Oral Culture, Identity, and Storytelling Today: Aisulu Toyshibek

How does oral culture shape identity in Kazakhstan today? In this episode of Yurt Jurt, host Diana Kudaibergen sits down with Aisulu Toyshibek to explore the living traditions of Kazakh oral culture from the sharp wit of aitys (improvised roasting duels) to the humor of tamasha (Kazakh comedy shows).<p><br /></p><p>Aisulu also opens up about her own journey: what it means to be a Russian-speaking Kazakh, and how producing podcasts at BulBul Studio became a way to reclaim and reimagine her identity. Together, they reflect on how storytelling, laughter, and dialogue remain powerful tools for navigating culture, language, and belonging.</p>