out to meet my guide, Piotr, ready to face the cold. Piotr has been arranged to accompany me on my four days in Yakutia. He is from Yakutsk but has such an incredible command of English that I wonder if he has studied abroad. But no, it is all learnt from his mother (and English teacher), university and watching English-speaking films. He looks Yakutian, hailing from a Turkic origin, but is of a more modern generation, fully integrated into Russian society. We drive to the Permafrost Institute that has been studying the geological conditions in the region for decades, trying to understand and live within its harsh climate. It is not a museum or tourist sight as such - but a working laboratory, and our guide is, herself, one of the scientists. She takes us 8 metres below the earth where it is “only” minus 5 and I am relieved.Walking just a few metres from the car to the entrance, my face had once again begun to sting, glowing red within a minute. It is no secret that Russia is abundant with large, sparsely populated regions.We are already six hours ahead of Moscow in Eastern SIberia and almost (but not quite) at the end of the earth. Less than one million people inhabit the Yakutian region, mainly in large towns, but some survive in small villages, seemingly cut off from time and modernity. The region is surprisingly rich in
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natural resources, gold, diamonds and an abundance of minerals, as attested to in the Treasury museum that opens up just for us to tour. The bored security guards look almost disappointed that a tourist has come to disturb their peace today as I hand in my phone for safe keeping. There is no railway to Yakutsk, only a road built by Gulag inmates known as the Road of Bones that travels on to Magadan. In summer, the Lena river provides suitable passageway for mainly Russian tourists. In winter it doubles up as a vital ice road connecting villages on both sides more easily. Piotr thinks that fewer than 10,000 people visit each year, but he is acutely aware that this type of adventure tourism is rapidly growing and likely to be enough to service the new tour company he is setting up with his friend, Mikhail, who he met during his time as a graduate working a lowly job at the Ministry of Economics. Earnings in Yakutia are officially around 35,000 rubles per month (about 500 GBP), but I hear that many earn much less. After housing costs, much of the winter salary goes on warm clothes and food - frozen of course, though fortunately the freezer is simply a hole in the ground where the temperature stays below zero all year round. I am surprised that the region can be so full of mineral resources (after all that was why the Soviet Union put so much investment into the region and its people) and yet appears to be struggling so much - but it doesn’t surprise me to learn that much of the wealth is carted off to Moscow. Dmitry, who has been sitting outside, with his engine running for almost two hours, for fear that if he turns it off, it will never restart, collects us and takes us to the outdoor fish market. It is like no other market I have seen. The fog still oppressively clings to the ground, but through it I spy the first of bunches of frozen fish, their mouths open in the same expression as when they would have been caught. Row upon row of frozen fish and meat sits eerily still in the silent market. A few hardy, wrapped souls try to hawk produce to passers by but it is very hushed - conserving energy is important here. I take some photographs on my phone but the battery lasts only a matter of minutes at this temperature and as I put it back in my pocket it is as though i have just
put a lump of ice into my trouser pocket. I last ten minutes at the market before making a hasty retreat to my car. People don’t hang around long here, that is for sure. Piotr points me towards a local restaurant where I try local stroganino (frozen sushi is the best description i can muster), fermented samagon (mare’s milk) and venison in a fruit-laden rich sauce. It was surprisingly nice and warming, before tackling the cold walk back to my hotel. I seemed able to now last thirty minutes in the cold - knowing what to expect and keeping moving helped. The next day we drive to Sottinsay village - on the other side of the Lena river. Here, a museum to the ancient way of life in the Yakutian region remains neatly preserved in the snow. To get there we have to cross the frozen river on a makeshift ice road open about 5 months of the year only. Yakutia has had Russian presence since the 17th century, though Yakutian people are a Turkic tribe with asiatic features speaking a throaty language more reminiscent of Central Asia. “How has centuries of Russian rule influenced your culture?” I ask Piotr as a heavy truck passes us on the ice and I pray simultaneously that the ice holds. “We didn’t resist the Russians, you know,” Piotr answers. “This is actually a very rich region of resources and so we welcomed their co-operation and they worked with us to exploit these.” It seems a bit too simple an explanation but he is genuine in his belief. Less than half of population today though are ethnic Yakutians. The Russian influence, especially during the years post the Russian Revolution of 1917, is strongly felt and few retain the nomadic way of life of their ancestors. The impact of the Russian revolution is noted in museums throughout the region as political prisoners were sent to work in the Gulags alongside ordinary criminals. Even today, Siberia brings haunting chills of those days to many a family who lost ancestors or relatives in these brutal death camps. Without them, however, the region may not have modernised or held any status in the USSR. They provided the roads and infrastructure that allowed socialism to penetrate through the ice to all corners of Russia’s vast lands.
