By: Oleg BORTNIK,
Rustam DOKSHUKIN
The large-scale international project “Aktau — Cultural Capital of the Turkic World” is about to begin. Our city is the third in Kazakhstan to receive this honorary status, taking over the baton from the Turkmen city of Anau. The main events will take place on the embankment of the 15th microdistrict, where final preparations are currently underway.
Approximately 1,500 people are involved in organizing this significant event. A thirty-yurt ethnovillage — seven ethno-auls — will be set up by the sea. Each district and city will present its own thematic ethno-aul. As the grand opening approaches, yurts are being installed and decorated, artificial lawns laid, and altybakan — traditional nomadic swings — are being set up.
A total of 1,149 artists and groups will perform at the events, including 125 international guests from TURKSOY member states.
Earlier this week, the first creative delegations from Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan arrived in the Mangystau region. These delegations include dance and music ensembles, craftsmen, famous performers, and other cultural figures.
— The “Aktau — Cultural Capital of the Turkic World” project is a major event aimed at unifying Turkic-speaking countries. One of the highlights of the concert program will be performances by artists from Uzbekistan, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan. The first to arrive were guests from Azerbaijan, — said Farida Atakeyeva, head of the Mangystau Puppet Theater.
Another delegation of 26 people arrived from Turkmenistan. According to Elvira Ablanova, director of the Mangystau Regional Museum of History and Local Lore named after Abish Kekilbayuly, the delegation led by Azat Muradov brought vibrant live performances. The country is represented by cultural workers, museum professionals, dancers, artisans, virtuoso musicians, and pop singers.
— Active preparations began on April 1. Official delegations, including representatives from international organizations and TURKSOY members in Kazakhstan, are expected to arrive — about 100 people. A program has been prepared for guests to explore Aktau and the historical and natural sites of Mangystau. Thirty translators will assist guides in the ethnovillage, and museum tours in Turkic and English will be organized. Around 150 volunteers are also involved, — said Nurtas Sali, head of the Regional Department of Culture, Language Development and Archives.
Readiness for the upcoming festive and cultural events is becoming a key moment in the life of the regional center. The program includes exhibitions, masterclasses, festivals, concerts, theatrical performances, and more, aimed at strengthening cultural ties among Turkic nations.
For example, on April 4, from 10:00 to 21:00, a concert program will take place at the “Darkhan Dala” ethnovillage stage on the 15th district embankment with performances by local and international groups.
On Saturday, April 5, from 10:00 to 18:00, performances by local artists and guests from Turkic countries will continue.
Later that evening, from 19:00 to 21:30, a colorful and festive opening ceremony will be held.
On Sunday, April 6, from 10:00 to 19:00, a similar concert program will take place.
From 19:00 to 21:00 on the same day — a gala concert featuring stars of Kazakhstani pop music.
A drone show will also take place on the city embankment.
More than 15,000 visitors are expected to attend the ethnovillage in just a few days.
Dear residents and guests of Aktau!
On April 5, the grand opening of “Aktau — Cultural Capital of the Turkic World” will take place on the seashore. We invite you to attend this significant event and kindly ask you to wear national attire to highlight the richness and uniqueness of Kazakh culture.
Delegations from various Turkic countries will participate in the event. Let us proudly showcase our national identity by choosing traditional Kazakh clothing.
The event will be broadcast live on Zhibek Zholy, Qazaqstan, Khabar 24, and Mangystau TV channels.
We look forward to seeing you in traditional dress at this unique cultural celebration!
