The AIU 2026 In the Heart of the Capital International Summer School has officially commenced in Astana. As part of the programme, participants are introduced to Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage through immersive experiences beyond the urban environment. Discover how exposure to the traditions of the Great Steppe contributes to intercultural understanding and why craftsmanship remains central to preserving centuries-old artisanal practices in this feature by El.kz.
Learning through cultural immersion
The summer school gatheted students and academics from over ten countries across Europe and Asia, including China, Germany, Italy, Indonesia, Cambodia, Nepal, Vietnam, as well as CIS member states.
One of the programme’s key components is a visit to a traditional ethnographic village (ethno-aul). Rather than learning about customs through lectures, participants experience them directly. Visitors observed the preparation of traditional food products, learned how to make qurt (dried fermented cheese) and zhent (a traditional Kazakh dessert), and explored the distinctive features of the traditional Kazakh way of life.
This hands-on approach enables participants to gain a deeper understanding of Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage through everyday practices. For international visitors, it provides an opportunity to see how traditions are preserved not only in museums but also in contemporary life.
Preserving the art of yurt-making
The yurt-making workshop attracted particular interest from participants. Local artisans demonstrated each stage of the production process and explained the materials used in constructing Kazakhstan’s traditional portable dwelling.
According to the workshop owners, producing a single yurt takes approximately one month. While much of the manufacturing process has been mechanised, several stages continue to rely entirely on manual craftsmanship.
The wooden framework is made from natural timber, while leather straps and hand-crafted ropes are used for fastening. Skilled manual work remains indispensable, as many structural joints require precision and extensive practical experience.
Participants were especially impressed by the successful integration of modern technologies with traditional production methods. This approach preserves the yurt’s historical authenticity while adapting its manufacture to contemporary conditions.
Traditional games that connect generations
During the excursion, participants were introduced to traditional Kazakh games that have been passed down through generations. They had the opportunity to try asyq atu (a traditional knucklebone game), archery, and langi.
For many international participants, asyq atu proved to be the highlight of the visit. The game demands accuracy, concentration and coordination, quickly transforming a cultural demonstration into a spirited competition.
Through these activities, participants gained insight into how people of the Great Steppe spent their leisure time and the skills that were valued in Kazakh society over many generations.
What impressed intl participants most
Danil Tkachev, a student at Altai State University, said the visit had given him a new perspective on Kazakhstan. He noted that the yurt-making process and traditional cuisine left the strongest impression.
“I really enjoyed qurt both its flavour and the way it is prepared. I like salty cheeses, so this product really appealed to me. I was also fascinated by the yurt-making process. Craftsman Nurlan told us that he had built many of the machines used in the workshop himself,” Danil said.
He added that the traditional games were another memorable aspect of the visit.
“I especially liked asyq atu. You have to knock the knucklebones out of a circle, which requires precision. It’s a very engaging game,” the student explained.
Danil also noted that he would encourage international visitors to explore not only Kazakhstan’s cities but also its rural communities. In his view, this offers the best opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s traditions, cuisine and the way local people preserve and value their cultural heritage.
