The organizers of the prestigious international competition Siena International Photo Awards summed up the results of 2021.
Outstanding Images Of The Year
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The Spirit of Tengri Festival Held in Almaty
The international contemporary ethnic music festival The Spirit of Tengri took place in Abai Square in Almaty on June 7. One of Central Asia’s largest cultural events once again brought together musicians, artisans, artists and tens of thousands of visitors, serving as a platform for cultural dialogue and creative exchange, the Almaty city administration reported.
According to organisers, around 50,000 people attended the festival throughout the day. Visitors enjoyed live performances, the Ethno Market crafts fair, recreation areas, a food court, as well as interactive and art spaces.
Particular attention this year was given to supporting local performers. For the first time, winners of the Open Call competition - JU BAND, DUANA and NY-ZA - performed on the festival’s main stage.
The young musicians presented their own interpretation of contemporary ethnic music, blending traditional Kazakh motifs with jazz, rock and world music.
In 2026, the festival received international recognition after winning first place at the bema! Best Experience Marketing Awards in the International Festival category.
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Ceremonial reception for Russian President Vladimir Putin was held in Astana
An official welcoming ceremony for President Vladimir Putin of Russia, who arrived in Kazakhstan on a state visit, took place at the Palace of Independence.
The Russian leader was personally greeted by Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
In honor of the distinguished guest, a formation of fighter jets from the Air Defense Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan carried out a demonstration flyover above the Palace of Independence, leaving behind white, blue and red smoke trails that colored the sky in the hues of the Russian flag.
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Kazakhstan’s Mountains From Above: Almaty Photographer Shares Aerial Photography Experience
Almaty-based photographer Dmitry Dotsenko said that during his frequent flights across Kazakhstan, he tries to use every trip as an opportunity to capture aerial images of mountains and natural landscapes.
My profession as a photographer involves constant travel across the country, and I often have to fly by plane. To avoid wasting time, I try to shoot even during flights," he said.
According to Dotsenko, choosing the right seat in advance is essential for getting a good shot. "If the plane is flying east from Almaty, it is better to sit on the right side; if it is flying west, choose the left side so the mountains are visible in the frame," the photographer explained.
He also recommends selecting seats in the front section of the cabin or at the rear, where turbulence has less impact and the wing does not obstruct the view. Before takeoff, Dotsenko always cleans the airplane window using optical wipes.
For aerial photography, he uses a camera with zoom lenses and a rubber lens hood to reduce glare from the glass. "The window inevitably affects image quality, so it is important to shoot at a 90-degree angle to the glass," he noted.
The photographer admitted that aerial shooting makes it possible to capture unique views of Khan Tengri, Jengish Chokusu and Ismoil Somoni Peak.
Sometimes these views simply take your breath away," Dotsenko said.
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"Batyrlarğa tağzym - mäñgi zhadyymyzda" Campaign Held in Almaty
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People Gather at the Eternal Flame to Honor WWII Heroes
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PetFest 2026, the largest city festival for pets and their owners, took place in Almaty
On April 18, PetFest 2026 - the largest urban festival for pets and their owners - was held at the Forum Almaty shopping mall. The event once again confirmed that Almaty is becoming a truly pet-friendly city.
More than 3,000 guests attended the festival вместе with their pets. For one day, the space in front of the mall turned into a vibrant, warm, and highly emotional city celebration - filled with smiles, new connections, общения, and a genuine love for animals.
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Three kangaroo joeys born at Almaty zoo
Almaty Zoo has welcomed a joyful addition - three kangaroo joeys have been born.
Two joeys were born to grey kangaroo pairs, and one to red kangaroos. According to the zoo, newborn kangaroos are extremely tiny and continue developing in their mother’s pouch, so they are only noticed after some time.
The sex of one joey has already been identified - it is a male, while the others remain unknown.
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Tulips, warmth, and greenery: spring arrives in southern Kazakhstan
Almaty-based photographer Dmitry Dotsenko shared a series of images capturing the atmosphere of spring in southern regions of Kazakhstan.
According to him, the country’s natural contrasts are especially noticeable at this time of year: "Kazakhstan is so vast that seasons live their own lives here - in the north you can still find snow, in central regions it has already melted, while in the south spring is in full swing, sometimes almost turning into summer."
The photographer noted that temperatures in Shymkent have already reached +30°C, city flowerbeds are filled with tulips, and trees are covered in fresh greenery.
Bees are busy with their important work from morning till evening - everything around is literally coming to life," he said.
Dotsenko also managed to capture the growing moon, which, in his view, symbolically echoes the arrival of spring.
The moon is gaining strength now, preparing for the April full moon… and there’s something special about it - as if spring itself is growing along with it," he added.
The photographer wished everyone warmth and a truly spring-like mood.
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