― 28 июня 2025 г.
8th Women and Fashion Festival of the Turkic World in Aktau
The 8th Women and Fashion Festival of the Turkic World’ organised under the auspices of the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) in Aktau, the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2025 began with an impressive fashion show introducing colourful garments of the Turkic World.
Organised in cooperation of TURKSOY with the Regional Administration of Mangistau and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), the festival, held on June 28th–29th, brought together prominent names in traditional handicrafts and ethnic fashion from across the Turkic World. Exhibitions, workshops, masterclasses, and fashion shows drew significant attention during the event.
The special fashion show held at the Aktau Amphitheatre introduced garments made by designers from different countries of the Turkic World who combined traditional patterns with contemporary lines and used various fabrics ranging from silk to felt and from miniatures to weaving to create unique collections. The fashion designer Gözde İşbilir, representing Türkiye at the festival, and the traditional garments’ collection of the the İzmir Olgunlaşma Enstitüsü featuring modern patterns were strongly appreciated by the audience.
Speaking at the opening of the event, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev emphasised the importance of women in society and said: ‘Women are the bearers of the civilisation of the Turkic World! Every pattern adorned with handcraft is not only an item of aesthetic cretaivity, but also a reflection of our identity, history and spirit.’
In his speech, Secretary General Raev also highlighted the goal to preserve the common culture of the Turkic World and said: ‘This gathering is not just a festival; it is a moment of unity and solidarity where our ancient spirit is remembered and our cultural roots flourish together. Stylised handicrafts blend with contemporary fashion, bringing the aesthetic values of the past into today's world.’
Mr. Raev who reminded of the fact that women have always held a special place in historical memory, from Tomris Hatun to Han Sultan further said: ‘This project, which places women at its centre, is an expression of a shared vision for the future of culture and art in the Turkic World.’
In addition to TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev, the fashion show was attended by the Mayor of Aktau Mr. Abilkair Baipakov, the Turkish Consul General in Aktau Mr. Sabri Alptekin, and the Uzbek Consul General in Aktau Mr. Jamoliddinhoca Abdukarimov.
The festival is being held with participants from 13 countries and regions, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Hungary, Mongolia, and North Macedonia. This extensive participation showcases the artistic power of the Turkic World through the interpretation of the cultural heritage of the Silk Road in the language of fashion.
Throughout the event, a 12-metre-long carpet made of felt and crafted with traditional techniques will also be displayed, offering art enthusiasts visiting Aktau the opportunity to see this masterpiece resulting from months-long efforts of craftsmen of the Turkic World throughout the year.
