Finding ways to preserve cultural diversity in 2012 the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Almazbek Atambayev proposed the idea of the first-ever «World Nomad Games» the mission of which is to revive and preserve the culture, identity and ways of life of the people of the world in the era of globalization. This initiative was welcomed by the Cooperation Council of the Turkic-Speaking States and supported by the heads of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Republic of Turkey.

Nomadic world connect hundreds of people together. Their culture is original, unique, shows the entire way of life and traditions of the people. For example, the house of a nomad is yurt. Differences in its technical: which depend on the location of where the nomad lives: in the steppes and in the mountains, in the desert or in the forest. This is the immensity and richness of nomadic civilization.

If we take a look at the history, we discover that because of nomads, cultural exchanges happened between different people. In the past, when there were no tourists, no international forums, people lived in their certain location, namely nomads were brave in relocation from one place to another, from one area of continent to other that was unknown. The nomads moved from Africa to Eurasia, and then to both (to be detailed) America and Australia. This world was repeatedly founded by nomads. Due to such kind of movement, they shared their knowledge, which they had with settled people, learned something new from specialists and carried to new regions of the world.

Nomadic civilizations coexist harmoniously with nature. Nomads, adapting to the ecological niche of their residence, does not change the landscape of the earth. Culture and traditions of nomads were not only warlike, contrary to stereotypes; nomads spent their free time, holidays and toy by performing different games of physical and intellectual nature. These games have survived to the present day.

The First World Games of Nomads were launched on September 9, 2014 on the shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, the Pearl of the Central Asia.

There were held competitions in 10 kinds of ethno games. Along with activities, the Games’ program contained ethnographic festival in a picturesque gorge Kyrchyn. In a large yurt-town proves customs and traditions, ranging from the birth of the child, his first steps to the spectacular equestrian show. The first-ever Games attended by athletes from 19 countries. 771 people took part in competitions, among them: 583 athletes, 188 coaches and referees. 230 horses were involved in equestrian. 30 sets of medals (a total of 109 medals) have been played in 10 kinds of games. 1.200 people were involved in cultural events. The Games were covered by 250 journalists, cameramen and leading mass media. And that was only the beginning. The rich heritage, demonstrated through Nomad Games, aroused a great interest and positive feedback from the audience of more than 30 countries.

In this regard, the leadership of the Kyrgyz Republic decided to hold the Second World Nomad Games. The next World Nomad Games will be held in 2016 from 3 – 8 of September on the shore of the Issyk-Kul Lake, in Kyrgyzstan.

This time it is planned to increase the number of competitions to 25: a festival of combat games, horseracing and horse competitions, archery contests, and demonstrations of different types of hunting with hunting birds and taigans (the Kyrgyz greyhound).

It is planned to build again a city of nomadic culture high in the mountains in the Kyrchyn gorge where the yurts of nomadic peoples with their interiors will be reconstructed together with craftsmen’s workshops for the production of handicrafts. A folk festival will accompany the participants and guests throughout the Games.

It is expected that this time the competition will be attended by 2000 athletes from 40 countries. The competitions will take place at the hippodrome of the city of Cholpon-Ata. The Kok Boru contest (a national horseback contest), horseback wrestling Er Enish, and Turkish Jereed (equestrian javelin contest) will be a part of the program.

Preparations for the “II World Nomad Games 2016” are in full swing. Every citizen of Kyrgyzstan are ready to show the world the revival of ancestral traditions of nomadic people with a proud. Combining the spirit of the competition with a touch of nature and the eternal values of humanity are the key to the success of the Games.

 

H.E. Asein ISAEV, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Belgium, France, Luxembourg and Netherlands, 

Permanent Mission to EU, NATO and UNESCO