Kyrychyn has become the centre of the World Nomad Games: an ethnic village, crafts and scholars from 28 countries

Events for the 6th World Nomad Games are continuing at Issyk-Kul. Kyrchyn has become one of the main venues, where the ‘Universe of Nomads: Living Heritage’ ethno-village has opened, and exhibitions, workshops and an international academic conference are taking place.

Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, took part in the opening ceremony of the ethno-village on 2 September. Prior to the event, he inspected the yurt complexes prepared by the President’s regional representative offices.

Kasymaliev noted that the infrastructure in Kyrchyn was not built solely for the Games. In particular, the road leading to the ethnic village was upgraded, which should help to boost tourism in the future.

“These projects have not been undertaken for the sake of a single day: the new roads will contribute to the development of tourism, whilst the ethnic village will help to preserve and promote the heritage of our ancestors,” said the Prime Minister.

The ethnic village showcases traditional yurts, national dress, crafts, games, music and the customs of nomadic peoples.

A separate programme is taking place at the Kurmanzhan Datka Centre for Nomadic Civilisation. Ceramic artist Shadybek Ernazarov, who has been working with ceramics for over 20 years, presented his works and led a masterclass on the art of pottery. The raku technique holds a special place in his work. The pieces are fired at temperatures of up to 1,200 degrees, and the final appearance of each piece depends on the effects of the fire and the glaze.

In addition, on 3 September, the Centre hosted the opening of the international academic conference ‘Nomadic Civilisations: Heritage, Paradigms and Prospects’. The event is being attended by academics, researchers and members of the academic community from 28 countries.

The programme comprises eight thematic sections. Participants discuss the role of nomadic culture in global civilisation, the preservation of cultural heritage, archaeology and anthropology, the political and legal systems of nomadic societies, traditional sports, as well as digitalisation and sustainable development.

Against the backdrop of a packed programme, a significant influx of visitors is being recorded in the Kyrchyn Gorge during the afternoon and evening.

The cultural programme of the World Nomad Games in Kyrchyn will run until 5 September inclusive.