The ancient city of Turkistan, the oldest on the Silk Road and the heart of the Kazakh Kingdoms of old, is currently hosting a traditional crafts fair of significant importance, reports Kazakhstan Today.
Exemplary, to some degree, of the entire country, this is an exhibition which blends the very traditional with the very modern, not only for Kazakh craftsmen and women, but for many from across the whole world, who have come to Turkistan for this weekend.
Nearly 200 such masters will gather over the weekend from 26-28 September, marking not only the onset of autumn, but the first anniversary of the city being awarded World Craft City status (see below).
Handmade goods will dominate the festival, and the regional administration’s press service said:
The fair features ceramics, woodwork, leather goods, metalwork, felt, and textile products, traditional and designer clothing, jewellery, original souvenirs, as well as natural and environmentally friendly products.
Besides the smaller stands displaying their impressive wares are workshops and an installation, which depicts the very essence of the ancient city and culture of Turkistan.
The Turkistan Craft Fair intends to become an international platform, and through the cooperation of craftsmanship and entrepreneurship, it is expected that tourism will receive a boost. This is backed by the Deputy Governor of the Turkistan Region, Yertai Altayev:
“Products made by local artisans are of great interest to tourists. Systematic support for craftspeople is therefore one of our key priorities in developing tourism. Today’s exhibition gives artisans extensive opportunities to exchange experience, promote their products internationally and establish new partnerships.”
This is not one single event, as a number of important occasions have been blended into one. Visitors to the craft fair will leave enriched after enjoying the music of the 7th International Voice of Turan Song Festival, including artists from up to 20 countries performing some well-known Kazakh compositions.
Add to this the Qazaq Ani stage, a gala concert entitled Melodies of the Silk Road, and the Business Tourism Trend Forum, and it is clear that Turkistan is one of the places to be this weekend.
