A city of artisans is being developed in Turkistan, covering over 2,500 hectares and expected to be completed by spring. According to the regional administration, this project will not only attract tourists but also preserve Kazakh heritage. The city will be divided into zones featuring hotels, restaurants, and a virtual center dedicated to national cuisine. Artisans will work in specialized workshops equipped with the necessary tools, allowing them to focus fully on their craft.
«We are, of course, creators, not sellers. Therefore, we have to hand over our products to stores, where entrepreneurs set their markup and sell our products at double or triple the price. The high cost affects sales volumes and time,» said craftswoman Zhupar Beissenova.
The city of artisans aims to improve product promotion. Visitors from across Kazakhstan and abroad will be able to purchase souvenirs directly from artisans in a specially designed showroom, bypassing intermediaries. A list of craftspeople is currently being compiled, with 25 artisans selected so far and more to come.
«We have reviewed the work of well-known local and internationally recognized artisans. Now we are creating profiles summarizing their experience, skills, and achievements. Then we will identify around six-seven main types of crafts,» noted Nurdaulet Medeuov, the head of the tourism department in the Turkistan region.
The organizers plan to establish a brand for the city of artisans, building a recognizable image for the artisans’ work. This branding will help promote souvenirs and handicrafts and generate global interest in nomadic culture.
