Presentation of the Kyrgyz Yurt - Cultural heritage of nomads

The presentation of the Kyrgyz yurt, erected in the outdoor Takis area, illustrates intangible cultural heritage through traditional knowledge and skills
The yurt is a nomadic dwelling used among the Kyrgyz and Kazak people.

It demonstrates the importance of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The community aspects and traditional knowledge relating to yurts, including the role of women who make the interior and exterior decorations, are showcased in this presentation.

The Convention promotes dialogue between communities as well as States Parties and welcomes the commitment of multinational nominations. One of such examples is the 2014 multinational nomination by Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, “Traditional knowledge and skills in making Kyrgyz and Kazakh yurts”.
This also shows the important role of the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. The Kyrgyz traditional knowledge and skills in manufacturing felt carpets “Ala-kiyiz” and “Shyrdak” were in danger of disappearing some 10 years ago. The inscription of the element on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2012 encouraged the State and communities to take safeguarding measures, and contributed to raising awareness among the public about the importance of traditional Kyrgyz felt carpets. As a result, the popularity of the Kyrgyz traditional felt carpets, which are traditionally used in yurts, is growing within the country and abroad.