
OCA PEOPLE: MARSEL SALIMOV
MARSEL SALIMOV: “TO SERVE THE PEOPLE — THIS, I BELIEVE, IS THE TRUE PURPOSE OF MY CREATIVE WORK” OCA Magazine: Please tell us the most

MARSEL SALIMOV: “TO SERVE THE PEOPLE — THIS, I BELIEVE, IS THE TRUE PURPOSE OF MY CREATIVE WORK” OCA Magazine: Please tell us the most

MICHAEL ANANOV: “ARTISTS WORK TIRELESSLY TO DISCOVER A RECIPE FOR HARMINOUS COEXISTENCE” ant things about yourself and your creative work. What is your creative, life

COVER STORY : MARIIAM TOBOKELOVA “TRADITION IS NOT THE ASH WE PRESERVE, BUT THE FIRE WE PASS ON” OCA Magazine: Please tell us the most

MIKHAIL KUNITSKI: KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE MAKE YOU FREE AND OPEN TO THE WORLD OCA Magazine: Please tell us the most important things about yourself and

NARGISA KARASARTOVA: SO, I WOULD WISH ALL CREATIVEPEOPLE FLEXIBILITY,CONSITENCY, AND PURPOSEFULLNESS OCA Magazine: Please tell us the most important things about yourself and your creative

NATALLIA THOMPSON: LIFE IS CREATIVITY, A CONTINOUSINTERACTION WITH THE WORLD AND WITH PEOPLE tant things about yourself and your creative work. What is your creative

NURLAN TOXANOV: EVERY WRITER IS UNIQUE, SHAPEDBY THEIR OWN INNER WORLD OCA Magazine: Please tell us the most important things about yourself and your creative

NURYM TAIBEK: LOVE FOR ALL, HATRED FOR NONE”— MY MISSION AND CREATIVE PATH OCA Magazine: Please tell us the most important things about yourself and

SALTANAT KHAMZEYEVA: MY ADVICE TO THOSE JUST BEGINNING THEIR CREATIVE JOURNEY – CREATE! OCA Magazine: Please tell us the most important things about yourself and

TATIANA EDEL: MY CREDO: TO SEEK TRUTH, GIVE HOPE AND KEEP FAITH ALIVE OCA Magazine: Please tell us the most important things about yourself and

TATYANA CHABROVA: WARMTH AND KINDNESS, SUPPORTING MY TALENTED STUDENTS tant things about yourself and your creative work. What is your creative, life credo and motivation

THE ART OF BEING GENUINE: THE JOURNEY OF ZAMIRA BESHIMOVA In the world of art, there are figures whose creativity becomes a bridge between cultures

ZINA KARAEVA: MY CREATIVE CREDO IS TO WORK HARD AND MY LIFE CREDO IS TO HELP THE PEOPLE IF THEY NEED IT OCA Magazine: Please

WARREN WILLS: A TRUE ARTIST NEEDS TO CREATETHE CONDITIONS OF TOTAL FREEDOM OCA Magazine: Please tell us the most important things about yourself and your

EDGAR ANPILOGOV: REMEMBER: TRUE INSPIRATION LIES WITHIN YOU OCA Magazine: Please tell us the most important things about yourself and your creative work. What is

NURLAN MUNBAEV: I WISH YOU THE COURAGE TOBE YOURSELF, THE PATIENCE TO FINDYOUR OWN VOICE… OCA Magazine: Please tell us the most important things about

OLEG NESTERKOV: TO REMAIN TRUE TO ONE’SCREATIVE PATH tant things about yourself and your creative work. What is your creative, life credo and motivation for

SULTAN RAEV: I BELIEVE KYRGRZ LITERATUREIS A SIGNIFICANT BUT STILLUNDERREPRESENTED PART OF THE WORLD’S CULTURAL HERITAGE OCA Magazine: Please tell us the most important things

“The Black Cloak” at the Shaw Theatre: a parable about humanity beyond allegory On 13 November, London’s Shaw Theatre welcomed the Kazakh company The Arts

