At present, the National Museum publishes two journals: the scholarly journal «Mаdeni mura» and the popular science and culture journal «Muzei аlemi». These publications are an important component of the Museum’s research, cultural-educational, and informational activities.
The history of the journal «Mаdeni mura» dates back to 2002. In the same year, the II Republican Scientific and Practical Conference «Current Issues of Museum Studies in Kazakhstan: Experience and Prospects» was held in the city of Turkestan. In accordance with the recommendations of this conference, work began on publishing a journal devoted to museum studies. Organizational arrangements were carried out promptly, and within one month a new journal entitled «Qazaqstan muzeyleri» («Museums of Kazakhstan») was registered with the Ministry of Culture and Information.
Following the launch of one of the major humanitarian initiatives in the modern history of Kazakhstan – the state program «Mаdeni mura» – the thematic scope of the journal expanded significantly. Since 2007, the publication has been issued under the title «Mаdeni mura».
The founders and editors-in-chief of the journal at different times were: Professor U. Sh. Ibragimov, Director of the Presidential Center of Culture (2002-2005); the prominent Kazakh writer and Laureate of the State Prize of Kazakhstan D. Doszhan (2005-2013); and the well-known journalist, writer, and Turkologist scholar Zh. Beisenbayuly (2014-2017).
In early 2014, the journal came under the administration of the National Museum. From this period onward, alongside issues addressed within the framework of the state program, the publication began to cover key areas of both international and domestic museum practice. The journal widely covered the Musuem's research, collections management, exhibition, and cultural-educational activities of the country’s leading museum.
Since 2020, the journal «Mаdeni mura» became a fully scholarly journal and entered a new stage of development as an academic publication.
On March 11, 2020, Certificate No. KZ74VPY00021104 was issued for the registration of the periodical publication and/or information agency by the Information Committee of the Ministry of Information and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
In 2025, the journal «Mаdeni mura» of the National Museum, in accordance with Order No. 2138 of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan dated December 9, 2025, was included in List 2 of scholarly journals recommended for the publication of the main results of scientific research. The journal’s thematic areas include archaeology, ethnology, history, and museum studies.
At present, «Mаdeni mura» is a peer-reviewed open-access scholarly journal covering issues related to the preservation and promotion of historical and cultural heritage, in-depth research on national culture and traditions, as well as scholarly works devoted to the restoration of cultural values worthy of inclusion in the treasury of world civilization.
Since 2025, the publication of the popular science journal «Muzei аlemi», intended for museum practice in Kazakhstan and professionals in this field, has been launched. Its purpose is to widely present the scientific and cultural activities of Kazakhstan’s museums, systematically promote cultural heritage in service of national culture, and enhance readers’ respect for spiritual values.
On the pages of «Muzei аlemi», specialists from museums across the country can publish their works aimed at promoting national values. The journal covers contemporary processes in the development of museum practice, museum events, modern methods and approaches to improving museum activities, cultural and educational projects, and other relevant issues.
The journals are issued quarterly, and articles are published in Kazakh, Russian, and English.