China-Kazakhstan Friendly Exchange and Cooperation: Kazakhstan's First Overseas Cultural Center Unveiled in Beijing, Becomes a New Platform for Bilateral Cultural Exchange
Kazakh International News Agency - According to news from the Ministry of Culture and Information, Kazakhstani's first overseas cultural center was opened in Beijing. The opening ceremony was attended by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balaeva, Minister of Culture and Tourism of China Sun Yeli, and diplomats and cultural representatives from both countries.
The establishment of this center is the result of long-term diplomatic negotiations and high-level consensus. In 2022, during the state visit of the Chinese President to Astana, the two heads of state reached an agreement to set up cultural centers on an equal basis.
The implementation of this project marks a new stage in cultural exchanges between the two countries, and will make an important contribution to promoting Kazakhstani culture on the international stage, further deepening the cultural ties and strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and China.
The cultural center is located in the core business district of Beijing, covering an area of 620 square meters, and will serve as a platform to showcase Kazakhstani traditions, art, language, history, and ethnic cuisine, conducting various activities for the Chinese public.
The center is divided into several areas and is equipped with interactive devices, allowing visitors to have a more in-depth experience of Kazakhstani culture.
The exhibition hall is one of the core areas of the center, displaying more than 100 historical artifacts, including replicas of Scythian era artifacts, items excavated from the Issyk and Berel kurgans, as well as daily life items of the Kazakh people. Visitors can also enjoy traditional musical instruments such as Dombra and Kobyz, as well as women's jewelry, wooden boxes, wooden bowls, and felt carpets. These exhibits will help the Chinese public better understand the rich historical and cultural heritage of Kazakhstan.
The exhibition also features paintings by Kazakhstani artists and rare books about the country's history and culture. Through multimedia screens, visitors can interactively watch documentaries and videos showcasing the natural landscapes and cultural attractions of Kazakhstan.
Language teaching is one of the important functions of the center. Kazakh language classrooms will offer courses and training for children and adults, while music and creative workshops will provide visitors with opportunities to learn traditional music knowledge and participate in master classes on Dombra and Kobyz. The center will regularly hold concerts, inviting Kazakhstani musicians and artists to perform on stage.
For literature lovers, the center has a library and reading room, which houses works by Kazakhstani authors, including foreign translations and Chinese versions. The key exhibit is the works of the great Kazakh poet Abai. The library will be a venue for lectures, book launches, and literary salons, aiming to enhance the interest of Chinese readers in Kazakhstani literature and culture.
The multi-functional hall will be used for exhibitions, academic conferences, roundtable forums, and seminars, further promoting the connection between the two countries in the fields of culture and education.
The center also has a restaurant named "Sandyk" and offers master classes on cooking Kazakh national dishes.
In the future, the cultural center will actively promote educational and cultural projects aimed at spreading Kazakhstani culture and history, not only offering language and art courses but also expanding scientific research and the promotion of traditional culture. Young entrepreneurs, scientists, and cultural representatives from both Kazakhstan and China will carry out exchange activities, organized jointly by the Kazakhstan-China International Youth Exchange Center. At the same time, the center plans to sign a cooperation memorandum with Beijing Language and Culture University, under which regular exchange programs for students from the two countries will be held.
Additionally, this cultural center will also serve as a venue for Kazakhstani film, drama, music, and art festivals. The Kazakhstani Cultural Center in Beijing is seen as an important step in promoting Kazakhstani culture to the world stage and will become a key part of the international cultural cooperation strategy.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1842395679629312/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.