Christophe

For this one, here for example the best I have done... Ch.

Bravo!! It is so difficult to take such close photos without any reflection of the flash... If you have more to post, please do!!!! This Museum is very nice, with so many lovely pieces!!! Ch.

Thanks Guy, This is excellent news!!!! Will go back there soon. Ch.

Congrats Simon!!! It is now your turn to post the next one... Ch.

Carol, These are excellent pics . How did you take them? Did you manage the box to be opened ? Bravo. Ch.

I don't know what happened to this poor Legion d'Honneur cross, but there's a lot of work to do... for a cross not worth more than 30 euros... Ch.

There are many more "modest" medals to come!!!! Ch.

Order of Aibyn (Valor) 3rd Class Order. Ch. Pic : Dmitriy Podlipayev / Nikolay Postnikov - World Discovery Kazakhstan.

Order of Aibyn (Valor) 2nd Class Order. Ch. Pic : Dmitriy Podlipayev / Nikolay Postnikov - World Discovery Kazakhstan.

Order of Aibyn (Valor) Instituted in 1995. Awarded to personnel of the Armed Forces, other security and military units, as well as officials of the prosecutor's office, national security, internal Affairs and others for demonstrating merit in combat training, ethe maintenance of a high level of alertness and learning new military technology, the protection of legality and public order; for courage and selflessness in performing official and military duties, as well as for feats when protecting the country's interests. There are three classes. The first two types of the "Aibyn" decoration are conferred on junior and senior officers. The 3rd Class is given to soldiers, sailors, sergeants, first sergeants, ensigns and warrant officers. Here is the 1st Class Order. Ch. Pic : Dmitriy Podlipayev / Nikolay Postnikov - World Discovery Kazakhstan.

Order of Barys (Panther) 3rd Class. Ch. Pic : Dmitriy Podlipayev / Nikolay Postnikov - World Discovery Kazakhstan.

Order of Barys (Panther) Neck Ribbon (2nd Class). Ch. Pic : Dmitriy Podlipayev / Nikolay Postnikov - World Discovery Kazakhstan.

Order of Barys (Panther) The symbol on the shoulder ribbon (1st Class). Ch. Pic : Dmitriy Podlipayev / Nikolay Postnikov - World Discovery Kazakhstan.

Order of Barys (Panther) Instituted in 1999. Awarded for special merit : in the consolidation of the state system and the sovereignty of the Republic of Kazakhstan; in securing peace, the consolidation of society and the unity of nationalities of Kazakhstan; the state, production, scientific, social and ciultural activity; in the consolidation of cooperation between nations, the approach and mutual enrichment of national cultures, friendly relations between states. The Order of Barys has 3 categories. The Order of Barys of 1st Class consists of a star and a symbol on a shoulder ribbon. Here is the Star. Ch. Pic : Dmitriy Podlipayev / Nikolay Postnikov - World Discovery Kazakhstan.

I've brought back some street totems also Ch.

Close-up pic, with the Order of Barys (Panther) displayed. Ch. Pic : ? Christophe ? ChR Collection

Kazakhstan is really very proud of its awards. Kazakh awards are currently displayed on totems / panels in the streets of Astana, the new capital of Kazakhstan. Ch. Pic : ? Christophe ? ChR Collection

Order of Altyn Kyran (Golden Eagle) The Star. Ch. Pic : Dmitriy Podlipayev / Nikolay Postnikov - World Discovery Kazakhstan.

Order of Altyn Kyran (Golden Eagle) Instituted in 1995. awarded for high national merit. The award consists of a star and a symbol on a pendant. Here is the "symbol". Ch. Pic : Dmitriy Podlipayev / Nikolay Postnikov - World Discovery Kazakhstan.

Title Halyk Kaharmany (National Hero). Instituted in 1993. Awarded for Merit in the Republic of Kazakhstan, civil and military feats in the name of freedom and independance of the country. Persons awarded with this Title also receive the Golden Star and Order of Otan. Ch. Pic : Dmitriy Podlipayev / Nikolay Postnikov - World Discovery Kazakhstan.

Close-up pic of the cover : the Order of Barys (Panther) - detail of the Order of 1st Class. Ch. Pic : Dmitriy Podlipayev / Nikolay Postnikov - World Discovery Kazakhstan.

Last month, as I was flying through Kazakhstan with Air Astana from Almaty to Astana, I had the surprise and pleasure to see a very nice cover of magazine in my seat : the inflight magazine "World Discovery Kazakhstan". This magazine was largely dedicated to Kazakhstan awards, with an article : "The National Awards of the Republic of Kazakhstan". This article mentioned the editorial staff had the opportunity to visit the Kazakh Mint in Ust-Kamenogorsk. The pictures, by Dmitriy Podlipayev and Nikolay Postnikov are superb. I have scanned them, and will post them here. That's the first time I have seen so good pics of Kazakhstan's awards. I start here with the cover of the inflight review. Enjoy!!!! Ch. Pic : Dmitriy Podlipayev / Nikolay Postnikov - World Discovery Kazakhstan.

Ah... it is an animal.... Ch.

And ren? Riffaud, today with Jacques Chirac at the ceremony of the souvenir (Arc de Triomphe). Ch. Pic : AFP.

Here is a map from the AFP showing where are now the last 4 Poilus. Ch.