World Nomad Game

The World Nomad Games are held biennially, with the 5th edition taking place in Astana, Kazakhstan, from September 8 to 13, 2024. The next edition, the 6th World Nomad Games, is scheduled for 2026 in Kyrgyzstan. As of now, there is no World Nomad Games event planned for 2025.

The 5th World Nomad Games took place in Astana, Kazakhstan, from September 8 to 13, 2024. This international festival celebrated the rich heritage of nomadic cultures through traditional sports, cultural exhibitions, and scholarly discussions.

🏅 Event Overview

Dates: September 8–13, 2024

Location: Astana, Kazakhstan

Participants: Approximately 2,500 athletes from 89 countries

Sports: Competitions were held across 21 sports, including traditional wrestling (Kazakh kuresi), horseback archery (zhamby atu), and horse racing (baige).

Venues: Events were hosted at multiple venues, such as the Astana Arena, Kazanat Hippodrome, Alau Ice Palace, Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace, and the Ethno Village.

🎭 Cultural Highlights

The “Universe of Nomads” Ethno Village near the Kazanat Hippodrome served as the cultural heart of the Games. Visitors experienced over 100 cultural events, including concerts, craft fairs, exhibitions, and traditional poetry competitions (aitys). Notably, renowned photojournalist Jimmy Nelson set up a photo studio in a Kazakh yurt, and organizations like UNESCO and UNICEF hosted their own yurts.

🥇 Medal Standings

Kazakhstan led the medal tally with a total of 112 medals (43 gold, 32 silver, 37 bronze), followed by Kyrgyzstan with 65 medals, and Uzbekistan with 49 medals.

🔮 Looking Ahead

The 6th World Nomad Games are scheduled to be held in Kyrgyzstan in 2026. This announcement was made during the closing ceremony, symbolized by the passing of a traditional leather vessel (torsyk) to the Kyrgyz delegation.

For more detailed information, you can visit the official website: worldnomadgames.kz.

Here is some information about this festival:

Location: The festival takes place in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

Purpose: The festival aims to bring the spirit of nomadic culture to life and allow attendees to experience the traditions and history of Eurasian nomads. It provides a platform to showcase the heritage of nomadic civilization.

History: The festival began in 2016 and has since become an annual event, with the 2019 edition being the fourth occurrence. It has been well-received by both local and international visitors.

Event Segments: The festival venue is divided into seven sectors, each representing different aspects of nomadic life:

Ak Mergen (White Archer): This sector features archery competitions, showcasing the skills of expert archers.
Shabyt (Inspiration): Musicians and ethnic folk groups perform in this sector, providing a rich cultural experience.
Taiburyl: This sector hosts competitions in "asau," a traditional horse-steering game. Nearby, in Altyn Saka, there are competitions in various Kazakh traditional games, including wrestling, tug-of-war, and dice games.
Keruen Sarai: Food lovers can enjoy Kazakh cuisine in this section, which is dedicated to traditional Kazakh food.
Batyr: Ancient battles are recreated in this sector, featuring Kazakh warriors and strongmen.
Sheber (Handyman): This sector hosts craftsmen workshops and exhibitions of unique handmade art.

Expansion: The organizers have expressed their intention to expand the festival to different regions of Kazakhstan in the future. It is expected to continue as an annual event.

The "Koshpendiler Alemi" Festival offers a unique opportunity for both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the rich and vibrant culture of nomadic civilization, allowing them to step back in time and experience the traditions of Eurasian nomads. It is a celebration of heritage, skills, and artistry passed down through generations. If you plan to attend this festival, make sure to check for the most up-to-date information on its dates and activities.