UCA held the Second National Museum Festival of Kyrgyzstan

On the eve of the Day of Cultural Workers of the Kyrgyz Republic, UCA’s Cultural Heritage and Humanities Unit (CHHU) held the annual National Museum Festival of Kyrgyzstan. This year, the Festival was held on the shores of Issyk-Kul lake, bringing together 70 museum workers from seven provinces of Kyrgyzstan. The participants exchanged experiences and presented projects dedicated to the representation of women and their stories in the museum space. The three-day Festival featured engaging discussions, film screenings, workshops, and excursions to local museums, fostering stronger connections within the museum community and promoting the country's cultural heritage. The event was organised with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Embassy of Switzerland in Bishkek.

During the official opening, the Deputy Head of the Issyk-Kul province, Ramis Mambetaliev, emphasised the importance of museums:

“Modern museums are important not only as institutions for preserving cultural heritage, but also as scientific centers and educational platforms. I am sincerely glad that the museum community now has a professional platform in the form of the Festival, where they can share innovations, challenges and achievements. I wish the Festival a long life and prosperity"

Aida Alymova, Director of the Museum of Nomadic Civilisations, highlighted the importance of holding such festivals in rural areas:

“It is extremely important that the event is held in rural areas; we all remember the first festival was held in Osh. Our museum is pleased to host the Festival on the shores of Issyk-Kul. The third National Festival will be held in Batken, which is extremely important for the development of rural museums and local cultural tourism.”

The Acting CHHU Director, Altyn Kapalova, emphasised the significance of this year’s Festival theme:

“I thank all the museums for their active participation in the Festival. Overthe three days, about 30 museum projects dedicated to the women of Kyrgyzstan were presented. It is important for us to incorporate women’s names into history and to talk about both the famous and unknown women who have contributed to the development of the country.”

Winners of the Second National Museum Festival:

1. Nomination: Artistic Interpretation of Women's Stories

Project name: The First Ruler of the Nomads - Tomiris

Center of Nomadic Civilisations named after Kurmanzhan Datka. Ornek village, Issyk-Kul district, Issyk-Kul province

Authors of the project: Nurzhan Satyndy kyzy, Aizhan Omurbekova, Zarema Zhunushalieva.

2. Nomination: Recognition of Women who Contributed to the History of Kyrgyzstan

Project name: Morning Star

Museum of National Heritage. Zhany-Madaniyat village, Kara-Suu district, Osh province

Author of the project: Zhambiliya Azimbaeva

3. Nomination: Innovative Transfer of Women's Traditional Knowledge from Generation to Generation

Project name: Chach-Monchok - the Legacy of Nomads and the Great Silk Road

Toktogul Satylganov Memorial House-Museum. Cholpon-Ata village, Toktogul district, Jalal-Abad Province

Author of the project: Baktygul Kulubaeva

4. Nomination: For Contribution to Scientific Research Museum Activities

Project name: Fates of Repressed Women of Kyrgyzstan

National Memorial Complex "Ata-Beyit". Koi-Tash village, Alamedin district, Chui province

Author of the project: Saltanat Asekova

5. Nomination: Professional Recognition

Project name: Eldik Ene – Azinakan

Memorial Museum of Tashtanbek Akmatov. Kok-Sai village, recreation area “Zhaichy”, Ton district, Issyk-Kul province

Project author: Nazira Akmatova