Diplomatic SOCIETY Magazine met H.E. Mirbek Mambetaliev, Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic, and spoke with him about the VI World Nomad Games, its major events and the cultural traditions defining nomadic culture.

This year, the VI World Nomad Games will take place in Kyrgyzstan from August 31 to September 6, 2026. Could you tell us a little about the origins of this initiative and why it is so important for the Kyrgyz people?

The VI World Nomad Games, which will take place in Kyrgyzstan from August 31 to September 6, 2026, represent the continuation of a large-scale international initiative that originated in the Kyrgyz Republic. The project was initiated in 2012, and the first Games were held in 2014. The idea emerged as a strategic response to the need to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of nomadic peoples — traditional sports, oral epics, crafts, rituals, and the worldview of nomadic civilization.

For the Kyrgyz people, nomadic culture is not a historical relic but a foundation of national identity. It was within the nomadic way of life that the values of freedom, solidarity, respect for nature, warrior honor, and continuity between generations were formed. Such national sports as kok boru, er enish, and kyrgyz kuresh represent not merely competitions but elements of a comprehensive system of education and a cultural code of the nation.

Since the first Games were held, the project has steadily expanded its geography and scale. While 19 countries participated in 2014, by 2024 their number had reached 89, with approximately 2,500 participants. The Games were held in Kyrgyzstan (2014, 2016, 2018), followed by Türkiye (2022) and Kazakhstan (2024). Following the results of the V Games, the right to host the VI World Nomad Games was once again granted to the Kyrgyz Republic.

The World Nomad Games have received broad international recognition: they are included in UNESCO’s register of best practices for safeguarding intangible

cultural heritage, reflected in resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly, and supported by the UN Alliance of Civilizations. Today, the Games serve as a global platform for intercultural dialogue, bringing together countries whose traditions are rooted in the nomadic civilizations of Eurasia and other regions of the world.

The mission of the Games is to revive and develop ethnoculture and ethnosport while strengthening intercultural and interreligious dialogue. Traditionally, the program includes three main components: sport, culture, and science.

For Kyrgyzstan, this initiative is of strategic importance. It strengthens national identity, fosters respect among young people for historical heritage, and simultaneously positions the country as a center of global cultural dialogue. Thus, the World Nomad Games are not only a sporting event but also a symbol of continuity between generations, preservation of cultural diversity, and openness to the world.

Which cultural traditions define the nomadic culture of Kyrgyzstan?

The nomadic culture of Kyrgyzstan was shaped by a mountain-nomadic way of life and represents a holistic system of values, traditions, and social practices. It is defined by several key cultural layers.

Traditional way of life and the yurt

The foundation of nomadic civilization is a mobile lifestyle associated with seasonal migrations. The symbol of this way of life is the yurt, which is not only a dwelling but also a model of the universe. The tunduk in its structure symbolizes the connection between generations, continuity, and the unity of the family.

Oral heritage and epic tradition

A central place is occupied by the epic “Manas”, one of the largest epic works in the world. Manaschylyk, the art of oral storytelling, shapes historical memory, moral values, and ideals of courage, justice, and devotion to the people.

Ethnosport and warrior traditions

Nomadic culture is closely connected with horse breeding and martial training. National sports such as kok boru, er enish, kyrgyz kuresh, and at chabysh reflect the values of strength, agility, strategic thinking, and team unity. These are not merely competitions but elements of a traditional system of upbringing.

Musical and poetic traditions

The improvisational art of akyns, as well as music performed on the komuz, kylkyyak, and temir komuz, reflects the inner world of the nomad — philosophical depth, a love of freedom, and respect for nature. In nomadic culture, music performs not only an entertaining function but also a worldview-shaping one.

Customs and social institutions

Traditions such as kurultai, the practice of mutual assistance (ashar), hospitality, and respect for elders foster collective responsibility and social cohesion.

Crafts and applied arts

Carpet weaving (shyrdak, ala kiyiz), the production of horse harnesses, jewelry making, and wood carving reflect the aesthetic sensibilities and practicality of nomadic society.

Thus, the nomadic culture of Kyrgyzstan represents a comprehensive system that unites lifestyle, spirituality, warrior ethics, oral tradition, and artistic creativity. It shapes national identity and continues to play a significant role in the country’s contemporary cultural development.

What major events are planned within the framework of the VI World Nomad Games and how many countries are expected to participate?

The VI World Nomad Games will bring together leading representatives of ethnosport and traditional cultures from around the world, promoting the heritage of nomadic peoples and fostering global dialogue on cultural diversity.

The program of the Games includes 43 sports disciplines: national games, horse races, equestrian competitions, traditional wrestling styles, strength and intellectual games, traditional archery, as well as traditional hunting with golden eagles, falcons, and hawks, dog racing, and other competitions.

More than 3,000 athletes from over 100 countries are expected to participate in the competitions.

The cultural program will be held across five key venues: Kyrchyn, Dordoi Nomad, Rukh Ordo, the Hippodrome, and the Center of Nomadic Civilization. It will include the international festival “Universe of Nomads,” an ethnographic village with master classes, theatrical performances, and competitions, as well as the regional project “Birimdik Kerbeni” — a cultural caravan representing all regions of the country, culminating in the opening ceremony of the Games.

The program also includes a scientific component — an international conference that will provide a platform for studying and promoting the traditions, crafts, sports, and lifestyles of nomadic peoples, thereby contributing to intercultural exchange and sustainable development.

“Ala-Too Resort” is a major project in the field of mountain tourism in Kyrgyzstan. Could you tell us more about this initiative and the cooperation with the Austrian company Doppelmayr?

I would like to emphasize that the “Ala-Too Resort” project is one of the largest initiatives in the field of mountain tourism in Kyrgyzstan. It aims to develop modern tourism infrastructure, create new jobs, and attract visitors, thereby contributing to the economic development of the country’s regions.

Particular importance is attached to cooperation with the Austrian company Doppelmayr, a global leader in the production of cable cars and ropeway systems. The use of advanced technologies and international safety standards ensures a high level of service and comfort for visitors, making Ala-Too Resort an attractive destination for both domestic tourists and international guests.

It should be noted that the Ministry of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic is not directly involved in the implementation of this project. Nevertheless, the Ministry supports initiatives that contribute to the development of the tourism sector and promote Kyrgyzstan on the international stage.