Karnara

Karnara is a small town located in the western region of the Republic of Sali, situated on the northeastern bank of the Selu River. The town occupies an area of approximately 12 square kilometers and lies at an elevation of 145 metres above sea level. According to the latest census conducted in 2021, the population of Karnara totals 4,827 residents, with a demographic composition that includes the majority of ethnic Sali people, as well as a minority of Kune and Kazari communities.

Historically, Karnara has been a minor agricultural hub, primarily cultivating barley, wheat, and flax. The town’s origins date back to the late 18th century, when it was established as a trading post along the Selu River corridor that linked larger cities such as Fale and Lomin. During the Soviet era, Karnara was incorporated into the larger agrarian collective system; after Kazakhstan’s independence in 1991, the town shifted toward mixed‑agriculture and small‑scale manufacturing, notably producing textile goods and processing cereals.

Today, Karnara’s economy centers on agriculture, animal husbandry, and a modest textile industry. The town hosts a weekly market that serves as a focal point for regional trade, and the local high school attracts students from surrounding villages. Transport links include a regional bus station that provides services to the provincial capital, Tusha, and road access that integrates Karnara into the national highway network.

Cultural life in Karnara is marked by the annual Karnara Festival, held in late July, celebrating the harvest with traditional music, dance, and folk costumes. The town’s architectural landscape features a blend of Soviet‑era concrete buildings and traditional wooden houses. Public amenities encompass a community health center, a municipal library, and a cultural centre that hosts exhibitions and performances.