Stop five
When silence was no longer an option
The closure of the test site and the anti-nuclear movement
The final straw of radioactive patience
On february 12, 1989 a 90 kiloton nuclear bomb was detonated at the Semipalatinsk test site. Television reports reassured everyone: 'Background radiation is normal'. But just two days later, in the village of Chagan, 110 km from the epicenter, radiation levels were 200 times higher than normal. Radioactive gases escaped through cracks in the ground for two days straight, blanketing neighborhoods, home to over 30,000 people. The city of Semipalatinsk was lucky—the wind was blowing in the opposite direction. The frightening consequences did not keep the military from carryinf out another explosion on february 18.
This was the final straw. People protested. Keshirim Boztayev, first secretary of the East Kazakhstan region, wrote an urgent telegramm to Gorbachev. In this, he stated that the tests were taking place in a densely populated region, harming homes, wells, and people's health. He asked that the number of explosions should be reduced immediately and the test site be moved to another location.
A few days later, a government commission arrived in Semipalatinsk. All its members were military personnel. They assured that the radiation was 'like a television', and the gases were 'non-hazardous and safe'. However, following the visit, it was decided to reduce the frequency and power of the tests.
There was no talking yet of completely closing the test site - the military resisted.
This was the final straw. People protested. Keshirim Boztayev, first secretary of the East Kazakhstan region, wrote an urgent telegramm to Gorbachev. In this, he stated that the tests were taking place in a densely populated region, harming homes, wells, and people's health. He asked that the number of explosions should be reduced immediately and the test site be moved to another location.
A few days later, a government commission arrived in Semipalatinsk. All its members were military personnel. They assured that the radiation was 'like a television', and the gases were 'non-hazardous and safe'. However, following the visit, it was decided to reduce the frequency and power of the tests.
There was no talking yet of completely closing the test site - the military resisted.
Poetry against the atom
On february 25, 1989, poet and public figure Olzhas Suleimenov unexpectedly refused to deliver his pre-arranged campaign speech live on television. Instead, he told the entire country about the real consequences of the radioactive gas leak following nuclear tests at the Semipalatinsk test site. These words came as a bolt from the blue - for the first time, the topic of the tests was brought into the public.
Speech of Olzhas Suleimenov
The first Congress of People's Deputies of the USSR (june 1989)
On February 28, 1989, a rally was held outside the Writers' Union building in Almaty, at which Suleimenov announced the creation of the international anti-nuclear movement 'Nevada-Semipalatinsk'. It was named as a sign of solidarity between the two regions where nuclear tests were conducted - Semipalatinsk in Kazakhstan and Nevada in the United States of America.
Objectives of the movement
- Closure of the Semipalatinsk test site
- Unite society against nuclear weapons testing
- Rehabilitation of the affected population
- Promote environmental rehabilitation of contaminated areas resulted from nuclear testings
Within weeks, the movement united thousands of activists, garnered a powerful international response, and became the world's first mass anti-nuclear movement capable of influencing policy.
It was from this moment that the countdown to the closure of the Semipalatinsk test site began.
On August 29, 1991, the Decree on the closure of the Semipalatinsk test site was signed by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
It was from this moment that the countdown to the closure of the Semipalatinsk test site began.
On August 29, 1991, the Decree on the closure of the Semipalatinsk test site was signed by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Pictures Instead of Explosions:
The Art and Mission of Karipbek Kuyukov
The Art and Mission of Karipbek Kuyukov
Karipbek Kuyukov is an artist whose work speaks louder than words. He was born without arms, a consequence of his parents radiation exposure due to nuclear tests at the Semipalatinsk test site. Instead of hiding, Karipbek turned his life into a mission: to fight for a world without nuclear weapons.
He paints with his lips and toes, creating vibrant and profound images that touch people around the world. His canvases are not just art, but a visual protest against the destructive power of atomic bombs.
He paints with his lips and toes, creating vibrant and profound images that touch people around the world. His canvases are not just art, but a visual protest against the destructive power of atomic bombs.
Karipbek actively participates in international anti-nuclear campaigns, meets with politicians, speaks at conferences, and inspires thousands of people. In 2024, he was awarded the title of "Goodwill Ambassador of Kazakhstan," recognizing his contribution to developing a dialogue between cultures and promoting peace.
His story proves that even when life presents you with the most difficult challenges, your voice and your work can change the world.
His story proves that even when life presents you with the most difficult challenges, your voice and your work can change the world.
Being Kazakhstan's Goodwill Ambassador is a tremendous honor for me. At the same time, it is a great responsibility, as we are tasked with showing the world our history, introducing them to our art and culture, and communicating our pursuits. I, for example, do this through my paintings. I have always said, and I will say it again: I am proud to live in a country that was one of the first to renounce nuclear weapons.
Karipbek Kuyukov
Artist
The manifesto of Kazakh street artist Pasha Kas 'This is silence' draws attention to one of the most alarming contemporary issues - the disposal of nuclear waste in Kazakhstan.
'In the 21st century, Kazakhstan is turning into a nuclear waste dump. The state continues to experiment on people. This is silence. Horror. Despair. Crime.'
'In the 21st century, Kazakhstan is turning into a nuclear waste dump. The state continues to experiment on people. This is silence. Horror. Despair. Crime.'
Edvard Munch's painting 'The Scream' has been recreated by a street artist at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site.
2016
His work is a cry for help. "This is Silence" reveals the terrible price of public silence in the face of environmental threats. Nuclear waste left over from testing and the ongoing debate about its disposal are not only an environmental issue, but also a question of the future health and safety of the nation.
Pasha Kas's street art becomes a symbol of resistance to indifference. He calls out to everyone: can you hear this silence?
Pasha Kas's street art becomes a symbol of resistance to indifference. He calls out to everyone: can you hear this silence?
Start
Home
This online course was developed by the EcoMuseum
within the framework of the impact partnership with Alternativa Film Days