Kazakhstan's epic Game of Thrones-style series celebrates nation's history after being mocked in Borat


The Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan feels like it has a lot to prove: After being mocked in Borat and having their history belittled by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the government is now championing an epic Game of Thrones-style television series that showcases Kazakhstan's long and exciting history.
Set 500 years ago, Kazakh Khanate tells the story of the rebel leaders Kerey and Khanibek, who broke from an Uzbek-ruled kingdom during the collapse of the Mongolian-ruled Golden Horde Empire, The Guardian reports. Acclaimed director Rustem Abdrashev is directing the 10-part series.
"The history of my country and the history of my people and how it was born isn't simply important but also topical... For the next generation, this will be a good example for imitation and for awareness," Abdrashev said.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The series coincides with the 550th anniversary of the khanate. Game of Thrones fans should be warned, however — here there not be dragons. "We have a real story to tell," producer Arman Arsenov said. Watch the trailer below. Jeva Lange
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
-
Trump to host Kennedy Honors for Kiss, Stallone
Speed Read Actor Sylvester Stallone and the glam-rock band Kiss were among those named as this year's inductees
-
White House seeks to bend Smithsonian to Trump's view
Speed Read The Smithsonian Institution's 21 museums are under review to ensure their content aligns with the president's interpretation of American history
-
Charlamagne Tha God irks Trump with Epstein talk
Speed Read The radio host said the Jeffrey Epstein scandal could help 'traditional conservatives' take back the Republican Party
-
CBS cancels Colbert's 'Late Show'
Speed Read 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' is ending next year
-
Shakespeare not an absent spouse, study proposes
speed read A letter fragment suggests that the Shakespeares lived together all along, says scholar Matthew Steggle
-
New Mexico to investigate death of Gene Hackman, wife
speed read The Oscar-winning actor and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home with no signs of foul play
-
Giant schnauzer wins top prize at Westminster show
Speed Read Monty won best in show at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club dog show
-
Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar take top Grammys
Speed Read Beyoncé took home album of the year for 'Cowboy Carter' and Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us' won five awards