On December 20, the presentation of the illustrated family guidebook “Salem, Semey!” took place in Semey. It is the fourth book in a series dedicated to the cities and nature of Kazakhstan. The new edition invites readers to explore the city through local stories, little-known facts, and visual imagery collected with the active participation of local residents.
The book is based on materials from the local community Priirtyshye, as well as contributions and information shared by engaged citizens. The authors focus on Semey’s cultural landscape, its unique urban achievements, and notable milestones. In particular, readers will learn that football first appeared on the territory of modern Kazakhstan in Semey.
The book was published by Tentek Publishing with the support of the EA Charity fund and Meloman Publishing.
In recent years, Tentek Publishing and Meloman Publishing have released books dedicated to Almaty, Astana, and the natural landscapes of Kazakhstan.
We are happy that the new book in the series, released with the support of the EA Charity Fund, is dedicated to Semey. Each publication is created in collaboration with Kazakh specialists, and the authors and illustrators are usually local creators. The illustrations for “Salem, Semey!” were created by Anastasia Kukhturtseva, a graduate of the art studio at the Nevzorov Museum. The text is based on materials from the Priirtyshye community, as well as data published by local residents. We are grateful to journalist Ruslan Shakabayev, who served as an expert, and to Marat Sasanov for historical verification. We hope the book will be of interest both to residents of Semey and to readers across Kazakhstan, – shared Malika Kohan, Editor-in-Chief of Tentek Publishing.
EA Charity fund Director Aidar Buribaev emphasized that the fund supports initiatives that create long-term cultural value and promote dialogue between generations and city residents.
We are excited to be part of the “Salem, Semey!” project. For many employees of EA Group Holding, Semey is their hometown. We hope this book will become a starting point for the development of a publishing direction dedicated to the history and culture of Semey, – Buribaev added.
The book presentation took place in the historic building of a former mill dating back to 1890, which today houses the Pana Unique Semey guest house and Tary etno-coffee space. The publication is available in Kazakh, Russian, and English and will be sold through the Meloman network in Astana, Almaty, Semey, and Ust-Kamenogorsk, as well as in museums and online marketplaces.
The “Semey!” series is a collection of illustrated family guidebooks dedicated to cities and natural landmarks in Kazakhstan. The books introduce readers to local history, cultural features, and little-known facts through visual storytelling and close collaboration with local communities. The project is aimed at children and families and is created with the participation of Kazakh authors and artists.
Full list of retail locations where you can purchase “Salem, Semey!”:
Almaty
Astana
Semey
Ust-Kamenogorsk
