News

September 1, 2016

The Zaqistan Year of Tourism kicks off this month!

The Zaqistan Tourism Board will open a tourism office in downtown Salt Lake City at CUAC on September 16. Join us for the opening, which will feature a souvenir stand, citizenship/passport application center and details on the all-inclusive travel packages to Zaqistan.

Discover the de-facto sovereign nation in Utah’s backyard! No need to book a flight for this exotic, international experience, be the first among your friends to have your passport stamped in the Republic of Zaqistan.


Experience Unbridled adventure in Zaqistan, nestled in the remote and untamed wilderness of the Great Salt Lake Desert. Get away from it all and take in the majesty and solitude of the country where few have ever set foot. Witness the wildflower bloom, wander the harsh beauty of the salt flats, watch the epic sunsets, observe the desert wildlife.

Explore the rich Zaqistani culture. Marvel at the national monuments, the shimmering Decennial Monument, the Victory Arch, the world famous “Welcome to Zaqistan” sign. Savor a gourmet meal of traditional Zaqistani cuisine while robotic sentinels steadfastly stand guard at the borders of the Republic.


November 18, 2015

The 10th Anniversary of the Republic of Zaqistan in Salt Lake City


November 19th, 2015, marks the 10th year anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Zaqistan, and to celebrate Twilite Lounge is hosting an Independence Day party. CUAC is buying a beer for every official Zaqistani citizen in attendance, and Zaqistani citizenship can be applied for and granted by Rep. Michael Abouzelof at a pop-up kiosk in the bar. Citizenship is free for those who meet the criteria of truly wanting it.


This event will be followed up by an academic symposium held at CUAC on December 3rd. On that night, we will be discussing the concepts behind Zaqistan, the recent media frenzy, as well as how the "micronation" fits with the history of Utah.

The event is free and open to anyone 21 and older

November 19th, 2015

8pm-1am

Twilite Lounge

347 E 200 S

Salt Lake City, UT

The Symposium on December 3 will be held at CUAC. The discussion will be held from 6-7pm, followed by a mingling from 7-8pm. Line up of speakers TBD. It is free and open to all.

December 3rd, 2015

6-8pm

CUAC

175 E 200 S

Salt Lake City, UT


contact zaqistanSLC (at) gmail.com for more information

Michael Abouzelof is a writer and representative of the Republic of Zaqistan. In the past he has been described as “a living example of the dysfunction of the American medical system.” Currently writing for VICE Media, he specializes in radical economics with a pop culture twist, late night existential discourses, and potentially treasonous conceptual art projects.


CUAC, formerly known as the Central Utah Art Center, is an artist-run contemporary art venue located in the heart of Salt Lake City. Their aim is to continue to be a pioneer in contemporary art in Utah and to take a multifaceted approach to community development through education, exhibitions, symposia, criticism, education about art collecting, and collaboration.


Twilite Lounge is a Salt Lake City dive bar that has been in operation since 1947. Home to an assortment of people from all walks of life, it is a popular neighborhood spot for young and old alike. On the night of the decennial party, they will be serving an assortment of drinks that feature the finer points of Zaqistani mixology.



 

November 11, 2015

Republic of Zaqistan Independence Day Celebrations Worldwide

Global celebrations of the Republic of Zaqistan 10th year anniversary will be held on Thursday, November 19th, 2015. Zaqistanis will come together to mark the Zaqistan decennial. Concurrent festivities will be held in New York City, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, San Juan, and Brussels.

The New York event will take place at Navy Studios, at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and will feature a presentation by Zaq Landsberg, the founder and Head of State, on the most recent expedition to Zaqistan and the media frenzy that followed, as well as the unveiling of the new national anthem. Examples of Zaqistani cuisine (presented by Bittergreen) will be provided after the presentation. The space will transform into a temporary consulate, featuring historical displays, artifacts, wildlife specimens, photographs, timelines and informational videos about Zaqistan. Citizenship and passport applications will be available for all in attendance.

Navy Studios

Brooklyn Navy Yard Building 280, Suite 608

Entrance at Cumberland and Flushing

F to York, G to Clinton Washington, B57 or B69 busses

Nov 19, 2015 6-10 pm Free and open to all

Celebrations in Buenos Aires will be at La Ene, in Salt Lake City at Twilite Lounge. More info coming soon.

