Kyrgyzstan’s World Nomad Games have been officially recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This prestigious acknowledgment highlights the cultural significance and global appeal of the games, which celebrate the rich nomadic traditions of Central Asia.
Key Takeaways
- The World Nomad Games have been included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- The games showcase nomadic sports, intelligence games, and cultural displays.
- The next World Nomad Games are planned to be held in Kyrgyzstan in 2024.
UNESCO Recognition
The World Nomad Games (WNG) have been included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This decision was made during a meeting of the UNESCO Committee held online from December 13 to 18, 2021. The Ministry of Culture of Kyrgyzstan announced that this is the first nomination presented by the Kyrgyz Republic to be included in this prestigious list.
The inclusion aims to promote the intangible cultural heritage at an international level. Currently, the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists include 601 elements from around the world, including other Kyrgyz cultural elements like the Epic Trilogy: Manas, Semetey, Seytek, and the traditional craftsmanship of making the Kyrgyz Ak-kalpak headdress.
The World Nomad Games: A Cultural Extravaganza
The World Nomad Games are often dubbed the “Olympics for nomads.” The event features a variety of nomadic sports, intelligence games, and cultural displays that bring the personality of the Kyrgyz people to the forefront. The first World Nomad Games were held in 2014 in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan, and have since grown in popularity and scale.
Sports and Games
The games include 16 different types of sports and intelligence games, cherished deeply by the local people. Some of the most popular events are:
- Kok Boru: A polo-like game where teams compete to throw a headless goat carcass into a goal.
- Er Enish: Wrestling on horseback, known for its brutality and skill.
- Cirit: Javelin on horseback, where points are awarded for hitting opponents or catching javelins mid-throw.
- Alysh: Traditional belt wrestling, where players throw their opponents to the ground by grabbing their belts.
- Salbuurun: Various hunting styles, including eagle hunting, falconry, and dog racing.
Future of the World Nomad Games
The VI World Nomad Games are planned to be held in Kyrgyzstan in 2024. The event is scheduled to take place from September 8 to 14 in Astana, Kazakhstan. The games have previously been held in Kyrgyzstan in 2014, 2016, and 2018, and in Turkiye in 2022.
The World Nomad Games are the largest international project initiated by the Kyrgyz government to revive and preserve the culture of nomadic civilization. The event has successfully attracted global attention and participation, making it a significant cultural and sporting event on the international stage.
