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.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

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.

Sign up

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