Kyrgyzstan Hosts Inaugural World Festival of Traditional Culture and Music “Rukh Sanat”

From August 1-3, the cultural and ethnographic complex Rukh Ordo, on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, hosted Kyrgyzstan’s first World Festival of Traditional Culture and Music, Rukh Sanat. The event brought together more than 130 performers, researchers, and artisans from 37 countries. The festival opened with a parade of participants and a theatrical ceremony celebrating nomadic traditions and harmony with nature. Kyrgyz Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy Mirbek Mambetaliev described Rukh Sanat as “a new cultural doctrine” where tradition “sounds, lives, and interacts.” [caption id="attachment_34893" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Image: TCA/Maria Malinovskaya[/caption] [caption id="attachment_34892" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Image: TCA/Maria Malinovskaya[/caption] The program included an International Competition of Oral-Professional Musical Art, featuring 82 soloists and ensembles from 14 countries. The Grand Prix was awarded to the Kyrgyz ensemble Akak, while laureates included performers from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, South Korea, and India. [caption id="attachment_34895" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Image: TCA/Maria Malinovskaya[/caption] [caption id="attachment_34896" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Image: TCA/Maria Malinovskaya[/caption] Alongside the performances, the International Council for Traditional Music and Dance (ICTMD) held a symposium attended by more than 100 scholars from 40 countries, addressing the preservation and transformation of intangible cultural heritage. The festival concluded on August 3 with a gala concert of laureates. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Edil Baisalov announced that the next Rukh Sanat will be held in Kyrgyzstan’s Jalal-Abad region in 2027. [caption id="attachment_34897" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Image: TCA/Maria Malinovskaya[/caption] [caption id="attachment_34898" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Image: TCA/Maria Malinovskaya[/caption] Organizers see the festival as an important step toward strengthening Central Asia’s cultural presence on the global stage.

Cultural Appropriation: How the YAKA Brand Sparked Outrage in Kyrgyzstan

A scandal has erupted in Kyrgyzstan over the Russian clothing brand YAKA, founded by Anna Obydenova. The company, which produces clothing, accessories, and carpets adorned with stylized Kyrgyz ornaments, has faced backlash after claiming exclusive copyright to its designs. This move has sparked widespread outrage among Kyrgyz citizens, who accuse the brand of appropriating their cultural heritage. Social Media Backlash The controversy first gained traction on social media, where users quickly pointed out the alleged appropriation. One of the first to speak out was Uulzhan Bekturova, who posted an Instagram story highlighting that YAKA’s so-called “skirt” from its YAKA Unique collection was, in fact, a traditional Kyrgyz garment known as a beldemchi. She addressed the brand directly: “No, this is not a ‘skirt’ from your YAKA Unique collection, it is our beldemchi! Stop stealing our culture! Shame on you!” Her post quickly went viral, triggering a wave of public indignation. Further fueling the controversy was a statement on YAKA’s official website claiming that the brand was created “in honor of the 100th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan’s independence.” This historical inaccuracy (Kyrgyzstan gained independence only 34 years ago, in 1991) led to further accusations of ignorance and cultural insensitivity. Another source of outrage was YAKA’s warning that copying its designs was prohibited, which many saw as an attempt to monopolize traditional Kyrgyz patterns. TikTok Outrage and Calls for Boycott Public discontent was particularly intense on TikTok, where users criticized YAKA’s actions. One user, @rrrrrramilya, posted a viral video condemning the brand’s claim over Kyrgyz symbols: “A clothing brand has patented Kyrgyz patterns, registering them as their property. They justify it by saying ‘Made in Kyrgyzstan’ is on each product and that Kyrgyz artisans create them. So, if it’s made in Kyrgyzstan, is that OK? No! Manufacturing in a country does not give you the right to own its culture. Making something in Kyrgyzstan does not mean you get exclusive rights to traditional symbols!” Another user, @yido.kg, explained why cultural appropriation is such a sensitive issue: “The problem is that culture bearers are often discriminated against because of their own culture, while others use it as a fashion trend. But this isn’t just fashion - it’s the heritage of an entire people.” These videos gained widespread support, with many users calling for a boycott of YAKA products and demanding legal protection of Kyrgyz cultural heritage at the international level. Voices from Kyrgyzstan TCA spoke with Kyrgyz citizens to gauge their perspectives on the issue. Aisulu, 20, from Bishkek, expressed her frustration: “I am proud of our culture and traditions. It’s terrible when someone tries to profit from our heritage without our consent.” Mairam, 24, from Osh, added: “Our ornaments are not just patterns; they are part of our soul. No one should have the right to appropriate them.” Beksultan, 26, from Bishkek, emphasized the need for action: “We must unite and protect our cultural heritage. Cases like this should not go unnoticed.” YAKA’s Response and a New Controversy In response to the backlash,...