Ankara, 4 August 2026 – The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Türkiye, Yerkebulan Sapiyev, met with the President of Religious Affairs of Türkiye, Safi Arpaguş.
During the meeting, the parties discussed issues of cooperation within the framework of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, with particular emphasis on the “Astana Peace Declaration 2025”.
Yerkebulan Sapiyev highlighted the importance of the upcoming Congress to be held on 7 October 2026 in Astana and expressed confidence in the participation of Safi Arpaguş in the event.
Safi Arpagush highly appreciated the work of the Secretariat of the Congress and emphasized the importance of further deepening cooperation between the religious organizations of the two countries.
On April 24, the Head of State visited the Alem.ai center in Astana and launched several key projects as part of the Year of Digitalization and AI.
Alem.ai (http://Alem.ai/) is a full-fledged ecosystem spread across eight floors, combining education, science, entrepreneurship, and public administration. It features an open space for all applicants, a creative technology center for teenagers, an AI school, a campus for startups, research laboratories, and even a "AI-Driven Government" situational center for smart governance of the country.
This center is intended to become a "factory of ideas and innovations." Alem.ai is designed to train 10,000 people annually and launch up to 100 AI startups. The Head of State awarded the winners of the national "alem.ai battle" competition (held among Kazakhstani startups) and the AI Governance Cup competition among government agencies.
The creation of the center is part of the President's consistently implemented strategy: from the Address on the AI era to specific tasks regarding infrastructure and personnel. Thanks to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's initiative, Kazakhstan is strengthening its position as a technological hub in Central Asia and preparing for global competition in the digital age.
Kazakhstan will host its first international film festival dedicated to artificial intelligence – the Astana AI Film Festival (AAIFF 2026). The project concept and the launch of the application process were introduced at a press conference in the capital.
According to the organizers, the central event of the festival will be an international competition of short films created using artificial intelligence. Creators from all over the world will be eligible to participate, regardless of country of origin, experience, or access to a professional studio.
“We expect the Astana AI Film Festival to become an annual event in the creative industries and a sustainable international platform for new formats and emerging names. Participation is open to everyone: both teams and individual creators can submit their work,” said Aizatulla Hussain, founder of Ozen and one of the festival’s organizers.
Applications will open in May 2026 and can be submitted via the festival’s official website.
“According to the competition rules, participants must create an AI-generated short film of up to 10 minutes and upload it to the festival’s platform along with a project description. Applications will be accepted from May through the end of August,” noted Almas Zhali, festival organizer and head of Brave Talents.
Astana AI Film Festival is scheduled to take place in autumn 2026. The festival will serve as a platform for projects at the intersection of the film industry and AI technologies, bringing together authors, digital creators, technology companies, experts, and investors.
The total prize fund will amount to $1 million, making it one of the largest in its category. The project is financed through sponsorship and partnership contributions.
The festival program will include film screenings, an AI content conference, as well as pitch sessions for creators and producers.
Date: May 2, 2026
Location: Topolevka village, Sarkan district,
«Zhongar-Alatau» State National Nature Park
On May 2, 2026, one of the most spectacular natural events of spring will take place in the Zhetysu Region – the «Sivers Apple Blossom» Festival. This is an important event dedicated to a rare and extraordinary natural phenomenon.
The event will be held on the territory of the «Zhongar-Alatau» State National Natural Park, in the picturesque surroundings of Topolevka village in the Sarkan district. This location was not chosen by chance: it is here that one of the largest groves of the wild Sivers apple tree in the world is found. This species is considered the ancestor of all cultivated apple varieties on Earth. According to scientists, approximately 48% of the global natural population of this unique apple tree is concentrated in the Zhetysu region.
Once a year, for just a few weeks in spring, the mountain slopes are covered with delicate white and pink blossoms, transforming the valleys into breathtaking natural landscapes. During this period, thousands of tourists, photographers, and travelers visit the region to witness this rare natural phenomenon, learn its history, and experience the festival atmosphere.
The festival brings together representatives of the tourism industry, environmentalists, scientists, media professionals, travel bloggers, artisans, cultural figures, as well as students and nature enthusiasts. The event serves as a platform for the development of eco-tourism, the preservation of natural heritage, and the international promotion of the region.
The event is included in Kazakhstan’s national calendar of official events, highlighting its significance and tourist appeal.