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CONNECTIONS We are met in Sottinsay by the affectionate museum director, Elena. She takes one look at me and decides that I need more clothes and borrows a hardy duffel coat and felt valenki boots from her husband. I feel like I am in a space suit on the moon as I walk clumsily to visit the traditional houses and churches that once held residents of the villages. Summer in the open woodland with so much space for hunting must be marvellous for the residents who now live around the museum. In winter, nobody seems to venture outside and at, minus 45, the thought of an hour long visit is challenging. We make it to lunch to defrost, where a special table has been set up with piles of food so high that for the four of us it seems like we will need a week to get through. Portions are generous and we speak in a mix of Russian and English with great humour and vigour. Foreigners are few and far between here - maybe a hundred or two a year and from the UK, only a handful each year. I am the first Brit since the winter snows arrived. We finish our meal with traditional songs - even I am asked to sing an English song. Flustered, and trying to find a song that she might have heard, I plump for the few lines of Vera Lynn’s “We’ll Meet Again”. I am not sure why, but its words felt genuine towards a lady who had been so charming in her reception. And she did at least recognise the tune. Before leaving I ask Elena whether I can carry out a science experiment. I had heard about and seen videos of people being able to turn boiling water into snow instantaneously and so I ask if she could bring a saucepan of boiling water instead of the coffee to try it out. She obliges without batting an eyelid. “What am I supposed to do?” I ask inquisitively. The reply didn’t start well. “I don’t know’” Elena says. “I have never done it before.” Piotr indicated I should throw the water up into the air and over myself. With trepidation I put my trust in science, knowing that if this failed, I would likely end up with some nasty burns. With as much force as I could muster I throw the liquid into the freezing air, draw as deep a breath as the freezing air allows, and watch as the liquid instantaneously transforms into tiny snow
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particles, catching the wind and showering down safely over us. Strange and surreal, but magical. We head back to the village to have tea with a sporting family whose front entrance memorial has almost a thousand sporting medals dangling above it. Sadly, the lady who greets us, lost her husband five years previously and many of the medals are his in traditional Yakutian sports. Others are from her family’s fifty or so close members, many of whom have moved away from the village. Nonetheless she keeps the heritage and culture of Yakutia through her art and her dancing and singing group who are renowned throughout Russia. While the style of music may not suit a Western audience, it is captivating to see how the history of Yakutia is still represented today. The next day starts early for we are to drive to the Lena river to go ice fishing. It is a balmy minus 38, but even that sounds like a recipe for frostbite to be sitting waiting for fish to bite. I needn’t have worried of course as ice fishing is is done in the comfort of a heated tent and a bottle of homemade vodka infused with herbs and spices to drown out the fact that this is probably well above the usual bottled strength available in the supermarket. My teachers are Aleksandar (a seemingly part time police superintendent) and another Piotr (a part-time art film director). They have, of course, set everything up, so all that is required of me is to watch, learn and drink before then trying my hand at dropping a piece of thin nylon cord down a hole the size of a coke can that they have drilled through the two metre thick ice. It’s slow fishing but the stories and jokes flow. Aleksandar has more luck catching a fish about every twenty minutes and finally I too have one biting on my line which I quickly pull up in excitement and find a seven inch fish that fills me with some beginner’s pride. It is a very relaxing way to spend a morning, occasionally stepping outside the tent to cool down and admire the vast expanse of the snow-covered ice river. As I survey the scene it is clear that there is still great respect for nature here especially as its harshness in winter makes the locals appreciate more what it has to give during summer. From the fishing we drive to the small town of Pokrovsk. In my desire to see life outside of the main city, i have