October 30, 2015

The International coverage of the Republic of Zaqistan continues. A few sources have done some original reporting:

Vice.com published a thought provoking article by Zaqistani Citizen Mike Abu

NY Daily News and local NYC TV news Pix 11 interviewed Zaq Landsberg in Brooklyn, NY


US Congressman Bishop acknowledges Zaqistan is a country: PEOPLE Magazine

French nationwide Public TV discusses Zaqistan: 28 Minutes ARTE

Even US Comedian Conan O'Brien mentioned Zaqistan

There has been coverage in more than 40 countries and in more than 26 languages:

TurkeyPakistanChinaTaiwanRomaniaIranKoreaUnited Arab Emirates, France, Bosnia, Rwanda, Indonesia, Belgium, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Ireland, India (English), (Gujarati), (Hindi), (Teglu), Switzerland (Italian), Singapore, Slovakia, Kenya, Australia, Ukraine, Portugal, Argentina, Thailand, UK, Japan, Israel, Egypt, Serbia, Greece, Spain, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Germany, Vietnam

October 27, 2015

Concerned Zaqistanis and Americans have started a petition to get the Obama Administration to Regonize the Sovereignty of the Republic of Zaqistan and Open Up Diplomatic Relations

Please sign this petition to further Zaqistan's independence struggle. If we get 100,000 signatures President Obama will have to respond.

Sign it here

October 26, 2015

The Republic of Zaqistan was featured on Salt Lake City local news last week. In depth reporting by Alex Cabrero at KSL can be viewed here

Head of State Zaq Landsberg was interviewed on The Brian Noonan Show on WGN Radio in Chicago, IL, US. Listen to it here

This story got picked up by several news outlets, including the Daily Mail (UK) and the Associated Press (US). This spread to even more news sources including, but not limited to:

U.S. News & World Report, New York Times, USA TODAY, Fox News, Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, Business Insider, New York Magazine, New York Daily News, People Magazine, The Seattle Times, Miami Herald, The Denver Post, SFGate, Sacramento Bee, Wichita Eagle, Kansas City Star, , Telegraph.co.uk, DunyaNews Pakistan, Emirates 24/7, Irish Examiner, Meriden Record-Journal, Pune Mirror (India), Huron Daily Tribune, Frederick News Post, WFTV Orlando, Standard-Examiner, Newser, KOMO News, Daily Pakistan, Softpedia News, The Herald Bulletin, KDWN, Kenosha News, Glens Falls Post-Star, Arizona Daily Star, Montana Standard, Winona Daily News, The Tand D.com, Bloomington Pantagraph, Tuscaloosa News , Peoria Journal Star, Bastrop Daily Enterprise, Siskiyou Daily News, Crookston Daily Times, Beauregard Daily News, The Rolla Daily News, Beauregard Daily News, Pratt Tribune, Coldwater Daily Reporter, Valley morning Star, Helena Daily World, Leavenworth Times, Sulphur Southwest Daily News, Carmi Times, WSB Radio, Chicago Daily Herald, Brownsville Herald , WRAL.com, Island Packet, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, abc27, WHLT22, Belleville News-Democrat, Yakima Herald-Republic, Bradenton Herald, Mid Columbia Tri City Herald, Fort Worth Star Telegram, The Olympian, The Sun Herald , Lexington Herald Leader, Vallejo Times Herald, News & Observer, WBAY, Monterey County Herald, The Herald, NewsOK.com, The Bellingham Herald, Quincy Herald Whig, WBTV, TheNewsTribune.com, KOIN.com, Myrtle Beach Sun News, WTOC, WWBT NBC12 News, WCBD News 2, KTBS, The Telegraph, WLNS, Charlotte Observer , WAVE 3, KLFY, KRQE News 13, Mississippi News Now, New Jersey Herald, Daily Astorian, WKRG, wlfi.com, Salon, Reading Eagle, WBXH, WBRC FOX6 News, KCBD-TV, WIS, Minneapolis Star Tribune, KXAN.com, KDWN, Yahoo News UK, Yahoo! Maktoob News, Julesburg Advocate, Tri-Valley Herald, The Elkhart Truth, ABC News, Chattanooga Times Free Press, ABC NEWS 4, News On 6, wflx, WBRC FOX6 News, WOWK, LEX18 Lexington KY News, CBS46 News Atlanta, WHDH-TV, KHQ Right Now, 12NewsNow.Com, news9.com KWTV, Fairfield Citizen, WREX-TV, KOAA.com Colorado Springs and Pueblo News, NBC2 News, The Courier, WKOW, Hawaii News Now, WHNS Greenville, ABC FOX Montana News, KXXV News Channel 25, Greenwich Time, San Antonio Express-News, Albany Times Union, Beaumont Enterprise, The Advocate, CT Post, Chron.com, seattlepi.com, mySanAntonio.com, St. George Daily Spectrum, NEWS10 ABC, WTHITV.com , NBC4i.com, WBTW - Myrtle Beach and Florence SC, WJBF-TV, WAVY-TV, WSAV-TV, WFLA, WSPA.com, Danbury News Times, WISH-TV, KIMT 3, WKRN.com, FOX21News.com, The Republic, Daily Journal, The Tribune, Hickory Daily Record, Daily Herald, Cache Valley Daily, KSL.com, Greenfield Daily Reporter, Popdust, Idaho State Journal, Blasting News, WDIV Detroit, Examiner.com, WSYR, KFDX, Kern Golden Empire, Local Memphis , Tristatehomepage.com, My Champlain Valley FOX44 & ABC22, CIproud.com, KNWA, Four States Homepage, WCTI12.com, WJXT Jacksonville, WKMG Orlando, NBC Montana, WCYB, Local 10, WFMZ Allentown, WYFF Greenville, KITV Honolulu, LocalNews8.com, KY3, WPBF West Palm Beach, KETV Omaha, WSBT-TV, KESQ, KSPR, WVTM13, KOAT Albuquerque, WDBJ7, WTAE Pittsburgh, WMTW Portland, KTUU.com, WPTZ The Champlain Valley, Kotatv, WISN Milwaukee, News8000.com - WKBT, Channel3000.com - WISC-TV3, KXLY Spokane, KPRC Houston


