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 and economically. If anything, he has augmented the uncertainty the world faces today. Those who have studied his distributive (“I win you lose”) rather than integrative (“how do we all […]
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 unpredictable world, personal capital remains the most reliable asset. Many outstanding individuals from various fields prove this statement true. Some invest in education, others in expanding their horizons, and some […]
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 the former Soviet Union (CIS) countries. The investment landscape has undergone significant changes driven by geopolitical shifts, economic reforms and evolving global market trends. Both traditional and non-traditional capital is […]
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 preserving global cultural heritage. One of the most effective, accessible, exciting and, at the same time, investment-attractive formats of such work is the theme park. For example, Disneyland – one […]
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 miserable year. Interest costs have increased alongside inflation of general running costs and buyers are few and far between, making prices look frothy. But Central Asia is providing a rare […]
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 than 80 countries. The event attracted the attention of local and international media, as well as social media users. Rather than a celebration of ethno-sports, however, it was a source […]
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 with New Uzbekistan University. This landmark event brought together over 350 delegates from 25 countries, including 60 leaders of international organizations and representatives from 97 higher education institutions, including some […]
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, the UK Foreign Secretary and former Prime Minister, conducted a high-profile visit to all five Central Asian states and Mongolia in April 2024. His visit was to talk about investment […]
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 UK Foreign Secretary and former Prime Minister, conducted a high-profile visit to all five Central Asian states and Mongolia in April 2024. His visit was to talk about investment and […]
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 economy, although their contribution to gross domestic product is still very small. This has led to the creation of the Creative Industries Park, which opens up new opportunities for the […]
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 event brought together artists, writers, poets, diplomats and creative figures from 15 countries: Canada, France, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Israel, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Scotland, England, and Ukraine. The festival included […]
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 several years. While we were gaining professionalism and conducting scientific research in the field of andragogy, the Guild was gaining experience in organising large-scale international events. At the first championship […]
Last September, the serene landscapes of Burabay National Park in Kazakhstan became a hub of artistic expression as the thirteenth Open Eurasian Literary Festival & Book Forum and the fourth international festival Voices of Friends: Poetry & Art unfolded from the 15th to the 18th September. These remarkable events brought together poetry, visual arts, cinema, […]
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. A look at the data and trends in the sector raises the question: could Kazakhstan become a new centre of creative power in the region? Creative industries’ contribution to global […]
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 over 500 business representatives, including CEOs of leading international and Kazakhstani companies in sectors such as agriculture, food processing, energy, mining and finance. The event was also attended by representatives […]
OCA Magazine 15 Years of Impact & Recognition Fifteen years is a significant milestone for any publication. For OCA Magazine, a print magazine published in the UK, it is not just an anniversary, but a confirmation of its status as a leading international publication covering cultural, business and political events in Eurasia. Over the years, […]
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 a hobby for me, a release and a way to channel my emotions and life experiences. I have three passions – family, the charity I lead and singing. Each one […]
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 biography is not only a story of a talented architect but also a tale of a woman whose creative achievements and cultural contributions became symbols of Uzbekistan and an inspiration […]
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 was a professional ballerina, I graduated from one of the best ballet institutions in Russia – the Moscow State Academy of Choreography. I left the stage after being diagnosed with […]
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 in Tashkent, in my childhood, like all children, I just loved to draw and redraw, but looking at my parents, and they are my policemen, I dreamed of becoming a […]
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 happened when at 19 I started working at Kodak’s office in Moscow. There I was fortunate to have met incredible professional photographers whose works graced the covers of global magazines […]
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, born on September 11, 1947, in the picturesque, lake-filled southern Urals, in the town of Chebarkul, Chelyabinsk region, in a country that almost no longer exists: the Union of Soviet […]