SILK ROAD MEDIA — MEDIA PARTNER OF THE FORUM CENTRAL ASIA OIL & GAS FORUM 2025: A Business Platform for Strengthening Regional Cooperation As partnership

Only One Night in London: a truly special event of the theatrical season, presented in a unique cast and stage version that will not be

“THE BLACK CLOAK”: A CAPTIVATING PERFORMANCE ABOUT LOYALTY, BETRAYAL AND ETERNAL VALUES The Arts Stage Theatre invites you to the unique premiere of the play

When diplomatic families, international professionals, and global businesses relocate to Tashkent, they discover a city rich in history and opportunity. Among the considerations for these

The two largest Central Asian countries have embarked on a higher education spree. In Uzbekistan since 2020 almost 100 new universities have opened, swelling the

As part of the development of international cooperation in the field of higher education, Turkmenistan participated in the Education World Forum on May 18-21, 2025

In recent years, Central Asia has experienced not merely a surge of interest in music, but a cultural renaissance in which music itself becomes a

BRIDGING CULTURES, BUILDING FUTURES: THE BRITISH COUNCILIN KAZAKHSTAN For over three decades, the British Council has played a key role in strengthening the relationship between

CHALLENGES OF BUSINESS EDUCATIONIN UZBEKISTAN: A SYSTEMIC ANALYSISAND MODERNIZATION STRATEGIES There are many challenges in business education within Uzbekistan, including outdated curricula (only 15% updated

Challenges and Opportunities in Establishing International Partnerships AmongCentral Asia’s Educational Institutions Central Asia, an area abundant in history and cultural variety, stands at a critical

EDUCATING ONE HALF OF THE NATIONTHE ECONOMIC CASE FOR WOMEN’S ACCESS TO UNIVERSITIES In the classical culture of the East, the image of an educated

Since gaining independence, the countries of the post-Soviet space have focused significant attention on finding and building an optimal strategy for developing their education systems.

The path taken by the Republic of Moldova in developing its education system differs significantly from that of other post-Soviet countries. Here, reforms were neither

In recent years, there has been increasing discussion about the development of an innovation-based economy, about how to increase the share of high-tech products in

Education remains a cornerstone of national development, social equity, and economic growth. While East Africa and Central Asia are separated by geography and history, their

In recent years, Uzbekistan has become an increasingly important cultural and economic crossroads in Central Asia, attracting diplomats, international organizations, and businesses from around the

Uzbekistan’s tourism targets are well known: President Mirziyyev has repeatedly stated that he aims to attract 15 million international arrivals a year by 2030, which

TRANSFORMING SAKEN SEIFULLIN KATRU: FROM A RESEARCH UNIVERSITY TO A WORLD-CLASS INSTITUTION IN AGRICULTURE Kazakhstan, a country with deep agricultural roots, is rapidly emerging as

PREPARING STUDENTS TO LEAD IN A DIGITAL FUTURE Interview: Zhanseit Tuimebayev, Chairman of the Board-Rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University OCA: What are the main

I’m delighted to introduce another brimming issue of OCA Magazine, where we continue our commitment to exploring the dynamic and critical role of education in

WELCOME WORD Donald Trump’s inauguration as the United States’ 47th president has done little, so far, to reduce the global volatility we see both politically

WITH A PEN AND A SCALPEL IN HAND The best investment you can make is in yourself. It cannot be lost, and even in our

THE SHIFT OF THE INVESTMENT LANDSCAPE IN CENTRAL ASIAN AND CIS COUNTRIES: CURRENT TRENDS AND FUTURE OUTLOOK Things are moving fast in Central Asia and

SILKROADLAND: MIXING ADVENTURE AND KNOWLEDGE TO CREATE “EDUTAINMENT” The modern world, despite certain economic and political tensions, supports the idea of developing intercultural relations and

CENTRAL ASIA PROVIDES A RARE HIGHLIGHT IN TODAY’S CHALLENGING REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT CLIMATE For many, the housing and wider real estate markets have had a