October 19, 2015

After nearly a full month of planning, fabricating, sweating and struggling a glittering commemorative monument to the 10th year of Zaqistani Independence is complete.

Like any other undertaking in Zaqistan, the project was fraught with challenging logistics, brutal heat, lack of shade, frigid nights, flat tires, and all the difficulties that make survival, let alone building in the desert difficult. However, the intrepid crew of Zaqistanis continued on, working all night through the pitch darkness of a lunar eclipse to complete the Monument.

It would not have been possible without the indespensible help loyal Zaqistanis, Taco Baaker, Anastassia Fisyak, Thomas Robinson, Soyoung Shin, Mike Abuzelof, Scott Wasilewski, Jackson Chapman, Rob Roake, Rob Packer and Anna Sullivan or without with generous and ace logistical support from the Center for Land Use Interperation and Bryan Yadon.

The largest gathering in Zaqistan's history took place on the evening of September 26, 2015. More than a dozen visitors came together to tour the country and celebrate the Decennial.

 

 

 

September 2015


Preparations are underway for the celebration of the Zaqistan Decennial. To commemorate this momentous occasion Head of State Zaq Landsberg is currently in Utah, building a new monument and working to restore much of the nation to its former glory. Dutch-Zaqistani Taco Hidde Baaker and Landsberg have already begun initial scouting and planning, construction should be completed by the end of September, where upon there will be a celebratory gathering in Zaqistan to recognize the Republic’s anniversary.

Mestizo Institute of Culture and Arts in Salt Lake City, Utah (631 W North Temple Suite 700) will host a talk by Landsberg on Wednesday, September 23rd, at 7pm. This event is free and open to the public. He will discuss Zaqistani history and culture, the history of the region, unrecognized states, nationalism, micronationalism, and US-Zaqistani relations, among other topics

Applications for Zaqistan citizenship will be available for all in attendance at the event. For more information, visitors are invited to contact zaqistan@gmail.com

 

August 11, 2013

Samuel Feather Garner, Clark Allen, Ricardo and Zaq Landsberg ventured out to Zaqistan in August 2013 on the 8th Expedition. Despite the brutal heat, dust storms and at least one rattlesnake, the Zaqistan Defense Force got some training in.

There was also a small fireworks display celebrating the 8th year of Zaqistani Independence.

Febuary 29, 2012

This project is funded in part by a grant from the NEA (USA), the Zaqistan Arts Council (Zaqistan) and chashama.

February 9, 2012

The Embassy of the Republic of Zaqistan in Argentina closed its doors at the Nuevo Museo Energía de Arte Contemporáneo  with a day filled with events that brought together young and old in celebration of our great nation. The schedule started with a second session of our Nation Building children's workshop, where the island of Felixtán was born.

 

Later in the day, we had the honor of hosting Axel Lazzari PhD, an Argentine professor in Anthropology who specializes in the study of the Rankulche indigenous people that inhabit the desert of La Pampa in Central Argentina. Lazzari, Zaqistan founder and Maximum Leader Zaq Landsberg and Secretary of State Sofía Gallisá Muriente discussed their perspectives on the desert, the Republic of Zaqistan and what lies ahead. We were joined by an enthusiastic audience that extended the conversation well into the night.

