Baiterek tower, Kazakhstan Visitors stand at the observation deck of Baiterek Tower in Astana, Kazakhstan, August 22, 2026. August 23, 2026

Baiterek tower, Kazakhstan Visitors place their hands on a handprint cast of Kazakhstan's first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, at Baiterek Tower in Astana, Kazakhstan, August 22, 2026. August 23, 2026

Baiterek tower, Kazakhstan Baiterek Tower is seen in Astana, Kazakhstan, August 22, 2026. August 23, 2026

The National museum of Kazakhstan A mannequin dressed in traditional Kazakh attire, including a ceremonial headdress, is displayed at the Kazakhstan National Museum in Astana. August 23, 2026

The National museum of Kazakhstan A close-up view of an ornately decorated horse bridle with gold and bronze embellishments is displayed at the Kazakhstan National Museum in Astana. August 23, 2026

People of Kazakhstan vote for future ASTANA, Kazakhstan, Aug. 23 (AJP) — Kazakhstan is holding its first parliamentary election today for the newly launched unicameral legislature, the Kurultai, which replaces the country's former bicameral parliament. The morning in Astana, Kazakhstan, looked much like any other. But outside polling stations scattered across the capital, an unusual tension hung in the air. It was Aug. 23, election day for the Kurultai. A group of young athletes in mat August 23, 2026

The National museum of Kazakhstan Ancient human remains found alongside gold artifacts are displayed at the Kazakhstan National Museum in Astana. August 23, 2026

The National museum of Kazakhstan Visitors enter the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Astana. August 23, 2026

China's foreign minister Wang Yi arrives in Korea via Gimpo Airport Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China and China's foreign minister, boards a vehicle at Seoul Gimpo Business Center in Seoul, August 19, 2026. August 19, 2026

China's foreign minister Wang Yi arrives in Korea via Gimpo Airport Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China and China's foreign minister, arrives in Korea through Seoul Gimpo Business Air Center in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, August 19, 2026. August 19, 2026