An international festival of artisans is underway in
Shymkent. Usta Fest has brought together participants from Kazakhstan,
Uzbekistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, and Russia. Residents and guests of
the metropolis can not only admire unique handmade items in traditional
national styles but also watch the creative process firsthand. For example,
carpenters are carving figures from giant logs, while blacksmiths are forging
iron and are casting sculptures from cast iron. The best works will later adorn
some of the city’s busiest areas. In addition, visitors can explore folk craft
fairs and exhibitions of decorative and applied arts. As the organizers
emphasize, the festival has become a platform for creativity and a symbol of
regional cooperation.
«We are carving a wooden figure of a grandmother making
kymyz. Before this, we created a statuette called ‘Qazaq Barysy’, which took us
nearly six months to complete. I really enjoy the festival because it helps
promote decorative and applied arts,» said Yersin Temirgali, an artisan.
«Being a blacksmith isn’t difficult if you truly love the
craft. Right now, I’m working on a piece that symbolizes peace and tranquility.
I hope works like this inspire people,» said Abdulla Nauryzbayev, an artisan.
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