Astana-Ethnic village
I was enthusiastic of the "Ethnoaul” idea. a national cultural complex, that contains traditional Kazakh yurts. were every visitor of Expo, could get an idea, about what the Kazakh culture is really about.
The Ethnoaul, which means in general, an ethnic event, is located on the territory of Kazanat” racecourse, on an area of 2500 square meters".
Only 10 minutes by car from Expo, i got the opportunity, to make a trip back in time. before the entrance, i already saw colorful costumes, representing different villages and rural settlements.
Some beautiful decorated local and Arab horses, were spread in the meadow. an handsome man, with a black curly wig, came across holding a dog. When I tried to figure out why, he told me he is a hunter, from Almaty, the previous capital of Kazakhstan. He came to present his shepered dog, in a hounds race, that took place later.
Thorough a fancy gate, I entered a village, were some giants walked, dressed like warriors. Some of them, "towering" up to 2.15 meter. some couples, dressed vividly looked like singers and dancers, that are part of the special show, that takes place in the biggest yurt. A live demonstration of Nomadic bygone civilization.
Today yurts, have lost their former importance, and are only used, as temporary dwellings of shepherds, at remote seasonal pastures. but the yurts, that were presented in the Ethnoaul, acquired a new look. covered with beautiful fabrics, supplied with electricity from portable diesel-electric sets.
The Ethno Village, has several sectors. i loved the workshops of Kazakh applied arts and crafts. I met some wonderful woman, that are masters of cotton ball-patchwork, of felt, textiles and gold sewing. Most of them, are members of the union of artists of Kazakhstan .
That brings to life, some forgotten techniques, like embroidery with metal , gilded crochet, that belonged to the Kazaks nobility, from 18-19th centuries. i met man, that are masters of jewelry, musical instruments and more, that their works, are presented in museums and private collections.
in the backyard,I found a special yurt. with traditional hunting birds-eagels and falcons, that were offered to the visitors, for a short experience. i was afraid to hold them, but I guess you will forgive me. every day, tourists can enjoy a rich program of more then 3000 events. worth visiting! trust me.
The Blogger was a guest of Estana, On Behalf of Kazakstan Embassy:
http://mfa.gov.kz/he/tel-aviv
Cultural and Entertainment events:
http://www.expo2017culture.kz/en
http://astanatimes.com/2017/02/expo-2017-to-offer-more-than-3000-cultural-events/
Esential media links:
http://astanatimes.com/2017/06/kazakh-ethno-village-opens-doors-to-expo-2017-tourists/
https://www.expo2017.com/en/p/gostyam-expo-2017-v-astane-pokazhut-voennoe-iskusstvo-i-tradicionnye-vidy-ohoty-kazahov
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photos from Etno village:Gili Mazza
