1997 – Arykbalyk, Valikhanovsk, Keller, Kokshetau, Leningrad, Ruzayevsk, Chistopolsk, and Chkalovsk districts are abolished in Kokshetau region. 2012 -A stele dated to the 20th anniversary of the first Friendship Center in Kazakhstan is unveiled in Ust Kamenogorsk. 2014 - A new historical and ethnographic center is inaugurated in Turkestan to showcase works of the local craftsmen and musical instruments of ancient people. The center has a hotel which can accommodate 200 tourists. 2014 – Bauyr by Kazakhstani director Serik Aprymov scoops The Best Film Award at the 45 th International Film Festival in Nashville, U.S. 2015 – The first association of fellow-countrymen of Kazakhstanis residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) gathers in Dubai.