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 am qualifying as an herbalist this year. Both professions require a lot of creativity because neither of them is an exact science – with every patient, I need to be […]
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 Roza Red, I’m an artist, art critic, writer, lawyer, economist. Member of the Union of Artists of Russia, member of IHF, International Art Fund, Eurasian Art Union-EURASIAN ERT UNUN, Union […]
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 of the Republic of Kazakhstan (academician). Member of the Union of Designers of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Director of the publishing house “Balalar adebieti” LLP, Member of ECG (London), Associate […]
INTERVIEW WITH ZHAZIRA JANABAYEVA OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / workZhazira Janabayeva: My name is Zhazira Janabaeva – a professional artist. My speciality is textiles. The techniques I work in are: silk painting and hand weaving. For the last 13 years my artistic practice is mandala art. The traditional […]
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 January 12, 1941, in Frunze (now Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan) into an intellectual family. His works were imbued with national identity and depth, attracting audiences not only in the Soviet Union but […]
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 Sabra, a native Israeli. He graduated from City College of New York, and his life took an unexpected turn afterward. Before entering the entertainment industry, Yavneh tried his hand at […]
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 Uzbekistan. His work deeply reflects the national traditions and the cultural and spiritual values of the Uzbek people, making him a significant figure in Uzbekistan’s literary community. Ahmad-Khoja’s talent and […]
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 on January 9, 1949, Illarionov received a military-technical education, which likely shaped his disciplined and resilient character. However, his true calling emerged in the arts and cultural work that became […]
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 down over a shot and not current, communication and just love and friendship between like-minded people. Trust and light, shared events and a smile that never leaves my face. When […]
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 since I was a teenager. I did not consider choosing a creative profession, thinking that I did not have much to say to others at the time. I loved maths […]
INTERVIEW WITH ALEXANDER KATSEV OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / workAlexander Katsev: I am a PhD of Philology, Professor and Academician. I was a lecturer in universities for 53 years. Publicist. Published more than 850 works both scientific and journalistic. Since high school I have wanted to be a […]
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 years of teaching experience. In 1973-75 I was a literary employee of the Almaty regional newspaper; in 1976-79 – an employee of the department of own correspondents of the newspaper […]
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 author of 8 books for children. I started my professional career at school and then worked at the Tashkent Pediatric Medical Institute. Currently, I am teaching my private Russian language […]
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 worked with her in publishing, where she was not just an editor or publisher, but a real guide to the world of literature. Authors approached her publishing house and 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 on literature and public life. Born in Manchester, he received his education at Oxford University, where he studied Chinese and Japanese languages. His career began with Reuters, after which he […]
INTERVIEW WITH MARIA PRIZNYAKOVA OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work. Maria Priznyakova: I am a local press journalist and photographer by profession. I have been involved in literary work for over 15 years. I have been writing poetry since my youth, and prose – short stories and novels […]
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, Mukhtar Auezov, but also remained in history as an outstanding writer, cultural expert, diplomat, public figure for the Kazakh people. Murat Auezov was born in 1943 in Merki district of […]
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 town of Bender, graduated from the K.D. Ushinsky Pedagogical Institute in Odessa as a physics teacher and moved to Germany as a permanent resident in 1993. I am currently retired […]
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 in Moldova, and have lived most of my life in Israel, where I am raising two sons. I am a film director by my first education, worked for two airlines […]
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 a member of the St. Petersburg Writers’ Union and the Eurasian Creative Guild (London). I write prose. The first publication was in 1992. During this time, 7 books have been […]
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 a poet, novelist, playwright, journalist, translator and children’s author. Member of the Union of Writers of Uzbekistan. Honoured Worker of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Commander of the Order […]
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 me. Since childhood, I loved spending time alone with nature – talking to flowers, butterflies, and dragonflies, watching the red algae move in the stream.I had my own imaginary world…Later […]
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 me back to my childhood, when a sweet four-year-old imaginative girl was involved in oral song creativity from the moment she learned to speak. I was born into the family […]
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 was a child or a teenager. Once, in my youth, I dreamed of becoming a journalist: I started to publish in Komsomolskaya Gazeta. But my mother soon found out about […]
