To help broaden understanding of this fascinating land and its people, ExxonMobil sponsored production of The Soul of Kazakhstan, a 264-page book of illustrated essays that provides a vivid portrait of the country’s history, culture and people. The newly published volume is available in three languages: English, Kazakh and Russian.

The book’s author is Dr. Alma Kunanbay, a cultural anthropologist specializing in Central Asia. Born in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Kunanbay has taught at several universities in Europe and the United States. She notes that with Kazakhstan’s independence in 1991 came a reawakening of ethnic self-awareness.

Photographer Wayne Eastep, whose images have appeared in scores of books and magazines, including National Geographic, spent nearly a year photographing the country and its people. The most striking aspect of Kazakhstan, says Eastep, is the generous spirit of its people.

Gareth Steen, who coordinated production of The Soul of Kazakhstan, describes the book as “a fond and insightful look into the Kazakh culture — a primer, if you will, of many of the aspects that compose a particularly warm and wonderful people who make the soul of this country unique.”

How to get the book
Copies of The Soul of Kazakhstan are available for $59.95
plus shipping from Easten Press at 1-800-397-2154,
or by visiting the book's Web site at
www.TheSoulofKazakhstan.com.