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OYLA

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OYLA
Cover of the first US edition, December 2020
EditorGamzat Biyarov
CategoriesChildren's Magazine, Education, STEM, Science, Reading, History, Nature
FrequencyMonthly
PublisherOYLA Magazine Inc.
Total circulation25,000
FounderYerdos Tulegenov, Gamzat Biyarov
First issueSeptember 1, 2015
Based inAlmaty, Kazakhstan
LanguageEnglish, Kazakh, Russian, Chinese, French, Korean, German, Spanish
Websiteoyla.us

oyla.uk oyla.eu oyla.co.in

oyla.au
ISSN2766-886X

OYLA (from Kazakh ойла! [ojˈlɑ], meaning ‘think!’’[1]) is a monthly science magazine for children and young readers ages 12 and over. Founded on the principle of fostering curiosity, OYLA's mission is to simplify complex STEM topics through visually engaging designs, interactive infographics, and interdisciplinary content.[2] Published in multiple countries, including the USA, UK, Australia, and China, the magazine combines science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and humanities with the goal of making learning accessible and exciting for young minds worldwide. The magazine is available in both print and digital format.[3]

The first issue of OYLA was published on September 1, 2015 by founders Yerdos Tulegenov and Gamzat Biyarov in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Each edition features articles on various scientific topics, ranging from basic questions (Why is Milk White?) to recent discoveries (Ocean Exploration Technology).[4][5] The magazine also produces a weekly English-language podcast featuring discussions about topics from the current month’s edition.[6][7]

The magazine is subscription-based and advertisement-free, and each edition is available in print or online. Each article features 100 “beautifully illustrated pages and easy-to-understand explanations”.[4] Thus far, the magazine is available in sixteen countries, including Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea, China, the US, the UK, and Australia (soon to be released in Germany and India), with circulation in 6 languages including Kazakh, Russian, Chinese and English.[8]

History

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OYLA first launched in Kazakhstan in 2015. Since April 2017, the OYLA Youth Science magazine has been published monthly in Australia and New Zealand. Since June 2018, CHIP Wissen has been published bi-monthly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in German. Since November 2018 OYLA has been published bi-monthly in India in English. Since September 2019, the magazine comes out monthly in Russia under the name DUMAI. In December 2020, the magazine launched in the United Kingdom. The magazine comes out in France under the name À nous la Science. The first issue of the US edition of OYLA was published in December 2020. In January 2024, the magazine launched in the People’s Republic of China.[9] On October 4, 2023, Oyla began an English-language podcast, which is ranked 36 in the all time top 100 educational podcasts for kids.[10]

OYLA Junior

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This is the cover of OYLA Junior magazine, Issue #2 (July 2025), designed for children aged 8 and above. The theme blends fun and science, featuring a whimsical bathroom scene where a cute, cartoonish shark with candy teeth bathes in a tub, eating chocolate while surrounded by soap bubbles and sea creatures. The main headline reads: “A Sweet Tooth’s Guide to Healthy Teeth”.

In May 2025, OYLA launched second publication titled “OYLA Junior”. Aimed at readers aged 8 to 11, the magazine features approximately 48 pages of illustrated science content, hands-on activities, and puzzles. Like its parent publication, OYLA Junior is ad-free and focuses on fostering curiosity in STEM topics through visual storytelling and age-appropriate explanations. As of its launch, the magazine is available in print format, with a digital edition planned for future release.

OYLA Podcast

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On October 4, 2023, OYLA launched the “OYLA Podcast”, a weekly educational series designed for curious young listeners and families. Each episode runs approximately 6–12 minutes and explores engaging science, history, or math topics. Initial episodes included titles such as “Why is it dark at night?” and “Who taught doctors to wash their hands?” The podcast is available on major platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Goodpods, and Spotify.

In late 2023, the OYLA Podcast was ranked #36 in the all-time Top 100 Educational Podcasts for Kids."Top 100 Educational Podcasts for Kids". Goodpods.

Language Editions

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Language Country Website Circulation
French France [11] 10,000
Kazakh, Russian Kazakhstan [12] 25,000
English Australia, New Zealand [13] 15,000
Korean South Korea n/a 12,000
German Germany, Austria, Switzerland [14] 150,000
English India [15] 20,000
Russian Russia [16] 35,000
English United Kingdom [17] 15,000
English United States of America [4] 10,000
Chinese China n/a 20,000
This issue features a stylized illustration of a giant prehistoric insect playing basketball, symbolizing the cover story: “Why Ancient Insects Were So Big”. The artwork reflects the magazine’s signature blend of science and visual creativity, designed to engage students and parents in scientific exploration. Published for ages 12+, OYLA Magazine combines topics in biology, physics, and critical thinking with striking visual design.

Awards and Recognition

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OYLA is a highly rated children’s magazine, having been included in the list of The New York Times favorite kids magazines.[18][19] In 2023 chief editor Gamzat Biyarov and art director Alexander Fisher were recognized by the British Society of Magazine Editors on the short lists in their respective categories.[20] In 2024 chief editor Gamzat Biyarov was again recognized for in the category of children’s magazine editors.[21] The magazine has also collaborated with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Ocean Exploration to produce a series of articles on maritime exploration.[5]

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References

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  1. ^ "ойлау", Wiktionary, the free dictionary, December 17, 2021, retrieved February 6, 2025
  2. ^ "OYLA Magazine | Magazine Subscription | Flipster | EBSCO". www.ebsco.com. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  3. ^ Bulatkulova, Saniya (March 23, 2022). "Kazakh OYLA Science Magazine For Kids Gains Global Popularity - The Astana Times". The Astana Times. Archived from the original on November 4, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  4. ^ a b c "Magazines for Kids: Discover the Best Options". OYLA Magazine. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  5. ^ a b "OYLA Articles: Maritime Archaeology". oceanexplorer.noaa.gov. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  6. ^ Байтелова, Жанна (September 5, 2018). "Казахстанский журнал Oyla начал издаваться в 7 странах Европы". forbes.kz.
  7. ^ "Журнал для школьников и родителей OYLA расскажет о сложных вещах просто". zonakz.net (in Russian). September 9, 2015. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  8. ^ Яхьярова, Диляра (September 26, 2023). "Детский научно-популярный журнал OYLA возобновил работу". 98mag (in Russian). Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  9. ^ "Как казахстанский научно-популярный журнал Oyla завоёвывает мировые рынки - Аналитический интернет-журнал Власть". vlast.kz (in Russian). April 2, 2018. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  10. ^ "OYLA Podcast". Goodpods. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  11. ^ "À nous la Science". anouslascience.fr. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  12. ^ "OYLA. Научно-популярный журнал для школьников". oyla.kz (in Russian). Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  13. ^ "OYLA Magazine Australia | STEM learning". oyla.au. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  14. ^ "CHIP | News, Tests, Downloads, Tech- & Verbraucherberatung". www.chip.de (in German). Archived from the original on February 5, 2025. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  15. ^ "OYLA Magazine". oyla.co.in. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  16. ^ "ДУМАЙ 12+". dum.ai. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  17. ^ "OYLA Magazine". oyla.uk. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  18. ^ "Our 10 Favorite Kids Magazine Subscriptions Make Great Gifts". The New York Times. December 12, 2024. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  19. ^ "OYLA Magazine is rated "Excellent" with 4.6 / 5 on Trustpilot". Trustpilot. February 2, 2025. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  20. ^ "Awards 2023 Shortlist". February 12, 2025.
  21. ^ "Awards 2024 Shortlist". BSME. Retrieved February 6, 2025.