Issyk-Kul, Sept. 5, 2026 /Kabar/. A collection of 16 monumental stone sculptures dedicated to the history, culture, and philosophy of nomadic civilization has been created at Center for Nomadic Civilization in the village of Ornok, Issyk-Kul region, as part of the cultural program of the 6th World Nomad Games.
According to the World Nomad Games 2026 media headquarters, the sculptures were created specifically for the Games and will remain at the Center as part of its permanent open-air art space.
The project was preceded by a competitive selection process launched under the cultural program of the Games. More than 75 proposals were submitted, with a special commission selecting 16 projects to be realized in stone.
Following the selection, the participating sculptors traveled to Ornok, where they spent a month creating their works in the period leading up to the Games. Uzgen travertine was selected as the primary material, allowing the artists to produce large-scale monumental compositions.
All 16 sculptures have now been installed on the grounds of the Center. Their themes explore the history, traditions, spiritual values, and worldview of nomadic peoples.
Among the works are “Ozök” (“Basis”), “Return of the Nomads,” “Tradition,” “Nomadic Spirit,” “Zhargylchak,” “Music,” “Freedom,” “Sayapker,” “Shaman,” “Toguz Kyrgool,” and “Meikindik,” among others.
Sculptor Bakyt Imanbaev presented “Zhargylchak,” a decorative composition inspired by a traditional household item used by Kyrgyz women. The zhargylchak was traditionally used for processing grain and preparing flour and talkan, making it an important part of nomadic everyday life.
Imanbaev said he first developed a sketch for the composition while studying at the Kyrgyz State Art Academy. The original version was later sold to a foreign tourist. After receiving an opportunity to participate in the sculpture symposium, he returned to the concept because it corresponded closely with the theme of nomadic civilization.
One of the central works of the project is “Ozök,” dedicated to the foundations and origins of nomadic culture. The composition combines traditional ornamental motifs with contemporary artistic forms, reflecting the continuing development of nomadic cultural heritage.
The organizers and artists emphasized that the sculptures were conceived not as a temporary exhibition but as permanent works that would remain at the Center.
“Today, when we look at balbals, we can determine the period and era to which they belong. In the same way, our compositions will tell future generations that the 6th World Nomad Games were held here in 2026 and convey the ideas we sought to express,” Imanbaev said.
The collection is expected to contribute to the development of the Center for Nomadic Civilization as an open-air museum, bringing together contemporary sculpture and the historical and cultural heritage of nomadic civilization.
The 16 stone works will remain on the Center’s grounds as a lasting cultural legacy of the 6th World Nomad Games and a record of how contemporary artists interpret the heritage of the nomadic world.
The 6th World Nomad Games are being held in Kyrgyzstan from Aug. 31 to Sept. 6, 2026. The opening ceremony took place at Bishkek Arena in the capital on Aug. 31, while the main competitions are being held in the Issyk-Kul region from Sept. 1 to 6.
More than 3,000 athletes from 109 countries are participating in the Games.
