Online
Date
30 October 2026
Time
17:00
Abstract
The lecture actualises the World Nomad Games (WNG) as a unique phenomenon of the 21st century, which has outgrown the framework of ordinary competitions and has become a recognized UNESCO Intangible Heritage site. The speaker reveals the civilisational significance of the Games and examines their role as a global platform for preserving historical memory and protecting distinctive cultures from globalisation. The presentation also analyses Kyrgyzstan's contribution to world history and culture since the first Games were held in 2014. Through the prism of ethnosports, culture, and science, WNG brings the ancient heritage of the Nomads back into a relevant international context. Nomad games, which unite more than a hundred countries and ethnic groups today, turn local traditions into a universal language of intercultural dialogue, diplomacy and mutual respect, proving the value of nomadic civilization for future generations.
About the Speaker:
Cholpon Turdalieva is a Doctor of Historical Sciences, anthropologist, and Professor at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA), where she has taught since 2006 and previously served as Chair of the Anthropology and International Development Department. She holds a candidate and doctoral degree focused on Kyrgyz history and culture, alongside a PhD from Humboldt University of Berlin (2022). Beyond academia, Dr Turdalieva actively leads major cultural heritage preservation initiatives, including the structural protection and audio guide development for the Burana Tower, as well as coordinating the scientific program for the World Nomad Games and the Issyk-Kul Forum. She serves on the State Commission on History of Kyrgyzstan under the President, holds memberships in international professional associations such as CESS and MESA, and has been recognised as an Honored Worker of Culture (2013) and Honored Worker of Science of the Kyrgyz Republic (2020)
Moderators: Pulat Shozimov (Doctor of Philosophical Sciences, Professor) – Senior Research Fellow of the Aga Khan Humanities Project (AKHP), UCA, and Khadicha Shambetalieva – Ph.D., AKHP UCA regional trainer.
Date and time: 30 October, 2026, 17:00 (Kyrgyzstan time
Language: Russian
Please confirm your participation by sending an email to: khadichamamatbek3@gmail.com
Recordings of previous lectures of the University of Central Asia can be viewed on the university's YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/ucentralasia.