As part of the implementation of the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, dated May 16, 2026, "On Measures to Develop a Culture of Reading and Form an Intellectual Nation," the Creative Industries Development Fund has launched new projects for the national marathon "Kitap Oqityn Ult."
Qazaq Creative's initiatives are aimed at popularizing national literature, developing a reading culture, and engaging young people with books. These include reading clubs, meetings with writers, intellectual games, and the creation of comics, animations, and videos based on literary works.
The national marathon covers all 20 regions of Kazakhstan. To date, more than 1.4 million participants have registered, and the recommended reading list includes 345 works by domestic and foreign authors.
Reading Clubs and Meetings with Writers
KITAP CLUB plans to establish reading clubs in all 20 regions of the country. Participants will be able to discuss books, share impressions, and exchange opinions on writers' work.
The "Avtormen Kezdesu" ("Meeting with the Author") project brings together readers and renowned Kazakh writers. The first meeting took place at the Qazaq Creative Hub in Astana, featuring writer, playwright, and Abai State Prize laureate Roza Mukanova. Participants discussed the author's work, including "Mangilik Bala Beine."
KITAP QUIZ is a series of literary intellectual games for students. Teams will test their knowledge of works, their authors, and characters.
Literature in Modern Digital Formats
A separate focus of Qazaq Creative is the creation of media content that will help introduce young people to fiction.
KITAP TALKS involves the production of one-minute videos with book recommendations and short stories about interesting works. The "Kitaptan kreativke" ("From Book to Creativity") project plans to create comics, animated films, and book trailers based on literary themes. Artists, animators, designers, and other representatives of the creative industries are expected to participate.
"Kitaptyn zhalgasy bar" ("The Book Has a Sequel") is a project of short videos that will introduce viewers to intriguing episodes in works and encourage them to read the book to discover how the story unfolds.
200 Book Ambassadors from Regions of Kazakhstan
To promote reading, 200 book ambassadors are planned. Cultural figures, creatives, and avid readers will recommend their favorite works and share literary discoveries.
"20 өңір – 20 оқырман" ("20 Regions – 20 Readers") will present stories from residents of different regions of Kazakhstan about the books that influenced their views and life decisions. The "Marathon Book Guide" (Book Marathon Guide) will publish weekly selections of seven works with short descriptions to help readers choose their next book.
New Opportunities for Developing a Culture of Reading
Qazaq Creative projects combine traditional literary gatherings with modern ways to experience literary works. Books will become the basis for creative work, and readers will have more opportunities to interact with authors and discuss literature.
The Creative Industries Development Fund will continue its work to support domestic writers, develop the reading community, and promote literature using the capabilities of the creative industries.
Join the national "Book Marathon" and choose your next book on the website reading-nation.kz.
One book – a thousand opportunities!