This year’s festival will offer a special atmosphere for guests. Headliners — Bayansulu and Kuandyk Rakhym — will take the stage and present a vibrant concert program against the backdrop of blooming mountains.
Festival program includes:
The «Sivers Apple Blossom» Festival is an opportunity to witness one of Kazakhstan’s most beautiful natural phenomenon, spend in the mountains surrounded by fresh air, get closer to national culture, and experience unforgettable impressions.
Zhetysu invites you to get closer to a living legend of nature!
On April 23-24, 2026, the International Craft Festival «Taraz — City of Craftsmen» will be held at the historical and ethnocultural complex «Kone Taraz» in the city of Taraz.
This is not just a festival, but a major cultural platform that combines traditions and modernity, contributing to the revival of national heritage and the development of craft art.
The festival will gather over 100 craftsmen from foreign countries (Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan), as well as from neighboring regions of Kazakhstan (Almaty and Turkestan). Local artisans will also present their work.
To create a special atmosphere and inspire the guests, a rich program is planned: a scientific and practical conference on the topic «Taraz — City of Craftsmen. Traditional and Modern Crafts», an exhibition of handcrafted items, workshops, and an exhibition of young artisans and artists titled «My World: Fantasy and Reality».
Additionally, the International Fashion Week «ASPARA FASHION WEEK» will take place as part of the festival, where national styles and modern trends will blend harmoniously.
The musical program «Dombyra Party», which will be held next to the felt item included in the Guinness World Records, will give the guests an atmosphere of live traditional music.
Festival guests will have the opportunity to discover the secrets of craft art, see a showcase of national clothing, and enjoy a gala concert featuring pop stars.
Moreover, participants will be able to purchase the items they like and take part in tours of the historical and cultural landmarks of the city.
From April 22 to 26, the IX International Book Exhibition and Fair Astana Eurasian Book Fair 2026 will be held at the Presidential Center in the capital. It is one of the largest cultural and educational events in Central Asia, according to the official website of the city administration. The event is organized by Foliant Publishing House with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Akimat of Astana. Approximately 80 companies representing the publishing, printing, bookselling, and academic sectors will take part in the fair. Around half of them are Kazakhstani organizations, while some 40 companies are expected from Russia, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Spain, China, Iran, Belarus, Portugal, Venezuela, and the United Kingdom. The five-day program will feature a wide range of cultural and business events, including book presentations, meetings with authors, autograph sessions, and special masterclasses at the children’s activity zone. Among the highlights are presentations of the following publications: «Turkish Cuisine» (published with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey), Bekarys Shoibekov’s collection of aitys «Bekarys — The Golden Voice of Aitys», Marzhan Yershu’s poem «A Solitary Hand», «Yeldos Smetov. Endurance. Faith. Victory» from the «Contemporaries» series, Yerlan Kozhabayev’s photo album «Kazakh Ornaments», Andrzej Sapkowski’s fantasy novel «The Witcher», Ularbek Daley’s historical novel «Batu Khan», «The Ownerless Shadow» by Alisher Rakhat, «The Journey of Hope» by Spanish writer Javier Moro, «For Whom the Bell Tolls» by Ernest Hemingway, «A Poem-Woman» by Azerbaijani poet Rasmia Sabir, Baiyt Kabanuly’s «Mongol Poetry», «The Tears of the White Zhaiyk» by Nursultan Myktybay, as well as the album books «Turkestan — Eternal and Ever New» and «Dimash Qudaibergen. Infinite Music». On April 23, in celebration of the National Book Day, an official award ceremony will be held for the winners of the national competition Ulttyq Kitap, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan. The official opening ceremony of the exhibition will take place on April 22 at 11:00, with the participation of government and public figures, prominent writers, and foreign ambassadors.
Ankara, April 1, 2026 – Kazakh students studying in Türkiye came together for a large-scale student debate tournament held at a high level, titled the "Birlik Cup". The intellectual competition was organized under the coordination of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Türkiye, as well as the Consulates General in Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir.
This initiative fully aligns with the course set by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, aimed at developing the intellectual potential of youth, promoting education and science, and fostering an active civic position. The tournament served as an important platform for shaping a generation of competitive young people capable of thinking in line with the demands of the modern era.
