― 1 сентября 2026 г.
Echo of Nomads: Melodies of the Nomadic World resonate at Lake Issyk-Kul
“Echo of Nomads”, the international ethno-music festival and one of the cultural highlights of the 6th World Nomadic Games, kicked off with a magnificent opening ceremony in the city of Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. In the competition held with the participation of 21 artists from 20 countries, Türkiye is represented by folk music artist Elif Avcı Dişbudak, with the support of TURKSOY.
The international ethno-music festival and song competition “Echo of Nomads”, organised within the framework of the 6th World Nomadic Games began with a wonderful opening ceremony held on September 1st, 2026 at the Cholpon-Ata Hippodrome on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul.
Aimed at introducing the musical heritage of nomadic peoples to the world through contemporary interpretations, the festival’s opening featured a large-scale stage event of hundreds of dancers and equestrian ensembles. The symbolic entry of the “Great Migration” into the hippodrome, along with choreographies and a concert blending traditional patterns with contemporary stage techniques, attracted great interest from the audience.
More than just a music competition, the ‘Echo of Nomads’ competition which is designed as one of the main musical platforms of the World Nomadic Games serves as an international platform of cultural exchange bringing together traditional music cultures of different countries.
21 artists from 20 countries on the same stage
The international competition ‘Echo of Nomads’ features 21 artists from 20 countries.
Alongside Türkiye, artists from Cuba, Mexico, Montenegro, Brazil, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Armenia, the United States, Moldova, Latvia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Spain, South Africa, Mongolia, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Russia, the Republic of Korea and the host country, Kyrgyzstan, are representing their countries’ musical cultures at the festival.
Whilst the host country, Kyrgyzstan, is represented by two artists in the competition, participants will perform in two separate categories throughout the festival.
Traditional melodies performed with contemporary interpretations
The ‘Echo of Nomads’ competition is being held in two main categories: ‘Ethno-Hit’ and ‘World Hit’.
On “Ethno-Hit Day”, to be held on September 2nd, contestants will perform pieces reflecting the musical heritage of their own countries and cultures in their national languages with contemporary arrangements, offering a contemporary interpretation of traditional melodies from different parts of the world.
On “World Hit Day” on September 3rd, artists will bring perform world famous pieces on stage, showcasing their musical identities, traditional instruments and original interpretations.
In the competition featuring live performances, artists will be assessed based on criteria such as interpretation, stage performance, musical originality and the fusion of traditional culture with contemporary music.
International jury
The contestants’ performances will be judged by an international jury composed of famous personalities from various countries and backrounds ranging from music, culture and festivals.
The jury which will be chaired by Marjan Kataroski, an international producer and President of the World Festivals’ Association will also include the French musician and conductor Claude Révolte, the Bosnian-Herzegovinian artist Dalal Midhat Talakić, the Azerbaijani artist and director Roza Zərgərli and the Kyrgyz People’s Artist Gülnur Satılganova.
The competition will end with the announcement of the Grand Prix winner as well as of the artists awarded first, second and third prizes.
World-renowned artists will also be on stage at the Echo of Nomads’ Event
In addition to the international competition “Echo of Nomads” will also host an extensive concert programme over four days.
As part of the festival, internationally renowned artists such as the Gipsy Kings, Haddaway, Leo Rojas, Eva Simons, AY YOLA and Amirchik will take to the scene, alongside leading artists from Kyrgyzstan and neighbouring countries.
Thus, held alongside the traditional music competition with the international pop and ethno-music scenes, the festival will become one of the most widely attended World Nomadic Games with the widest-range variety of cultural events.
Finale on September 4th, 2026
Following the opening ceremony to be held on September 1st, the festival will go on with the Ethno-Hit competition on September 2nd, 2026 and the World Hit competition on September 3rd, 2026.
Prizes will be handed over to the winning artists followingt the annoucement of the results of the competition at the Finale on September 4th, 2026, and. The ‘Echo of Nomads’ event will end with a gala concert following the awards ceremony.