asked to see how people live in a more rural setting. All the villages run close to the river but are dotted out in a long string. Space is most definitely not at a premium. Houses may not be that large but they are surrounded by large fenced-off gardens. Right in the centre there are a few high-ish rise flats, but nothing like Yakutsk. Gas pipes are above ground everywhere (they cant be buried in the permafrost). A solitary petrol station serves the whole town of about 8,000 people. Other heating fuels are heavily subsidised by the state in order to encourage people to stay. By the time we arrive in Pokrovsk it is almost seven o’clock in the evening and the town is quiet. The only cafe is closing and I rush to a bare-looking shop to try and pick up supplies for the evening. It is dismal and grim - few people walk the streets and the shops are confined to a handful of shopping centres. For a Saturday night there is quite literally nothing open and nothing to do. Worse, alcohol sales in the whole town are banned in entirety for some reason - you can’t even drown your sorrows. I manage only to find some stale bread, plastic cheese and a bottle of water for the night in the town’s only hotel - the Sterkh. I spend an hour walking outside along the streets, hunting for activity but, barring the odd car, I meet only two other people hurrying about their business.The fog has descended eerily again on the town and it is otherwise deadeningly still. My hat, eyelids and scarf that covers my face all have tiny frozen balls of moisture covering the. The Sterkh provides no comfort. I am the only guest and the front desk is managed by a burly woman of little charm, totally disinterested in my stay. There is no internet, which provides a rare extraction from modern life for me and I settle for some reading in bed and an early night. It turns out that there is life in Pokrovsk, but that life erupts underneath my floor boards at midnight as a large empty room under the hotel transforms itself into a night club for about two dozen youths. This appears to be their only chance to drink alcohol and mingle. As I try to find the hotel manager to complain, I come across a drunken couple making out on the stairs. Stillness has turned into a deafening racket of thudding Russian pop beats and shouting. Of all the
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CONNECTIONS places in Pokrovsk it so happens that the only hotel and nightclub are located right on top of each other. Sadly the hotel doesn’t appear in any online forums so no reviews of my unhappy stay will appear anywhere else but here! The next day, bleary eyed and with less enthusiasm to face the cold, Piotr had organised a visit to School No. 1 where his uncle, the wonderfully named Spiridon, is headmaster. The school had heard that I was a writer of sorts who had written about travelling the road and wanted to put on a big welcome for me. No less than a hundred children pile into the Saturday morning assembly. School here is six days a week in winter. After a wonderful opening ceremony of music, dancing and poetry I try to relay my experiences so far in Yakutia and add some similarities to other countries I have visited and written about. Questions follow, with the children wanting to know every single country I had ever been to - I suspected many had not yet stepped outside of Russian as they hung on every word, even if some of the more remote countries they had never heard of. Brunch was taken in the headmaster’s office where Spiridon serenades me with a rendition or two of local songs played on the oddly named (and even more strange sounding) “Jew’s Harp” a metal curved instrument that is played by humming into the instrument clenched in one’s teeth, the vibrations making the metal twang in high and low pitches. The origin of this instrument is somewhat debated and it also goes by the name Jaws Harp, so has little by way of Jewish origin per se, with Yakutians being especially keen to take credit for it. We returned to Yakutsk later that afternoon. The Union of Book Writers was to hold the first Eurasian Creative Guild meeting in the office of famed poetess, Natalia Kharlampaeva. The meeting had moved from the National Library at the last minute, but in some ways, being inside the very office of this splendid organisation was more personable and memorable. I had mentioned Natalia’s name throughout my trip and people knew of her work and efforts to promote literature in a post-Soviet space that had otherwise been left void in the region.
