Kazakh Embassy holds Open House

WASHINGTON. May 15. KAZINFORM The Kazakh Embassy held its annual Open House Day on May 5, 2012 in cooperation with Cultural Tourism DC, an independent nonprofit promotional organization, as part of the World Embassy Tour, which showcased embassies from Africa, Asia, the South Pacific, Middle East and the Americas to provide a range of educational and cultural programs.

Throughout the day, almost 1,500 Washingtonians visited the Embassy to learn the history, culture and traditions of the Kazakh people, as well as the latest economic, political, and international achievements of Kazakhstan, News Bulletin of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the US reads. 

For the visitors' convenience, the Embassy was divided into three thematic sections:

The first section was the Souvenirs and Jewelry Room, where guests could see traditional Kazakh jewelry and souvenirs depicting our beautiful landmarks. Our female guests were particularly impressed with the masterpieces on display there.

The second section, called the Kazakh Room was decorated to resemble the interior of a Kazakh "yurt," ancient tent-type dwelling of early Kazakhs, with day-to-day items used in Kazakh nomadic life. Visitors to this room were shown colorful traditional costumes, weapons of warriors, and other historic replicas made by Kazakh artisans. In particular, guests were interested in the "torsyk," or traditional receptacle to keep milk and other liquids, as well as the design of the yurt.

 The third room included a photo exhibition of contemporary Kazakhstan, including picturesque landscapes and unique buildings of Astana and Almaty. An exhibition of paintings by the Kazakh artist, Marina Sharipova, who worked under the pseudonym "Make," was also featured. Her works, which link Kazakhstan, Russia and the United States together - were greatly enjoyed by the guests.

A documentary film about Kazakhstan's tourist spots, investment opportunities and social life was also screened, and visitors were offered a wide range of informational materials including tourism guides and books about the history and development of the Central Asian nation. Each guest was also given a bar of delicious Kazakh chocolate, made by the Bayan Sulu confectioner company.

Many visitors expressed their gratitude to the Embassy staff for their generous hospitality and the opportunity to learn more about the rich history and unique cultural heritage and recent accomplishments of the Kazakh people.