V WORLD NOMAD GAMES: A KAZAKH PARODYOF THE OLYMPICS? The 5th World Nomad Games (WGN), held in Astana in September 2024, attracted participants from more

INAUGURAL TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION FORUM HELD IN UZBEKISTAN In October, Tashkent hosted the inaugural Central Asian Universities Forum, organized by Times Higher Education in partnership

A HIGHLAND FLING: SCOTTISH INVESTMENT IN CENTRAL ASIA As of this year, Great Britain has enhanced its focus and attention on Central Asia. David Cameron,

CAN TURKMENISTAN SHRUG ITS ANTI-FOREIGN INVESTMENT IMAGE? As of this year, Great Britain has enhanced its focus and attention on Central Asia. David Cameron, the

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES PARK: THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS REFORMING KYRGYZSTAN’S CREATIVE ECONOMY Kyrgyzstan’s creative industries are beginning to play an increasingly important role in the country’s

SCOTLAND HOSTS EURASIAN CREATIVE WEEK FOR THE FIRST TIME From 28 to 30 November 2024, the VIII Eurasian Creative Week took place in Greenock, Scotland.

The Professional School of Business Coaches of the Centre for Training and Consulting and the Eurasian Creative Guild have been working on this event for

Last September, the serene landscapes of Burabay National Park in Kazakhstan became a hub of artistic expression as the thirteenth Open Eurasian Literary Festival &

KAZAKHSTAN: THE CREATIVE PHOENIXOF CENTRAL ASIA Kazakhstan’s creative economy is gradually becoming a powerful engine of economic growth, transforming traditional approaches to the country’s development.

ASTANA HOSTS 7th KAZAKHSTAN GLOBALINVESTMENT ROUNDTABLE KGIR-2024 The 7th Kazakhstan Global Investment Roundtable KGIR-2024 was held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, and brought together

OCA Magazine 15 Years of Impact & Recognition Fifteen years is a significant milestone for any publication. For OCA Magazine, a print magazine published in

Natasha Hart: A Journey of Resilience, Music, and Giving Back OCA Magazine: Tell us about yourself and your creative activity / work.Natasha Hart: Singing is

Maria Shevel, born in Ukraine, left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of Uzbekistan, merging national culture with engineering mastery in her projects. Her

Katerina Kudryavtseva’s story for OCA People OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work. Katerina Kudryavtseva: In my youth I

STORY OF MARGO GAMBURGSKAYA FOR OCA PEOPLE OCA Magazine: Please tell us about yourself and your creative work.Margo Gamburgskaya: I was born and grew up

INTERVIEW WITH MARINA YANOVSKAYA OCA Magazine: Please tell us about yourself and your creative activity/work.Maria Yanovskaya: My first contact with photography as an art form

INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL MATVEEV (K’ARTLI) OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / workMichael Matveev: I am Mikhail Matveev aka Kartli,

INTERVIEW WITH MUMTOZ KAMILZODA OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work.Mumtoz Kamolzoda: I am a nutritional therapist, and I

INTERVIEW WITH ROZA RED OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work.Roza Red: Greetings friends! My name is Rozalia aka

Interview with Shaizada Baikenova OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work.Shaizada Baikenova: Full member of the Academy of Arts

INTERVIEW WITH ZHAZIRA JANABAYEVA OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / workZhazira Janabayeva: My name is Zhazira Janabaeva – a

Bolotbek Shamshiev was an outstanding Kyrgyz film director, actor, and screenwriter who left a profound mark on Soviet and Kyrgyz cinema. He was born on

Cyrus Yavneh, born in New York City, came from a multicultural family: his father, Zalman, was a Belarusian Jew, and his mother, Anna, was a

Ahmad-Khoja Khorezmi, whose real name was Ahmadjon Khudayberganov, was a renowned Uzbek poet, writer, and public figure, born in 1949 in the Khorezm region of

Alexander Illarionov was a poet, community activist, and cultural inspirer whose life was dedicated to preserving and promoting Russian culture and literature in Lithuania. Born

Magical, seductive, brightest Moscow 2017-2020. Peace, joy, positivity and a huge number of events that warm the soul. Every day you meet new people, sit