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Twenty writers and journalists cramped into the office, surrounded by books. Each had brought more local delicacies to try, including dried venison and horse meat and more frozen fish accompanied by a semolina-like porridge called Samagon. I was plied with food from every corner as I tried to relay a few words about just what I was doing visiting this remote part of the world. Piotr had kindly agreed to help translate simultaneously which worked a treat as the meeting went at a pace that didn’t allow me to stop to consider a translated phrase. The participants were passionate about bringing their ideas and thoughts to the fore. We discussed travel writing, local customs, how to bring Yakutian culture outside of Russia and the role of literature in modern society.This was exchange of ideas as I had envisioned them when I agreed to be on the ECG board, all done with the tradition of hospitality and openness I had already seen in Yakutia. Returning to Moscow the next morning, after a jolly evening drinking with Piotr and his business partner, Mikhail, I felt it almost tropical as we landed into a temperature just below freezing. Yakutia had been an adventure and, although far too brief, had left me with memories more of warmth and friendship than the cold, at times eerie, landscape one might imagine (and indeed can all too easily experience). Nick Rowan February 2018
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.
MENIK THE LITTLE MAMMOTH original story by OGDO ISBN: 978-1-910886-59-5 COMING SOON
ECG EVENTS
photos by Anastasia Andreichikova
Minsk becoming new Eurasian Capital of Literature ECG members took part in events in Minsk, Belarus, on April 18th, 2018 All the events were organised by the BelBrand Association for Intellectual Property – a corporate ECG member Marat Akhmedjanov, the Vice Chairman of the ECG, and Elena Bezrukova, Founder and Director of the Elena Bezrukova Centre, a professional business-trainer, coach and practicing physiologist, along with other ECG members took part in a workshop entitled ‘Intellectual Product Commercialisation and Promotion.’ The participants of the workshop - the authors of many innovative projects, finalists and winners of the Belarusian Republican Competition for Innovative Projects and representatives of scientific institutions - got the opportunity to learn about new ways of promoting their scientific and creative activity through ECG membership and pathways proposed by the ECG. The event was organised with the support of the Belarusian Innovative Foundation as part of a platform of the Republican Confederation of Entrepreneurship.
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Presentation of the latest project of the publishing house, Cambridge International Press, the ECG Book Academic Series, held in the Republican Institute of High Schools. Marat Akhmedjanov presented details regarding the project and outlined opportunities available for authors in publishing their works through the academic book series. Authors from Tajikistan, Great Britain and Kazakhstan - all ECG members presented their books published as part of the project: Gulsifat Shakhidi, a novelist, journalist and expert in literary criticism presented her latest book, I am Looking Towards the East.
Stephen M. Bland, award-winning author and journalist shared the story behind the creation of his book, Does it Yurt? Travels in Central Asia or How I Came to Love the Stans. Elena Bezrukova, professional business-trainer, coach and practicing physiologist presented her unique book, Projective graphics, a collection about a new movement in art. Nurym Taibek, an expert in philosophy and religious studies, spoke about his new book, Love for All, Hatred for None – Ahmadi Muslims’ Raison d’Etre. The audience at the institute were highly receptive and all of the authors were happy to answer questions from guests and to share plans about their future works.
