Kazakh artist Askhat Akhmadiyarov arrested after shamanic protest against Bozzhyra hotel development
On July 13, Kazakh artist Askhat Akhmadiyarov was detained after conducting a shamanic ritual outside the House of Ministers in Astana. His demonstration was aimed at opposing a hotel resort proposed for the Bozzhyra tract, which Turkish investor Fettah Taminci announced in November 2020. The Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan raised concerns about the project's potential threat to wildlife. Despite Ecology Minister Magzum Mirzagaliyev's December declaration to relocate the hotel, construction commenced just 500 meters from the initial location in January. Akhmadiyarov's arrest stemmed from not notifying authorities about the protest. He had previously been arrested in 1999 for a performance in Shymkent and has showcased his work at prestigious events like the Venice Biennale and Singapore Biennale.
Key facts
- Askhat Akhmadiyarov was arrested on July 13 after performing a shamanic ritual protest in Astana
- The protest opposed a hotel resort planned for the Bozzhyra tract in western Kazakhstan
- Turkish investor Fettah Taminci announced the resort project in November 2020
- The Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan opposes the development due to ecological concerns
- Ecology Minister Magzum Mirzagaliyev announced in December the hotel would be moved beyond Zhabayushkan reserve
- Construction began in January just 500 meters from the original proposed site
- Akhmadiyarov was previously arrested in 1999 for his performance Trans-Dialogue with Van Gogh in Shymkent
- The artist has exhibited at the Venice Biennale, Singapore Biennale, Astana National Museum, and Wapping Power Station in London
Entities
Artists
- Askhat Akhmadiyarov
- Van Gogh
Institutions
- Venice Biennale
- Singapore Biennale
- Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan
- Astana National Museum
- Wapping Power Station
- House of Ministers
Locations
- Astana
- Kazakhstan
- Bozzhyra tract
- Zhabayushkan reserve
- Shymkent
- London
- United Kingdom
- Turkey