This mural in Aktau, Kazakhstan, commemorates the 175th anniversary of Abai Qunanbaiuly, a poet, philosopher, and key figure of Kazakh culture.

The artwork features Abai alongside his writings, a majestic eagle, and traditional yurts, symbolizing the cultural and spiritual heritage of Kazakhstan.

Credit: Elise Paqueteau (France)

Find all of our photos of the day. You can buy some of these and receive them at home: here is the list! If you can't find your picture in the list, mail us to photo@novastan.org.

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A monumental fresco depicting Khiuaz Qayrqyzy Dospanova, a heroine of Soviet aviation, on a building in Aktau, Kazakhstan, celebrating her courage as the first Kazakh woman pilot of the “Night Witches” during World War II.

The “Night Witches” were Soviet aviators of the 588th Regiment, known for their daring night missions during World War II. They used light and rudimentary aircraft to harass enemy troops with deadly precision.

Credit: Elise Paqueteau (France)

Find all of our photos of the day. You can buy some of these and receive them at home: here is the list! If you can't find your picture in the list, mail us to photo@novastan.org.

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Thirty kilometers outside the city of Aktau is the Mangystau train station, men wait to board one of the pale blue wagons to take the train to Beyneu. Credit: Ashley et Quentin (France) Find all of our photos of the day here.

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Dromedary camels graze alongside the long, flat road leading from Aktau airport to Aktau city near the Caspian Sea. In Kazakhstan, you can find three types of camels – Dromedary, with one hump, Bactrian, with two humps, or a Kazakh hybrid called the Nar camel or Turkoman, with half a hump. Their numbers are climbing due to a growing demand for camel meat, milk and shubat, a Central Asian drink of fermented camel’s milk. Credit: Ashley and Quentin (France) Find all of our photos of the day here.

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In dusty city of Aktau, in Kazakhstan, air conditioning units are a must for the hot summer days. The wind coming off the Caspian Sea whips the smell of natural gas around the block-like buildings. Credit: Ashley et Quentin (France) Find all of our photos of the day here.

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