The IVth meeting of the Eurasian Creative Guild in Minsk took place in the Loft Café. The creative atmosphere brought together more than 40 participants. Guests had the opportunity to get acquainted with the ECG, it’s members, and BelBrand Association projects, as well as to hear from creative works by writers from Great Britain, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine and their homeland. The winners of the BelBrand Literary Award from 2016 and 2017 also delighted those attending with snippets from their work. An open microphone section, allowing new talents to express their creativity, closed the event. ECG and the BelBrand Association express their sincere gratitude to all the speakers and guests for creating such a wonderful atmosphere for this highly creative evening. A summation of the results of the ECG members visit to Belarus were presented on April 19th at the BelBrand Association offices. Many perspectives, routes towards cooperation, new projects and initiatives were discussed. ECG members were awarded diplomas by the BelBrand Association for their active participation in events dedicated to the formation and promotion of Belarusian creative projects. The Eurasian Creative Guild expresses its gratitude to the BelBrand Association for organising personal meetings on the development of cooperation with Belarusian organisations and institutions for Gulsifat Shahidi, Stephen M. Bland, Nurym Taibek and Elena Bezrukova.The ECG would also like to thank the Republican Confederation of Entrepreneurship, the Belarusian Innovative Foundation, the Republican Institute of High Schools and the Loft Café for providing platforms for the events and their assistance in promoting them.
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ESTABLISHED 2015
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.
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. 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
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. 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 October 2018.
FILM FES IAN TI AS
EU R
L VA
EURASIAN FILM FESTIVAL IN DACORUM
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. OCA_27_ALL.indd 86
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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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A COMMON INFORMATIONAL SPACE “Open Eurasian Literature Festival & Book Forum” have had more than 1,300,000 annual site
visits and 4,500 contestants
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
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 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:____________________________
MEMBERSHIP FEES £50 INDIVIDUAL £30 CONCESSION £300 CORPORATE
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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EURASIAN CREATIVE GUILD (LONDON)
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
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE AMOUNTS:
50
individual
30
concessions
300 corporate
BY BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE GUILD, YOU GET THE FOLLOWING BONUSES: • • • • • •
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! WWW.OCAMAGAZINE.COM
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Academic Book Series ECG - 2018: Share your work with the scientific elite of the world!
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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ABAI, FUTURE OF KAZAKHSTAN AND WORLD CIVILIZATION Paperback, English
A FEAST IN PLACE OF WAR Paperback, Russian-English
ISBN: 978-1910886786 RRRP: £17.50
ISBN: 978-1910886717 RRP: £14.95
ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНАЯ КОМПЕТЕНТНОСТЬ АРТИСТА БАЛЕТА Hardcover, Russian
ЛЮБОВЬ КО ВСЕМ, НЕНАВИСТЬ НИ К КОМУ! СМЫСЛ ЖИЗНИ МУСУЛЬМАН-АХМАДИ Hardcover, Russian
ISBN: 978-1910886540 RRP: £19.95
ISBN: 978-1910886731 RRP: £19.95
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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
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
CATALOGUE
ISBN: 978-0957480797
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PAPERBACK
RRP: £14.95
MAN OF THE MOUNTAINS by Abudlla Isa (2014) ( OCABF 2013 Winner) 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
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
CRANES IN SPRING by Tolibshohi Davlat (2015)
HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS
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) 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
STOCKHOLM SYNDROME S.S. NAZAROVA (2017) 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
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
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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RRP: £12.50 ( ALSO AVAILBLE IN KYRGYZ )
HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS
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) ‘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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“SHORT STORIES FROM AZERBAIJAN” 2018 Short Stories from Azerbaijan in one volume. From the Translation Centre under the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan. English translation by Nazakat Agayeva, edited by Anne Thompson-Ahmadova. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan’s rich literary heritage reflects the influence of the two continents. The authors in this collection are the successors to the 12th century poet Nizami Ganjavi, the great poets and bards of the 14th to 16th centuries and the Russian-influenced writers of the 19th century. The first writer in this anthology was born in 1870; the last in 1968. Spanning a century, their stories offer glimpses into the marvels and uniqueness of Azerbaijan as it went from being part of the Russian Tsarist empire, to an independent republic in 1918, to being absorbed by the Soviet Union and finally gaining independence in 1991. The stories include an account of the events of Black January 1990 when hundreds of people were massacred by Gorbachev’s forces. There is also a wonderful novella of literary and spiritual musings triggered by Pope John Paul’s visit to Baku in 2002, and stories set in remote villages that shine spotlights on the human condition. ISBN: 978-1-910886-72-4
RRP: £19.95 ENG HARDBACK
“THE WORLD DISSOLVES LIKE A DREAM” by Leyla Aliyeva, 2018 “The World Dissolves like a Dream” book by young Azerbaijani poetess Leyla Aliyeva. Composed of 130 poems, the book was translated into English by famous British poets lators Caroline Walton and Anna Maria Jackson.
