International Artisans Gathering Happens in Turkistan, Over 140 Crafters Participate
In the heart of Central Asia, the historic city of Turkistan is preparing for a grand event this August 2025. The city, known for its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, will host the inaugural international crafts exhibition titled "Turkistan – City of Craftspeople"[1][2][3]. This event will bring together over 140 artisans from Kazakhstan and abroad, specializing in decorative and applied arts.
The exhibition will take place at the newly built Center for Craftsmanship, a significant part of a 2.5-hectare tourism cluster in the heart of the region[1][2][3]. This complex, funded by approximately US$10.2 million in private investment, consists of 25 architecturally unique buildings, including craft workshops, exhibition pavilions, boutique hotels, retail zones, and public spaces[1][2][3].
The exhibition will showcase traditional Kazakh craftsmanship and arts, reflecting the region’s rich historical and cultural heritage[1][2]. Alongside the exhibition, there will be a series of complementary cultural and entertainment programs. These include a hot air balloon show, the AVTOFEST car exhibition, a gastronomic fair, interactive stage games, prize draws, and concerts by prominent Kazakh artists[1][2][3].
Turkistan's status as a "City of Craftspeople" was officially conferred in 2025, recognizing its role in preserving Kazakhstan’s artisan traditions and supporting craft practitioners[1][2][3]. The city is also acknowledged as the cultural capital of the Turkic world and the Tourism Capital of the Turkic World, reflecting its growing prominence in regional cultural tourism[1][3].
UNESCO has commended Kazakhstan’s legislation on the Special Status of the City of Turkistan, including measures to protect its heritage and promote sustainable cultural tourism[3]. This exhibition and the accompanying infrastructure symbolize Kazakhstan’s strategic vision to boost domestic tourism, nurture its cultural economy, and highlight Turkistan’s historic identity as an artisan and cultural hub for Central Asia and the Turkic world[3].
For those planning to attend, a map of the location, designed by The Astana Times, can be found on gov.kz[4]. So, mark your calendars and join the celebration of Kazakhstan's rich cultural heritage and the artisans who preserve it.
[1] Ministry of Tourism and Sports [2] The Center for Craftsmanship [3] The Astana Times [4] gov.kz
- Visitors can explore the cultural and artistic offerings beyond the crafts exhibition in Turkistan, as the tourism cluster also includes home-and-garden styles boutique hotels and retail zones.
- To complement the international crafts exhibition, cultural travelers can expect entertainment programs such as a hot air balloon show, concerts, and gastronomic fairs, providing an immersive lifestyle experience in the City of Craftspeople.