INTERVIEW WITH ANNA HARRINGTON-MOROZOVA OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / workAnna Harrington-Morozova: I have been drawing and writing poems

INTERVIEW WITH ALEXANDER KATSEV OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / workAlexander Katsev: I am a PhD of Philology, Professor

INTERVIEW WITH KLARA KABYLGAZINA OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity/work.Klara Kabylgazina: I have 50 years of creative experience and 40

INTERVIEW WITH ELENA MAKAROVA OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / workElena Makarova: I am a Philologist-Russianist. I am the

I met Helen Limonova as a collaborator on the Vintage Montage project in 2013. It was a moment that changed my life forever. Later, I

Jonathan Fryer (June 5, 1950 – April 16, 2021) was a British writer, journalist, lecturer, and politician whose life and work left a significant mark

INTERVIEW WITH MARIA PRIZNYAKOVA OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work. Maria Priznyakova: I am a local press journalist

Murat Auezov was not only the son of the historical figure in the Kazakh history, and the most popular classic writer of the XX century,

INTERVIEW WITH NADYA ROTH OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work.Nadya Roth: I was born in Moldova, in the

INTERVIEW WITH NINA YAGOLNITSER OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work.Nina Yagolnitser: I was born in Ukraine, grew up

Interview with Olga Shpakovich OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work.Olga Shpakovich: I live in St. Petersburg, I am

Raim Hakimovich Farkhadi was born on 16 May 1942 in Samarkand (Uzbek SSR, now Uzbekistan). Died on 4 April 2024 (Tashkent, Uzbekistan). Raim Farkhadi was

INTERVIEW WITH RAUSHAN BURKITBAYEVA-NUKENOVA OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work.Raushan Burkitbayeva-Nukenova: I didn’t choose poetry… Rather, poetry chose

INTERVIEW WITH RIMA ULCHINA OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work.Rima Ulcina: Oh my God! Your question has taken

Interview with TATIANA BOGOMOLOVA OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work.Tatiana Bogomolova: I never thought about writing when I

It is with great pleasure that I share with you the feelings I experienced when I read the biography of my compatriot Vladimir Grigorievich Schastny.

OCA PEOPLE: ANNA GHARIB OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work.Anna Gharib: I am an author, a coach specializing

OCA PEOPLE: OKSANA ZHUKOVA (SKY) OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work.Oksana Zhukova: I’m a poet, writer and artist.

OCA PEOPLE: ALEXANDER SYVAK OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work.My name is Alexander Syvak, I am the director

OCA PEOPLE : MARAT AKHMEDJANOV OCA Magazine: Please tell us about yourself and your creative activity/work.MA: In short, I’m a publisher; over the last 20

OCA PEOPLE: LIDIA BELOZEROVA OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work.Lidia Belozerova: Meet Lidia Belozerova, the newest Guardian of

OCA PEOPLE: WARREN WILLS OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work.Warren Wills: My name is Warren Wills I’m from

OCA PEOPLE: ANASTASIA KALINOVSKAYA OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work.Anastasia Kalinovskaya: I am a Director of Theatrical-performing Art,

OCA PEOPLE: OLGA IGUMNOVA OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / workOlga Igumnova: I was born in Kharkov, Ukraine in

OCA PEOPLE: ALEKSANDRA REY OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work.Aleksandra Vlasova: I am an Art director with a

Hospitable Kazakhstan will welcome the participants of the festival ‘VI Voices of Friends: Poetry & Art’ from different corners of the planet. Every year the

THE STEPPE BLOOMS IN THE HANDS OF A WOMAN The history of the world is made up of unique people, whose lives and destinies differ

DISCOVERING JIZZAKH: THE HIDDEN JEWEL OF UZBEKISTAN In the heart of Uzbekistan lies a region, with stunning landscapes, diverse fauna and flora, and rich cultural

UZBEKISTAN HARNESSING THE POWER OF NUCLEAR The power and potential of nuclear has been evident for decades, even if it has often come surrounded in