The main goal of the debate tournament was to develop students' critical thinking, enhance their oratory skills, cultivate a culture of discussion, and strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation among young people. Participants demonstrated a high level of debating culture while discussing current social and international topics.
A total of 12 fractions took part in the intellectual competition, with Kazakh students studying in Istanbul, Ankara, Karabük, and Eskişehir ranking among the best.
The "Birlik Cup" tournament has established itself as a significant platform, making a substantial contribution to increasing the social activity of Kazakh students in Türkiye, developing their leadership and intellectual qualities, and strengthening unity and cooperation among compatriots abroad.
In the city of Shymkent, as part of the Nauryz celebrations, the international gastronomic festival “DamDastour” has concluded, becoming one of the most significant events in the cultural life of the metropolis. For several days, Al-Farabi Central Square was transformed into a unique international culinary space, bringing together cuisines from around the world.
The key feature of the festival was its international format. Renowned chefs from various parts of the world took part in the event, not only presenting national dishes from their countries but also sharing their professional expertise. In particular, winners of international competitions from Belgium, Switzerland, France, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan showcased their signature menus. This elevated the status of the festival and turned it into a platform for professional gastronomic dialogue.
The competitions held within the framework of the festival were marked by a high level of competition. Participants demonstrated a skillful combination of national traditions and modern culinary technologies. According to the jury’s decision, Grand Golden Hills restaurant won in the “Best Pilaf” category, Qazaq Samsa restaurant was awarded “Most Delicious Samsa,” and Pontos restaurant became the winner in the “Best National Dish” category. Kamal Ata café received a special award for active participation.
The international dimension of the festival was harmoniously complemented by the active involvement of local restaurateurs. Around 50 restaurants from the city participated, offering guests a wide selection of national and international cuisine. Visitors had the opportunity to taste traditional Kazakh dishes as well as European and Asian cuisine. A special highlight was the main dish of the Nauryz holiday — Nauryz kozhe — presented in several variations and featured prominently on the festive dastarkhan.
The international character of the event was also vividly reflected in its cultural program. Various cultural directions and modern trends were brought together on one stage, including street style and K-pop dance competitions, performances by dombra musicians, batyr shows, and circus acts. In addition, a motorcycle rally, auto show, handicraft fair, and themed zones made the festival a multifaceted cultural platform.
Thus, the international gastronomic festival “DamDastour” clearly demonstrated the potential of Shymkent as a center of international culture and gastronomy. By uniting the cuisines and traditions of different nations, this large-scale modern event conveyed the spirit of the Nauryz holiday and was highly appreciated as one of the most vibrant events in the city’s life.
Ankara, March 19, 2026 – The first meeting of graduates who completed their higher education in Kazakhstan was held under the organization of the Embassy of Kazakhstan and the Board of Trustees of Kazakh-Turkish Yassawi University.
During the meeting, aimed at strengthening friendship and professional ties, participants discussed the role of graduates in advancing relations between Kazakhstan and Türkiye, as well as promoting Kazakhstan’s educational potential abroad and expanding cooperation among alumni community.
The graduates noted that they have not forgotten their alma maters and the Kazakh language, emphasizing that they will never sever their ties with Kazakhstan. They also expressed positive views on the reforms and innovations taking place in our country, including the adoption of the new Constitution.
Ambassador Yerkebulan Sapiyev highlighted that graduates educated in Kazakhstan serve as a “golden bridge” between the brotherly nations, making significant contributions to the development of bilateral cooperation and strengthening mutual understanding and friendship.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees Muhittin Şimşek expressed readiness to support initiatives aimed at bringing together graduates working in various fields, implementing joint educational and social projects, and enhancing the international reputation of Kazakhstan’s universities.
Within the framework of the event, participants outlined new areas of cooperation and joint initiatives and agreed to make such meetings a tradition in order to further expand cooperation between the two countries.
Ankara, March 12, 2026 - Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Türkiye Yerkebulan Sapiyev held a meeting with the President of the Religious Affairs of Türkiye, Safi Arpaguş. During the meeting, the parties discussed the outcomes of the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and the promotion of the “Astana 2025 – Peace Declaration” initiative.
The sides paid particular attention to the development of interreligious and intercivilizational dialogue, as well as strengthening international cooperation in the field of religion. The importance of the initiatives of both countries in this area was highlighted, and readiness to continue cooperation was expressed.