Minister of culture Ozodbek Nazarbekov addressed recurring criticisms about the necessity of the Ministry of Culture and state regulation of the cultural sphere at a press conference held at the Agency of Information and Mass Communications.
In response to a journalist’s question, the minister compared culture to a bird that requires careful handling.
“It's important to understand where this question originates. The roots of this question lie in America. Did I explain it clearly? My dear ones, place your feet where your parents and grandparents placed theirs, and such questions won’t arise,” he remarked.
“The cultural sphere is like a bird — it must be held tight; there’s no other way. Opening up the sphere completely will not bring benefits, only destruction. Look at the world — you’re educated people,” Nazarbekov noted.
He emphasized that while he was firmly against prohibitions, the “intellectual maturity” of free creative individuals must align with the freedoms they are given.
“Wherever freedom is granted, creative people tend to destroy and spoil things. So, I’m not saying [freedom] shouldn’t be granted — I’m completely against prohibitions. But the intellect of free individuals must match that freedom. They shouldn’t commit crimes even within four walls. When the day comes where this standard is met, we will grant freedom, forcibly if necessary. Even if they say, ‘No, I don’t want to be free,' we will insist, ‘No, you must live freely'. But today, we cannot claim that all of the society is ready for this. Let’s ask ourselves this question honestly,” the minister elaborated.
In an October interview, Nazarbekov similarly expressed opposition to absolute freedom for creative individuals, stating, “Every creative person is a spiritual weapon. They should not serve anyone’s agenda. At the same time, rules and restrictions must not violate anyone’s rights”.
