El Centro Abai en Washington destaca la cultura kazaja
ASTANA – Located in the heart of Washington, DC, the Abai Center stands as a vibrant hub for promoting and preserving Kazakh culture and seeks to transform the representation of Kazakhstan, often made up of false narratives, said Aitolkyn Kourmanova, producer of the Abai Center, in an interview with The Astana Times.
Launched in early 2020 in partnership with the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the United States, the center, named after renowned Kazakh poet and philosopher Abai Kunanbaiuly, is organized by the Central Asia Program at George Washington University. The literary contributions of Abai, his role in shaping national identity, advocating for social progress, and the ability to remain relevant centuries later, endure through the work of the center.
«There are many stereotypes about Kazakhs. Abroad, we are perceived as part of a purely nomadic culture, even Mongolian, or as part of Soviet culture. I hope that projects like the Abai Center can change this banal impression, add more nuances and colors to it, and, most importantly, convey the truth,» said Kourmanova.
False narratives included instances where foreigners associated Kazakhstan with the movie «Borat,» a comedy film released in 2006 that portrayed a satirical and exaggerated portrait of Kazakhstan, perpetuating stereotypes that misrepresented the country as backward, primitive, and full of absurdities. Other cases include the lack of knowledge about Kazakhstan’s modern development. Despite the nation’s significant advancements in economic development and technological advances since gaining independence in 1991, they often go unnoticed or are overshadowed by outdated narratives that solely focus on its past as a Soviet republic.
«A cultural exchange between the United States and Kazakhstan can help us understand each other better and eliminate barriers made up of false narratives or banalities,» said Kourmanova.
An immersive journey through Kazakh culture and history
The Abai Center’s digital platform features videos, podcasts, articles, and online interviews, aimed at taking people on an immersive journey through Kazakh history and culture. The latest episode of «The Stories of Modern Kazakh Prose» told the story of Oralkhan Bokeev’s «Snow Girl.»
«Kazakh culture is diverse, vibrant, and colossal, both in its past and present. It is visually powerful, has unique sounds, colors, and images, and has a great legacy of songs, texts, and a digital archive even in the form of Kazakh Soviet films, as well as the long and fascinating history of battles and vast spaces and cities born, destroyed, and rebuilt,» said Kourmanova.
Kourmanova said that she believes Kazakh culture can be fascinating for anyone, not just Americans. «We already see how our great Kazakh artists: musicians, filmmakers, actors, and even stunt doubles are making significant advances in the global cultural sphere,» said Kourmanova.
By increasing cultural awareness, Kourmanova said the center makes its «modest contribution to cultural diplomacy.»
The power of podcasts
One of the inspiring projects selected by the center is a collection of captivating podcasts that delve into traditional Kazakh music and prose. «Sounds of the Great Steppe» had its first episode released in April 2022.
The center has produced 11 episodes so far in the «Sounds of the Great Steppe» podcast, featuring some of the brightest composers of Kazakh kui (traditional composition), from Dina Nurpeisova and Kurmangazy to Nurgisa Tlendiev and Tattimbet Kazangapuly. The episodes offer the opportunity to enjoy unique recordings provided by the Auezov Institute of Literature and Art, the country’s leading national research center for Kazakh literary studies, folklore, and art history in Almaty.
«We also add basic information about their creators, such as Kurmangazy or Dina Nurpeisova. Of course, this genre has great potential to persist: we could cover Kazakh history, modern music, or read the poems of jyraus (folk poet). So, I hope that many more podcasts will appear, providing listeners with the pure joy of learning,» said Kourmanova.
Through engaging storytelling, another podcast series, with the theme «Stories of Modern Kazakh Prose,» reveals the beauty of Kazakh prose, deeply rooted in the country’s rich cultural heritage. Oral storytelling traditions have been passed down from generation to generation and often incorporate elements of folklore, legends, and historical events, creating a sense of authenticity and connection with Kazakh identity. The series, narrated by Madina Moldagali and Ilnur Bildanov, recounts Kazakh literary masterpieces of the 20th century in a short audio version in English. Zhussipbek Aimautov, Magzhan Zhumabaev, Olzhas Suleimenov, and Anuar Alimzhanov are among the key figures featured in the podcast, honoring their contribution to shaping the history and nation of Kazakhstan.
Kourmanova, who is also a Senior Multimedia Editor in the Central Asia Program, explains the choice of a podcast as a media format that is «flexible, creative, and accessible.» «People listen to podcasts to learn something new and complex. Science and history podcasts, for example, are very informative. Additionally, it is a multitasking medium: you can listen while walking or exercising. Kazakh culture can be retold in the form of podcasts in many ways. For example, Kazakh music would have to be broadcasted through multiple radio stations, as it is very rich in genres and traditions,» said Kourmanova.
Engaging activities
As the Kazakh community continues to grow in the United States, a significant number of children are born in the country. However, they eagerly seek opportunities to explore and reconnect with their roots and cultural heritage.
«The US capital has many residents who are generally interested in international cultural events. Our embassy does a great job organizing events that celebrate various aspects of Kazakh culture. They have Kazakh language programs and various outreach projects about culture,» said Kourmanova.
In addition to podcasts, the center offers engaging offline activities, including film screenings, cultural exhibitions, and concerts in the Washington, DC area. People can also immerse themselves in a virtual reality experience to explore the Abai Museum House in Semey, in eastern Kazakhstan, Abai’s hometown.
«We had some events this year, including a concert by the Turan folklore ensemble and a screening of a modern Kazakh film ‘Paraolympiets’,» said Kourmanova.
Collaboration with scholars and experts
According to Kourmanova, being organized by the Central Asia Program at George Washington University allows the center to access experts and academics to enrich the center’s work. The center has interviewed renowned experts from Kazakhstan and abroad on Kazakh culture, history, archaeology, and the Kazakh language.
«We have a strong network of experts and academics from Central Asia that allows us to tap into this treasure trove of scholarly knowledge. They, of course, play an important role in this project and provide valuable insights and share their years of exploration and study; for example, we had video interviews with legendary professors such as Anatoly Khazanov and William Fierman, who have done tremendous work in Kazakh nomadism and the Kazakh language, respectively,» said Kourmanova.
Cultural exchange
As Kazakhstan and the United States reach the milestone of 30 years in their diplomatic relations, much of the successful path can be attributed to strong interpersonal contacts and cultural exchange.
«Culture is a very strong aspect of people-to-people relations and also of diplomacy. If you understand a particular culture, you understand the nation,» said Kourmanova, noting that Kazakh citizens are less familiar with American culture compared to European and Russian cultures. Kazakhs and Americans have much in common, she suggested.
«Both have a diverse cultural makeup, both have a rich history, and both strive for progress. Therefore, facilitating cultural exchanges is essential for fostering understanding and strengthening relations between the two countries,» said Kourmanova.
The Abai Center continues to play a vital role in promoting Kazakh culture, challenging misconceptions, and fostering cultural understanding between Kazakhstan and the United States. Through its digital platform, podcasts, and engaging activities, the center aims to showcase the diversity and richness of Kaz