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. As fate would have it, my little hometown is forty kilometres from the town of Smorgon, where Vladimir Schastny was born in 1948. In my youth I often visited Zalesje, […]
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 in supporting sensitive and creative individuals, and a blogger focused on exploring cultural differences between the East and West on Facebook. Additionally, I am a tarot reader and an abstract […]
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. I was born in the South of Ukraine, now live in London (UK). I’m an Academician of the International Academy for the Development of Literature and Art, a member of […]
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 of MediaCompass and publisher of the international maritime magazine Shipping. I started my media career in advertising and since then my team and I have successfully developed the transport media […]
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 years of my life, I have been involved in the creation of books and magazines, including this one, and I love my work. People know me as Marat Akhmedjanov or […]
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 the Eurasian Creative Guild based in London! I am a captivating blend of talents and passions. I am not only a teacher and psychologist but also a skilled musician, writer, […]
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 Melbourne Australia and I am a composer, a pianist and improviser and an educationalist. I’m a musical director and I’m a theatre director and predominantly my entire life has been […]
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, a Film Director, an Actress, an Acting Teacher, a Contemporary Artist. Also, I am a Member of the Expert Council on Fine Arts in the «Eurasian Creative Guild» for 2024. […]
OCA PEOPLE: OLGA IGUMNOVA OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / workOlga Igumnova: I was born in Kharkov, Ukraine in 1969 and lived, studied and worked in Volgograd most of my life till 2006. Then I studied and worked in Italy and moved to the United Kingdom in 2010. From […]
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 passion for visual storytelling and impactful design. Since graduating, I have been collaborating with Hertfordshire Press under my pen name Alexandra Rey on a wide range of print and media […]
Hospitable Kazakhstan will welcome the participants of the festival ‘VI Voices of Friends: Poetry & Art’ from different corners of the planet. Every year the picturesque resort of Burabay becomes a meeting place for artists thanks to the festival ‘Voices of Friends: Poetry & Art’. The festival unites literature and visual art of the countries […]
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 from the canons of their historical epoch. And the destiny of a unique woman, who went from being a Christian Ukrainian to becoming a heroine of the Uzbek SSR, who […]
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 heritage. It is an invitation to explore one of Central Asia’s most enchanting secrets. Jizzakh, cradled by the Nurata ridges and kissed by the Golodnaya Steppe, beckons travellers and scholars […]
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 warnings and threats of misuse by both state actors and terrorists alike. Now, Uzbekistan has announced that it is joining the race and Uzbekistan’s Nuclear Energy Agency (Uzatom) has boldly […]
JIZZAKH REGION, A FUTURE LAND OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR WESTERN COMPANIES AND INVESTORS? The Jizzakh Region is helping to drive Uzbekistan’s economic growth. With its strategic location and dynamic business environment, the region could become a gateway to Uzbekistan for foreign business, and it already boasts some interesting contributions from Western companies in this region. With […]
CAN JIZZAKH REALLY ENTICE TOURISTSTO DISCOVER ITS HISTORY AND CULTURE? Jizzakh lies on the ancient trading road between Tashkent and Samarkand. When you pass this way, the ghosts of historic heroes are beside you: Alexander the Great came here with his armies on campaign, marching between the wealthy cities of Uzbekistan’s Silk Road oases. Amir […]
AN ACADEMIC QUESTION – JIZZAKH’S GROWTH BEYOND 2024 Academic Growth is an important factor in the Ubzbekistan’s development. The progress of every country is measured with respect to the developments in agriculture, education, healthcare and infra structure. The education sector plays a vital role in contributing for the technological developments and hence increase the opportunities […]
JIZZAKH POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AIMS FOR TECHNOLOGICAL EXCELLENCE It is worth noting that two new, modern production sites have been launched on the territory of the Jizzakh Polytechnic Institute. The first is the “Scientific and Practical Centre for Alternative Energy”, where solar panels are produced. The second training site – “Jizzakh Youth Technopark” – creates a […]
SPORT IN JIZZAKH – A LIFE IN KURASH The Jizzakh region of Uzbekistan proudly enjoys a rich tradition in sport and physical culture. The regional government actively encourage a healthy lifestyle through sport and exercise, particularly among young people. FC Sogdiana Jizzakh play in the Uzbekistan Football Super League and the region has hosted national […]
A BRIEF HISTORY OF MUSIC IN JIZZAKH Folk music was considered risqué by some due to political reasons for decades, but like the Jazz style of America that was also considered equally as taboo, it has become a defining musical style of Uzbekistan. In terms of vocal styles, the main folk style is known as […]
