On 27–28 October 2026, interregional seminars on the exchange of successful practices in inventorying and safeguarding elements of intangible cultural heritage, along with the “Ұрпаққа аманат: дәстүр сабақтастығы” (“Legacy to Future Generations: Continuity of Traditions”) Festival, were held in Taldykorgan as part of a UNESCO Technical Grant.
The events aimed to safeguard and promote national cultural heritage, ensure the continuity of traditional art forms, and facilitate professional knowledge-sharing among cultural sector specialists.
On 27 October, an interregional practical seminar on the inventorying and safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage took place at the Palace of Languages. Participants included Rustam Muzafarov, Deputy Chair of the National Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Kazakhstan; committee members Zubaida Suraganova, Zhanerke Shaigozova, Meruert Kurmangaliyeva and Naghymuly Shakhman; Dias Esdauletov, Deputy Akim of the Zhetysu Region; heads and staff members of regional cultural, sports and educational institutions; delegations from the Almaty and Zhambyl regions; and representatives of the mass media.
The seminar addressed the current state of traditional festivals and customs in Kazakhstan, the revival of carpet weaving, contemporary developments in aitys (improvised poetic contests), terme (traditional narrative and lyrical singing) and kui (traditional instrumental music), as well as the role of national games in child development. Participants exchanged views on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and transmitting traditions to future generations.
Later that day, the “Ұрпаққа аманат: дәстүр сабақтастығы” Festival was held at the Table Tennis Centre. The programme showcased national culture and traditions through workshops on making, assembling and decorating a traditional Kazakh yurt, national sports and games, exhibitions of handicrafts and traditional food, presentations of Kazakh customs and rituals, a showcase of national costumes, and a concert programme.
On 28 October, a practical seminar for cultural workers and media representatives was held at the Beisen Kuranbek Journalists’ House.
The seminar covered two topics: “The UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage” and “The Information Policy of the Zhetysu Region for 2026–2027”. The speakers included Zubaida Suraganova and Zhanerke Shaigozova, members of the National Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage under the National Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan for UNESCO and ISESCO, as well as Alexey Kamensky, a Kazakhstani film director and documentary screenwriter.
The seminar brought together methodologists from district, city and rural cultural centres, journalists, camera operators and photographers. Participants discussed current issues in cultural communications, ways to promote intangible cultural heritage through the media, the wider dissemination of national values, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation between cultural institutions and media organisations.
The two-day programme provided an important platform for safeguarding national heritage, promoting traditional arts and strengthening continuity between generations. It also encouraged professional exchange between cultural sector specialists and media representatives, fostered cooperation, and supported the development of joint initiatives to promote Kazakhstan’s national cultural values.
