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).
Editor: Kamran Raja