THE ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE OF JIZZAKH Jizzakh, a vibrant province in Uzbekistan, showcases a remarkable blend of tradition and modern enterprise. Its bustling cities—Jizzakh, Gallaorol, Dashtabad, and Dostlik—are home to a diverse industrial base, ranging from mineral extraction and cotton cultivation to advanced manufacturing in electronics and construction materials. This thriving economy is supported by key […]
EXPLORING THE CASTLES OF JIZZAKH Uzbekistan, particularly the Jizzakh Region, has some beautiful and varied countryside. You might be surprised to hear that it also has some impressive castles and fortresses. In Europe we think our history is full of castles, princesses and knights, especially during the middle ages. It is little known that many […]
TURNING A DEAD DESERT INTO A FLOURISHING OASIS The period of the Russian Empire’s domination of Central Asia in the 1960s and 1970s gave impetus, among other things, to the expansion of irrigation construction and the irrigation of previously undeveloped areas. This was a consequence of the establishment of peaceful life and the cessation of […]
THE POWER OF POETRY: RASHIDOV’S ETERNAL KASHMIR SONG The romantic novella The Song of Kashmir (1956) reflects the Indian people’s struggle for liberation. Judging by its tone, this summary of Rashidov’s works and the reference in it to The Song of Kashmir date from Soviet times, and at first glance seem far removed from the […]
AMAZING JIZZAKH SAMSA It is no exaggeration to say that the Uzbek samsa (also somsa) is now known all over the world. Uzbek restaurants are growing in popularity and can be found in many countries of the world. And samsa has always been an integral part of Uzbekistan’s traditional gastronomic wealth, especially samsa with meat […]
Historic Debut: Uzbekistan Hosts Inaugural World Coaching Championship During Eurasian Creative Week From 22 to 29 June, Uzbekistan hosted the first international World Coaching Championship, as part of the 8th international festival Eurasian Creative Week. For the first time, the festival events took place in three cities of Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Khiva and Nukus. The festival […]
ECG World Championship Coaching: A Celebration of Creativity and Enlightenment in Uzbekistan ECG World Championship Coaching and Eurasian Creative Week will be held in Uzbekistan (Tashkent, Khiva, Nukus) from June 22 to 29. The event is organised by the Eurasian Creative Guild and the Elena Bezrukov Center. Participants of the festival are coaches and artists […]
All welcome to VI ECG Film Festival On May 24-28, the 6th ECG Film Festival will be held at Premier Cinemas Romford in the UK. This festival is proudly joining forces with the renowned Romford Film Festival for the 6th consecutive year, promising a diverse and captivating lineup of films. Founded by the Eurasia Creative Guild. […]
DISCOVERY TRAVEL FORUM: UNBOXING THE BRAND The practice of international and local conferences is not new. It is a very effective way to focus on a particular issue or area of research and to get multiple views to discuss. But as soon as we shift the POV from discussing the topic in general to some […]
THE MAIN THING IN BISHKEK IS CONNECTIONS In 2023, the cultural treasury of Bishkek received a new addition: the immersive audio performance ‘Connections’. This theatrical project follows a site-specific ‘promenade performance’ format, combining an audio guide to the city’s landmarks with an emotionally charged artistic performance. During this excursion performance, the audience does not sit […]
THE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES AS A NEWDRIVING FORCE FOR THE CONOMICDEVELOPMENT OF KAZAKHSTAN We use the products of the creative industries every day: for example, when we look at social media, watch films, listen to music, walk around town or go shopping. The creative economy sector includes art, design, fashion, animation, computer game development, architecture and […]
TOURISM INDUSTRY IN THE CENTRAL ASIAN REGION: KEY CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUSTAINABLE FUTURE The Central Asian region, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, is famous for its picturesque landscapes, diverse cultures and rich history. In recent years, the region has emerged as a promising destination for international travellers seeking unique experiences in remote locations. […]
NEW MODEL OF TOURISM FOR THE NEW UZBEKISTAN Uzbekistan is the only country in Central Asia that borders every country in the region. Uzbekistan is one of only two countries in the world that does not even have neighbours with access to the sea (the other being Liechtenstein). The oldest cities in Uzbekistan are over […]
CREATE A HYPER-LOCAL WORLD by Natalie Bays, Founder of the NO Collective I was born into the first generation to fully immerse themselves into the internet. As a teen, I could have spoken to anyone in the world from my home computer at any time; but despite this – I was only ever interested in […]
WHY IS BELARUS CONSIDERED THE TREASURE OF EASTERN EUROPE? Belarus is a country with an ancient history and rich traditions, enchanting nature and astonishing architecture, industrial giants and well-developed agriculture, unique cuisine and hospitable people. Belarus is located in the center of Europe at the intersection of many international routes. The capital of the Republic […]
HOTEL MANAGEMENT ‘INSIDE OUT’ FOR LOCALS AND INTERNATIONALS When it comes to a process as complex as hotel management, many tourists don’t even think about how many little things make up their holiday experience. This is especially true in countries where the hospitality industry has only recently emerged as an industry in its own right […]
GASTRO TOURISM: A NEW ADVANTAGE FOR CENTRAL ASIA Central Asia has a culinary legacy that is mind boggling. Like the region’s history it spans millennia and has undergone a vast amount of change from era to era. It is both fascinating and delicious. Being positioned along the Silk Road allowed for this as trade brought […]