usewives, grandmothers ow they value being able mes of trouble. They also fiya’s adopted uncle and
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
My Neighbourhood Sisters A Collection of Short Stories
HARDBACK 978-1-910886-76-2 RRP: £14.95
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.
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.”
GULSIFAT SHAKHIDI
looking through a phoy pasted images of both behind each picture lies her close female friends; are challenged by both intain traditional famihe communal courtyard - may belong to Central fidelity, addiction, abuse, ed by Shakhidi that will
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
HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS
hbourhood Sisters proendeavours to adjust to in the 1990s.
My Neighbourhood Sisters
LANGUAGE: ENG
and trans-
GULSIFAT SHAKHIDI
НА Е И ЗЫК Я
И РС ВЕ ОМ + СК С РУ
LANGUAGES ENG / RUS RRP: £19.95
HARDBACK
ISBN:978-1-910886-35-9
01/01/2017 23:25:28
‘A BUTTERFLY’S SONG’ by Yermek Amanshaev, 2018 It is a collection of essays, short stories and plays in which the author explores issues of identity and aspiration, illusion and delusion, within the contexts of heritage, culture and the societies in which its characters live and work. It opens with a short metaphorical passage which a butterfly literally plays with fire; irrepressively drawn to its bright flames despite the inherent dangers.
EBOOK
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ISBN: 978-1-910886-77-9
RRP: £5.93
HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS
TRAGEDY OF BASTARD by Saule Doszhan, 2018 Saule Doszhan’s short story, The Tragedy of a Bastard, treads recognisable territory for us Europeans, even though the plot is placed in present-day Kazakhstan; a land faraway from our conceptual, not to mention socio-historical, spheres. Admittedly, some of Doszhan’s moral assumptions read a little strangely, although the intrigues and pressures of extended familial obligation amid a family at clear war with free emotive choice, speaks volumes across our globe. COMING SOON
TALES FROM BUSH HOUSE (BBC Wolrd Service) by Hamid Ismailov (2012) 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
CHANTS OF DARK FIRE (Russian Language Edition) by Zhulduz Baizakova “This contemporary work of poetry contains the deep and inspirational rhythms of the ancient Steppe. It combines the nomad, modern, postmodern influences in Kazakhstani culture in the early 21st century, and reveals the hidden depths of contrasts, darkness, and longing for light that breathes both ice and fire to inspire a rich form of poetry worthy of reading and contemplating. It is also distinguished by the uniqueness of its style and substance. Simply sublime, it has to be read and felt for real.” ISBN: 978-0957480711 PAPERBACK
RUS
RRP: £9.50
BUYUK TEMURHON by Christopher Marlowe First Uzbek translation: In 1590 William Shakespeare’s contemporary, Christopher Marlowe, who was one of the star playwrights of the English Renaissance, published a daring and thrilling play focusing on the triumphs of a Central Asian conqueror. Poetically captivating and as forceful and powerful as Tamburlaine’s character, Marlowe’s verse in these works marks a major shift from the conventional, mildly comic style of other Renaissance works. The plays are not a straightforward glorification ofTamburlaine’s violent conquests, since Marlowe frequently highlights his protagonist’s excessive brutality and hubris, or excessive pride. However, their honesty and eloquence make it difficult not to admire Tamburlaine, both from his rhetorical power and his lifelike animation. ISBN: 978-0955754982 PAPERBACK UZB RRP:£9.95
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SERIES
HOWL novel by Kazat Akmatov (2014) PAPERBACK ENGLISH –RUSSIAN ISBN: 978-0993044410 RRP: £12.50
shahsanem murray
SHAHIDKA/ MUNABIA by KazatAkmatov (2013) PAPERBACK ISBN: 978-0957480759 RRP: £12.95
THE NOVEL “ARHAT” by Kazat Akmatov (2015) LANGUAGE ENG PAPERBACK ISBN: 978-1910886106 RRP: £17.50
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
kairat zakyryanov
13 STEPS OF ERIKA KLAUS by Kazat Akmatov (2013) PAPERBACK ISBN: 978-0957480766 RRP: £12.95
Raushan
Burkitbayeva - Nukenova
KAZAT AKHMATOV
HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS
SHADOWS OF THE RAIN Raushan Burkitbayeva - Nukenova (2016)LANGUAGE ENG HARD BACK RRP:19.95 ISBN: 978-1-910886-31-1
THE WORMWOOD WIND Raushan Burkitbayeva - Nukenova (2015) LANGUAGE ENG HARD BACK RRP:14.95 ISBN: 978-1-910886-09-0
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
e local myths and ay, this is both an of the world that of years but is on e.