Once things wrapped up, everyone partook in the traditional Zaqistani Drinking of the Beer, with music provided by new citizen Daniel Ojeda while excited visitors filled out passport applications everywhere in what could be easily considered a successful and joyous farewell. The embassy leaves Argentina with tens of new (and extremely good-looking) citizens and passport holders, a newfound sense of triumph and a stomach full of pizza. 

 

February 3rd, 2012

Diplomacy in Argentina 

Our Maximum Leader, Zaq Landsberg and Secretary of State Sofía Gallisá Muriente commemorated the fallen soldiers from the  War of Malvinas (Falkland Islands) by showing their respects with a flower wreath, presented in the Plaza San Martín Fallen Soldiers Memorial in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The subject is a close one for Argentines, expressed commonly with the much-graffitied message: ¡Las Malvinas fueron, son y serán argentinas! (The Falklands Islands were, are, and will be Argentine) The enormous offering was prepared in the neighborhood of Almagro by some new friends of our nation. The tribute was documented by Marina Reyes Franco, Director of the Nuevo Museo Energía de Arte Contemporáneo.

January 31, 2012

The Embassy of Zaqistan, Buenos Aires is officially open for business. The grand opening ceremony was a great success, and dozens of Argentineans young and old came to support the nation. Questions as to whether the ideas of Zaqistan can communicate cross languages and cultures were thoroughly dispelled, and the nation has gained new citizens, new supporters and new energy.

Informative displays educate the general public about Zaqistan history and culture.

Spirits are high and new citizens are excited to join the Zaqistan Nation.

Zaqistani representatives, Zaq Landsberg and Sofía Gallisá Muriente are currently in Argentina, spreading goodwill and pursuing Zaqistan's diplomatic agenda.

January 20, 2012

The Zaqistan State Department is pleased to announce the opening of the first Zaqistan Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. There will be a formal opening ceremony on Tuesday, January 24 beginning at 7:30pm. Run in conjunction with Nuevo Museo Energía de Arte Contemporáneo, the Embassy will be open for the next three weeks.

The Embassy of Zaqistan is an effort to expand Zaqistan’s global presence and influence beyond its desert borders. Buenos Aires, being an international city, a hub of South America, and also having a rich cultural history, especially in reactionary conceptual art, is a natural place to extend the reach of Zaqistan.

The Embassy features a History of Zaqistan exhibit, historicizing the recent past in display cases with artifacts and wildlife specimens, photographs, maps, wall texts, a timeline, and educational videos.  There will also be a naturalization/passport station, where visitors may choose to become citizens, take the oath, apply and get issued a passport.  

The Embassy will also function as a space for Zaqistani outreach through public programming.  One such outreach program is a nationbuilding workshop for children, where local youth will found and develop their own nations.  Other outreach projects in development include lectures on Zaqistani History and Zaqistan in historical context, desert survival demonstrations, and the designing, publishing, and translating of Zaqistani texts.

Below are the revelant details:

La República de Zaqistán se honra en invitarles a la apertura de su nueva embajada en la República Argentina, a ser inaugurada el próximo día 24 de enero de 2012 a partir de las 19:30 horas, en las facilidades de el Nuevo Museo Energía de Arte Contemporáneo en la Avenida Santa Fé 2729, 1er piso, local #34 en la ciudad de Buenos Aires.
 
El Venerable Dictador de Zaqistán, Zaq Landsberg y la Ministra de Relaciones Exteriores, Sofía Gallisá Muriente estarán presentes en esta histórica velada.
 
Habrán solicitudes de pasaporte disponibles para los presentes que quieran adquirir ciudadanía a esta gloriosa república, así como una muestra de la historia y cultura Zaqistaní y una tienda de souvenirs, entre otros. Además, como es costumbre para el pueblo Zaqistaní, celebraremos la ocasión con ritmos bailables, bebidas refrescantes y alguno que otro comestible.
 
La ceremonia de apertura, así como los eventos culturales y educativos que estaremos organizando en el próximo mes como parte de nuestro calendario diplomático, están abiertos al público general. La embajada estará abierta de martes a jueves 15:00-19:00hs hasta el 9 de febrero, o por cita escribiendo a info@laene.org. 
 
Para más información sobre la embajada de la República de Zaqistán, visite LaEne.org