From September 7 to 13, the 5th World Nomad Games are being held in the ethnoaul
“Universe of Nomads” offering an opportunity to immerse in the cultural heritage of the
Kazakh people. Entry to all cultural events of the ethnoaul is FREE for residents of the
capital, guests, and participants of the Games. Tickets are required only for sports
competitions.
The opening of the ethnoaul began with the vibrant grand procession “Shattyk Kerueni”
The most sacred place in the ethnoaul is the Tayqazan, filled with water from holy springs
from 20 regions of the country.
The main stage of “Oner Ordasy” has become the heart of the cultural festival, where
top musical groups from three regions of Kazakhstan perform daily. Today, performers from
Aktobe, Zhetysu, and Karaganda regions showcased their concert programs. Honored artists
and international laureates took the stage, including the inimitable Makpal Zhunusova,
Svetlana Aitbayeva, traditional performers Saya Yesengeldinova, Beybit Musayev, and
Arafat Yskakov. Three folklore ensembles from these regions and the Academic Orchestra of
Kazakh Folk Instruments named after Tattimbet also performed. The highlight of the
program was the theatrical production “Rukhy biik, tegi berik – koshpendiler,” which
captured the philosophy of the Games in a spectacular stage performance.
Every day at 18:00, the Gala Concert “Uly Dala Uni” will feature the best acts from the
ethnoaul’s cultural program. At 20:00, guests enjoyed performances by the evening’s
headliners, with national dances and folk music by the neo-ethno-folk group “Arkaiym,” Anel
Marabayeva, and international groups from India and Mexico (“José Delgado Castillo”). The
main stage of “Oner Ordasy,” for 1200 spectators, will host daily cultural events.
A second major venue, the ethno-tent “Shanyrak,” offers an equally rich program. The
venue opened with the “Dala Sazy” concert by the folklore ensemble “Tokyrauyn
Tolkyndary” from the Karaganda region. The ethnoaul also hosted an aitys – poetry contest,
where the best poets from Aktobe, Zhetysu, and Karaganda regions competed in song and
verse. In the “Shanyrak” tent, Kuralai Zhanuzakova led a master class “Zhangyru,”
immersing the audience in the traditions of nomadic culture. The day continued with the
ethno-show “Umai,” curated by Meruert Mukhamedyarova, showcasing a blend of modern
fashion and national traditions. The ethno-folk ensemble “Arayly Aktobe” from the Aktobe
region performed in the “Fusion of Nomad” program. The ethno-tent can host up to 300
spectators.
And this is only part of the rich cultural offerings of the Games! The yurt of the
UNESCO Center for the Rapprochement of Cultures, “AZiYA,” served as a dialogue
platform discussing Kazakhstan’s cultural code. From 13:00 to 14:00, there was an exhibition
of works by Olzhas Suleimenov, featuring readings of his best poetry. Experts spoke in depth
about Suleimenov’s contribution to the culture, literature, and history of Central Asia.
Visitors to the ethnoaul also learned about the sacred significance of the yurt in nomadic
culture, with insights from renowned Kazakh poetess Egeukhan Mukamadikyzy. In the
UNESCO yurt, a collection of rare books and copies of historical documents from the
Ottoman archives, provided by the Turkic History and Culture Foundation “TURKTAV,”
was on display.
The ethnoaul area is vast and offers diverse attractions:
- Regional yurts showcasing authentic traditions and customs;
- A children’s area, “Altybakan,” with interactive games and the “Khan Ordasy” quest;
- Artisan exhibitions and master classes at “Sheberler Auyly”;
- A fair offering national delicacies at the “Shygys Bazaar”;
- “Koshpendiler Galamy,” an art symposium featuring artists and sculptors.
Additionally, partner yurts from UNICEF, the Turkic Heritage Fund, the Alageum
company (showcasing works by artists Seisenhan Makhambet and Batukhan Baymen), and
the yurt of ethno-photographer Jimmy Nelson await visitors and participants of the Games.
The ethnoaul ” Universe of Nomads ” is a true cultural hub filled with unique
attractions and activities. We invite you to join this unforgettable celebration!
Location: Astana, Kazanat Hippodrome, Karkaraly Highway, 1
City buses available for guests and participants of the Games: No. 18, 37, 303, 323.
Pickup and drop-off points for shuttle buses: Parking at “Astana Arena,” “Main Mosque,” and “EXPO”
from 08:00 to 20:00 (rides available with VIK ticket).
