As part of the "Kazakhstan Zholy" project, the Presidential Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan is hosting the exhibition "When the Test Site Fell Silent: A Word That Changed History." This exhibition honors both the 35th anniversary of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site closure and the 90th birthday of Olzhas Suleimenov.
The Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site was among the most significant environmental and humanitarian disasters of the 20th century. Between 1949 and 1989, 456 nuclear tests caused lasting ecological damage and affected the health of over a million people.
Established in 1989, the International Anti-Nuclear Movement "Nevada-Semey" became a vital force in public diplomacy. Its leader, Olzhas Suleimenov, played a key role in raising awareness and influencing key government decisions.
The exhibition aims to illustrate the consequences of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site, highlight the social and creative legacy of Olzhas Suleimenov, a leader of the anti-nuclear movement, and showcase Kazakhstan's commitment to peace through materials from the Presidential Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan's collections. More than 150 exhibits, including archival documents and books, were presented.
The opening ceremony was attended by government officials, public figures, members of the diplomatic corps, scientists, and representatives from cultural and educational sectors, totaling approximately 140 participants.
The exhibits, photographs, and archival documents on display illustrate the tragic consequences of nuclear testing at the Semipalatinsk site and Kazakhstan's transformation from a region affected by nuclear weapons to a nation recognized for its commitment to peace and nuclear disarmament. This year marks the 35th anniversary of Kazakhstan's independence. Throughout this period, Kazakhstan has played a leading role in the global anti-nuclear movement, demonstrating the effectiveness of transparency in nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament, which has become a cornerstone of its foreign policy. This experience underscores the possibility of achieving a nuclear-free world. Currently, Kazakhstan continues to advocate for global security and international cooperation to eliminate nuclear threats. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev remains dedicated to strengthening the global nonproliferation regime and promoting the complete abolition of nuclear weapons by 2045. By opening this exhibition, we express our respect to all who contributed to the development of the anti-nuclear movement and bow our heads in memory of the victims of the Semipalatinsk test site. Preserving this memory is our duty to the past and the future," stated Bakytzhan Temirbolat, Director of the Presidential Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
On August 29, 1991, the historic decree to close the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site was signed. This action represented the first instance in world history of voluntary renunciation of a nuclear arsenal and the closure of one of the largest nuclear test sites globally.
"Today, we remember not only the history of the test site. We speak about the price of peace, about human responsibility to future generations, and about the power of civic courage. Let this exhibition serve as a reminder to each of us: history is not only changed by states and armies. History is changed by people who are not afraid to speak the truth and take responsibility for the future," said Alkey Margulan, Deputy Executive Director of the Nursultan Nazarbayev Foundation.
In 2009, a United Nations General Assembly resolution declared August 29 as the International Day against Nuclear Tests. This date holds particular significance for Kazakhstan, symbolizing historical memory, an international call for peace, and the necessity of uniting global efforts to end nuclear testing.
"The closure of the Semipalatinsk test site was a shared historic victory for the people of Kazakhstan, society, the Nevada-Semey movement, and the state. However, Olzhas Suleimenov's contribution to this process is particularly significant – he united society and elevated the issue of nuclear testing to the international level. Today, our task is to preserve the historical memory of the Semey tragedy, pass on the spirit of the anti-nuclear movement to future generations, and continue to strengthen Kazakhstan's peacekeeping stance. Peace and security for future generations is our shared responsibility," noted Nurlan Akhmurzin, head of the Astana and Akmola Region branch of the International Anti-Nuclear Movement Nevada-Semey.
The exhibition will remain open to visitors until September 14, 2026. Admission is free.
