― 21 мая 2023 г.
Kumys Festival held in Ankara
The "Ankara Kumys Festival" was organized in cooperation of TURKSOY with the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Kazakhstan and the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Ankara.
At the festival which took place in the “Kazakh Obası” in Ankara and started with the singing of the national anthems of Turkey and Kazakhstan, guests were offered Kumys and traditional Kazakh dishes.
In the opening speech he delivered at the event, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Ankara H. E. Mr. Yerkebulan Sapiyev emphasised that this event, which reflects the traditions and customs of Kazakhs, was held outside the country for the first time, and said: "This is the first time this festival is being held outside Kazakhstan and celebrated in Ankara, the heart of Anatolia."
Pointing out that Kumys is an important part of Turkic culture, Ambassador Sapiyev said that the day of the Kumys Festival is actually a holiday in Kazakhstan and that they would like this festival to be held in Ankara every year.
In the speech he delivered, TURKSOY Secretary General Raev who was also present at the festival said: "Today we are excited to organize such a festival for the first time in order to introduce to you our delicious Kumys drink, which is a common tradition of the Turkic World. Kumys is our national drink produced from the milk of mares. Indeed, horses have ever since been companions of Turkic peoples in the Turkic World for centuries. It is a beverage which has unique strengthening properties and is beneficial to the human immune system."
Reminding that Ibni Sina, the founder of the science of medicine, stated that Kumys has many beneficial properties for human health, Secretary General Raev said: "The fact that Kumys is so valuable is due to its codes that are actually embedded in our genetics. Today, Kumys, which has a special place in the Turkic World, has been part of our culture since ancient times and is appreciated not only as a sign of hospitality when it is offered to guests but also as an efficient cooling method and an elixir which gives strength and energy."
The speeches of protocol members were followed by the handing over of certificates of appreciation and souvenirs to the participants.
In the event which gathered Kazakhs living in Turkey and featured handcrafts along with performances of traditional music and dances of Kazakhstan, guests also had the opportunity to get acquainted with the way kumys is being prepared.
At the festival which is being traditionally held every year in Kazakhstan and took place outside the country for the first time guests were also shown typical components in the manufacturing process of Kumys such as "Locating the place", "Tying the mare", "Milking" and “Cooking in Kubi”.