OCA Magazine: 15 years of success in building the land bridge with Eurasia in the heart of the storm Since 2009, OCA Magazine has become a well-regarded publication with a readership that includes diplomats and businesspeople. It is the sole English-language magazine dedicated to the Central Asian and CIS region. For the past 15 years, […]
LIKE A MOVIE.A NEW MODEL OF DESTINATION MARKETING Today, tourism and migration have become part of modern life. And since the laws of economics dictate that where there are people, there are finances and other resources, the ability of a city, region or even an entire country to attract and retain tourists, investors, businesses, workers, […]
DISCOVER CENTRAL ASIA IN ITS ORIGINAL TRADITIONS Following the global pandemic, alternative accommodation projects have become increasingly popular in Central Asia, with a variety of unique accommodation options now available in some of the most pristine locations. Visitors can now enjoy the comfort of staying in yurts, dome houses, and even 5-star international hotels. It […]
ADVENTURES OF EUROPEANS IN CENTRAL ASIA. GUIDELINES FOR GUIDES “Just bring us guests”. It’s a familiar phrase among tourism providers in countries developing tourism. But are they ready for the guests? Barnaby Davies and Sjannie Hulsman, co-owners of EastguidesWest, a Dutch training and consulting company, have just returned from speaking on sustainability at Samarkand Tourism […]
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE: NEW ATTRACTION The sheikhs of the United Arab Emirates paid France $525 million to rent the name “Louvre” for the museum in Abu Dhabi. The cost of organised tours of museums, galleries and unique architectural sites can easily reach $80,000, as can specialised creative and educational tours for artists, architects, fashionistas, history […]
JUST LEGENDARY Surprisingly there are quite a few links between British Legends and Central Asia. Quite a few of these links are already known, but it’s only really with the emergence of Central Asia onto the world scene that they are becoming better appreciated. Some of these historical links are mentioned below. I have had […]
INVESTMENT ATTRACTIVENESS OF EVENT TOURISM Silk Road Media and the Eurasian Creative Guild (London) have been developing the tourism potential of the Eurasian region for 15 years through creative and business events, including literary festivals, art exhibitions, business forums, as well as road shows, creative meetings and much more. Thanks to these events, not only […]
TRAVELLING NOTES Many famous explorers began their journeys after reading books. The travel notes of merchants, seafarers, warriors, and minstrels are helping us reconstruct the history of the Great Silk Road. The impact of literature on the development of the tourism sector cannot be overstated. But how are such books created? OCA Magazine’s editors interviewed […]
INTERNATIONAL FOCUS ON TOURISM IN CENTRAL ASIA The pace of development of the tourism industry in Central Asia is impressive, and the international community is supporting these processes, sharing professional experience, discussing challenges and rediscovering the treasures of the Great Silk Road. Uzbekistan is increasingly hosting international events dedicated to the development of the hospitality […]
EURASIAN CREATIVE GUILD (LONDON)AUTUMN FESTIVALS From 25-30 September 2023, the resort of Burabay (Kazakhstan) hosted four ground-breaking events: Poetry & Art Festival III Voices of Friends: Poetry & Art, Literary Festival XII Open Eurasian Literary Festival and Book Forum, Burabay Social Film Festival (II BISFF) and Discovery Travel Forum dedicated to creative industries in tourism. […]
THE SPIRIT OF THE GREAT SILK ROAD TREASURES Gulchekhra-begim Makhmudova is one of the most important women in Uzbekistan and the CIS countries in the field of culture, beauty and perfume. She started in 1985 as a producer of the international tours for Uzbek creatives – InterDay of Culture, then ran her own BEGIM World […]
“Vibrant Navruz and Iftar Celebrations in London: A Cultural Extravaganza” The Navruz and iftar celebrations held in London were a resounding success, marking a vibrant start to the year’s festivities. The event was organized and sponsored by the Eurasian Creative Guild, London (ECG), OCA magazine and Orzu Arts, and served as the inaugural event in […]
A SWORD IN A STONE: THE FUTURE OF MUSEUMS Museums are an important point of attraction for many people for many reasons over the years. We used to visit them as a part of a touristic program as well as see them as an educational or entertainment venue in our everyday life. And the concept […]
IMPROVING EDUCATIONAL NEEDS FOR AUTISM IN KAZAKHSTAN The number of identified cases of autism in children in Kazakhstan has increased fivefold over the past 7 years. In the Republic of Kazakhstan according to information of the Ministry of Education (until June, 2022 of the Ministry of Education and Science) there are more than 8,000 children […]
FUND HONOURS SHARAF RASHIDOV’S LIFE On March 27, 2017, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev initiated the celebration of the 100th birth anniversary of the outstanding Uzbek statesman, writer and poet Sharaf Rashidov, and on January 13, 2022, he signed a decree on naming Samarkand State University after Sharaf Rashidov. Sharaf Rashidov International Public Fund […]
TRENDS IN RECRUITMENTIN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS SINCE 2020:INSIGHTS AND POSSIBLE CAUSES Recruitment in international schools has witnessed significant shifts and trends since 2020. The global pandemic, coupled with evolving educational practices, has brought about notable changes in the hiring landscape of these institutions. In this article, we will explore the key trends that have emerged and […]
