Government discussed holding events "Astana - cultural capital of the Turkic world" and "Astana - cultural capital of the Commonwealth"

Minister of Culture and Information Darkhan Mynbay informed about the process of holding events "Astana - cultural capital of the Turkic world" and "Astana - cultural capital of the Commonwealth" during a session of the Government today, according to pm.kz.

The capital of Kazakhstan is the first of 14 member states of the TURKSOY to be given a status of cultural capital of the Turkic world and the year of 2012 has been announced the year of Astana. The grand opening of the event was held on February 24 at the Palace of Peace and Accord.

As the Minister informed, jointly with the akimat of Astana, the Ministry has developed a detailed plan of event under the auspices of "Astana - cultural capital of the Turkic world", the plan provides for a number of joint with the Turkic language countries events held in different formats.

International meetings of photo artists "New capital city of new millennium", the 5th meeting of sculptors, Days of culture of Azerbaijan in Kazakhstan, festivals of folk dance teams, festival of nomadic civilization "Millenniums around Astana", etc. are planned to be held during the year "Astana - cultural capital of the Turkic world".

Besides, Astana was announced the capital of the Commonwealth. As earlier reported, the decision on implementation of pilot project "Cultural capitals of the Commonwealth 2012" was made at the informal Summit of the CIS Heads of State which was held on December 20, 2011.

In 2011, cultural capitals of the CIS were selected Gomel (Belarus) and Ulyanovsk (Russia). In 2012, these cities are Astana and Mara (Turkmenistan).

The Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan jointly with the akimat of Astana have established an organization committee. The work on organization and holding of the international forum "Eurasian culture in the new world" which was held on June 15 in Astana was completed.

The chamber music festival of modern composers of the CIS member states is planned be held during the year as well as film festival of ethnographic movies of the CIS countries "Samruk-Ethno-Fest", Delphic Games, tours of the leading theatres, creative teams, etc.

In order to ensure exchange of experience, forums of librarians of the CIS and practical seminars will be held in Astana.