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. PAPERBACK RRP: £12.50
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
RRP: £14.50
Nick
A Silk roAd Journey
Friendly SteppeS:
in 2006 during his eloped an insatiable An Oxford University stry in London, Nick ing Central Asia and travelled to all the is Editor-in-Chief of vides expert opinion t at home with his w lives, his favourite ains of Central Asia laughing and joking ghman accompanied
HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS
Rowan
ordinary adventure d’s most incredible ll recovering from misunderstood Iran; et domination; and tertwined with the recounts not only e route has had on
TRAVELOGUES
FRIENDLY STEPPES. A SILK ROAD JOURNEY by Nick Rowan (2012)
Friendly SteppeS: A Silk roAd Journey 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) 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
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HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS
SELF HELP
LIFE OVER PAIN AND DESPERATION by Marziya Zakiryanova (2014) 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. HARD BACK ISBN: 978-0-99278733-2 RRP: £14.95 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. 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
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
JUNIOR HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS
AYSU AND THE MAGIC BAG by Maide Akan (2016)
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. CARDBOARD ISBN: 978-1-910886-24-3 RRP: £10.00 CRANE by Abu-Sufyan (2015) 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
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) 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
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DISCOVERY GUIDES & TRAVEL COMPANIONS
HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS
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
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
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
THE GREAT MELODY by Tabyldy Aktan ( dedicated to Toktogul Satylganov) E-BOOK ISBN: 978-1-910886-02-1 RRP:£3.24
HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS
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 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
DISCOVERY TAJIKISTAN Travel Guide by Vitaly Shuptar ENG ISBN: 978-09557549-6-8 RRP: £5.95
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CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL PRESS 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 THE MODERNIZATION OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION: THE LINGUOCULTURAL - COMMUNICATIVE APPROACH by SalimaKunanbayeva (2013) 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. PAPERBACK
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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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
ENGLISH
ISBN: ISBN: 978 – 0993044434
AZERBAIJAN:BRIDGE BETWEEN EAST AND WEST by Yury Sigov, 2015 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. HARD BACK ISBN: 978-0-9930444-9-6 RRP: £24.50 I AM LOOKING TOWARDS THE EAST by Gulsifat Shakhidi, 2017 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.
