Ethnoaul at the Nomad Games: Journey into the Past

The Nomad Games in Astana are not only competitions, but also immersion into the culture and traditions of ancestors. In the ethno-aul, guests could become part of the ancient heritage. In this photo report, we offer a look at the most striking moments that allowed guests to feel the spirit of nomadic life, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.

world nomad games, ethnoaul
Cover: Canva / Kazinform
Children, camels, world nomad games, ethno-aul
Сamel and child. Photo: Arman Aisultan / Kazinform

On the streets of the ethno-aul, you can see children sitting on camels. Camels have always been faithful companions in the endless steppes.

Tazy, dog, world nomad games
Tazy. Photo: Arman Aisultan / Kazinform

Tazy, one of the oldest dog breeds in Kazakhstan, proudly stands next to its owner. These faithful and fast hunting dogs were important companions of nomads.

Tazy, world nomad games, dog
Tazy and a boy. Photo: Arman Aisultan / Kazinform

Tazy helped our ancestors in hunting and the nomads highly appreciated this help. They were loved and pampered.

Golden eagle, world nomad games, kazakh traditions, Kazakhstan
Golden eagle. Photo: Arman Aisultan / Kazinform

Visitors to the ethno-aul could see with their own eyes a majestic golden eagle sitting on a girl's hand.

Altybakan, world nomad games, ethno-aul, children, kazakh traditions, Kazakhstan, kids, pupils
Altybakan. Photo: Arman Aisultan / Kazinform

The swing "Altybakan" ("Six pillars") is a Kazakh national game included in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the National Commission for UNESCO.

Altybakan, world nomad games, children, kazakh traditions, Kazakhstan, kids, pupils
Altybakan. Photo: Arman Aisultan / Kazinform

Altybakan is a symbol of celebration and fun. In the old days, they were the official place for young girls and boys to meet. A mandatory condition of the game is a cheerful song.

Altybakan, world nomad games, kazakh traditions, Kazakhstan
Altybakan. Photo: Arman Aisultan / Kazinform

The market, as if revived from a medieval Kazakh city, is full of handicrafts, fabrics and jewelry.

Jewelry of market, world nomad games, kazakh national traditions
Jewelry of market. Photo: Arman Aisultan / Kazinform

Here you can feel the atmosphere of ancient trade, where people exchanged not only goods, but also stories about their travels.

Iranian goods on market, world nomad games
Iranian goods on market. Photo: Arman Aisultan / Kazinform

A store full of dombras offers everyone a chance to touch the Kazakh musical tradition.

Dombras on market, world nomad games, kazakh national traditions
Dombras on market. Photo: Arman Aisultan / Kazinform

This two-stringed instrument was a companion of nomads in their songs and stories.

Kazakh art, world nomad games, kazakh national traditions, ethno-aul, picture, drawing, paint
Kazakh art. Photo: Arman Aisultan / Kazinform

Bright paintings on national themes decorate the walls of the ethno-aul. These works of art convey the traditions, culture and nature of Kazakhstan.

ethno-folklore ensembles, Kazakh national orchestras, soloists, dance groups,world nomad games
Main stage. Photo: Arman Aisultan / Kazinform

The best regional groups of Kazakhstan performed daily on the main stage - ethno-folklore ensembles, Kazakh national orchestras, soloists and dance groups.

Mas-wrestling, world nomad games, family, kazakh national traditions, kids, children
Mas-wrestling. Photo: Arman Aisultan / Kazinform

On the mas-wrestling ground, small children decided to try their hand. Although strength did not play the main role, the joy and pleasure of the children made this moment especially bright and warm.

Togyzkumalak, world nomad games, sport, kazakh national traditions
Togyzkumalak. Photo: Arman Aisultan / Kazinform

In the ethno-aul, everyone could also try their hand at the ancient Kazakh game of togyzkumalak. This intellectual game, requiring strategic thinking and patience, attracted both experts and beginners.

Asyk, world nomad games, sport, kazakh national traditions
Asyk. Photo: Arman Aisultan / Kazinform

It was also possible to play the traditional game asyk. This is not just entertainment, but an important part of Kazakh culture that unites people of different ages.

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