HARDCOVER
ENGLISH
ISBN: 978-1910886663
RRP: £19.95
IGOR SAVITSKY: ARTIST, COLLECTOR, MUSEUM FOUNDER by Marinika Babanazarova (2011) LANGUAGE: ENG, RUS, FR ISBN: 978-0955754999 RRP: £10.00 SAVITSKY COLLECTION SELECTED MASTERPIECES. Poster set of 8 posters (2014) ISBN: 9780992787387 RRP: £25.00
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CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL PRESS
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
TERROR: EVENTS, FACTS, EVIDENCE by Eldar Samadov, 2015 This book is based on research carried out since 1988 on territorial claims of Armenia against Azerbaijan, which led to the escalation of the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. This escalation included acts of terror by Armenian terrorist and other armed gangs not only in areas where intensive armed confrontations took place but also away from the fighting zones. This book, not for the first time, reflects upon the results of numerous acts of premeditated murder, robbery, armed attack and other crimes through collected material related to criminal cases which have been opened at various stages following such crimes. The book is meant for political scientists, historians, lawyers, diplomats and a broader audience. PAPERBACK
ENG
ISBN: 978-1910886007
RRP:£9.50
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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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
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RRP: £19.95
Kunanbayeva S.S.
STRATEGIC GUIDELINES
FOR HIGHER FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION
Kunanbayeva S.S.
s of modern higher tan. On the basis of dels of innovatively ucation, a system of eign language higher ologically grounded rnization of higher nts ofconceptuallyuage education: the rofessional training innovative versions ng technologies for ormation.
STRATEGIC GUIDELINES FOR HIGHER FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION
HARDBACK ISBN: 978-0-955754913
CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL PRESS
RRP: £25.00
STRATEGIC GUIDLINES FOR HIGHER FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION by Salima Kunanbayeva The monograph is focused on the actual problems of modern higher professional education in the Republic of Kazakhstan. On the basis of critical reflection and analysis of the existing models of innovatively modernizing the higher professional system of education, a system of guidelines for perspective development of the foreign language higher professional education is proposed. The methodologically grounded platform of the approach suggested for modernization of higher education is based on the following components ofconceptually-methodological framework of higher foreign language education: the stage-successive model of competence-based professional training and its universalization; contemporary–demanded innovative versions of basic specialties, contentfunctionally modeling technologies for communicative and intercultural competences’ formation.
PAPERBACK ISBN: 978-1-910886-67-0 RRP: £19.50 ENG
PHONETICS AND PHONOLOGY PROBLEMS by Fakhraddin Veysalli (2016) In this manual, the phonetic structure of the Azerbaijani language and its phonological systems have been (systematically) explained by focusing on comparative materials from a number of different languages. Thus, the author defends his theoretical position, as well as persues common principles, through the topics raised. Additionally, he demonstrates his thoughts and considerations, while basing his own investigations upon existing perceptions in literature. As such, this book is primarily intended for philologists. However, these materials can be used by teachers of language or literature, along with postgraduates, dissertants, and students of philological faculties: including everyone interested in linguistics. PAPERBACK ISBN: 978-1910886182 RRP: £19.95 ENG
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CONTENTS
6
A LOOK AT THE UNIQUE CREATIVE ENVIRONMENT OF THE OLD TOWN OF VILNIUS
46
UZBEKISTAN’S ZARA KING GRACEFULLY CONQUERS MISS USSR UK 2018
12
BRITAIN AND TURKMENISTAN
50
A JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE WORLD 1 ST ECG MEETING IN YAKUTSK
6
CASHING IN ON KYRGYZ TOURISM ROOM FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT?
58
MINSK BECOMING NEW EURASIAN CAPITAL OF LITERATURE
22
TAJIKISTAN: FEMALE FACES OF VIOLENT EXTREMISM 60
ECG BROCHURE
26
THE ENCHANTED WANDERER AVICENNA 66
30
WELCOME TO BELARUS: A GLANCE AT EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
ACADEMIC BOOK SERIES ECG - 2018: SHARE YOUR WORK WITH THE SCIENTIFIC ELITE OF THE WORLD!
68
ECG SERIES - HERTFORDSHIRE PRESS CATALOGUE
34
LITERATURE CHANGES THE WORLD FOR A BETTER LIFE! 82
CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL PRESS CATALOGUE
FINDING THE WAY TO YOURSELF 38
AN ARTIST WHO DRAWS LIGHT AMIR SHAYESTEH TABAR
42
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