📒 Work trip: On April 20, 2024, the team of the Aigine Cultural Research Center made a work trip to the Issyk-Kul region to conduct a training on intangible cultural heritage. The training was organized on the occasion of World Children’s Day as part of the annual “Tushoo toy” festival, which is held by the administration of the Kün Chygysh village and the local sports association. Cholponai U-G, Senior Project Coordinator of the Aigine Cultural Research Center, presented the center’s projects, efforts, and results in the field of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and its transmission to future generations, and also showcased the center’s multimedia products. Jumagazy Sadyr uulu, an expert of Aigine CRC in traditional knowledge, delivered a presentation on “Social structures used by Kyrgyz people, methods of self-help, and modern experiences.” Dr. Aybek Samakov, also an expert of Aigine CRC, presented on “Commercialization of intangible cultural heritage, its opportunities, and threats.” Aigine CRC expert Shaakan Toktogul talked about the “Essence, cultural, and spiritual value of the traditional ritual of Tushoo kesuu (cutting the path).” This training was organized at the request of Bakyt Choytonbaev.

⛰️ Work trips: As part of the “Uluu Toolor” project, on April 22 and 23, the Aigine Cultural Research Center team conducted a training on local research in three schools of the Issyk-Kul region located near the Tastar-Ata Mountain: in the villages of Kajy-Saz (Korgondu-Bulak), Ton, and Tuura-Suu. The project aims to strengthen relationships between younger and older generations through conducting local research and gaining a deeper understanding of their village and region, as well as preserving, reflecting, and transmitting local oral history and its peculiarities. The research will continue for one month, and on May 21, students from the three schools will present their findings to the jury. The best school will be awarded a prize. The training was conducted by Aybek Samakov, Jumagazy Salyr uulu, and the Aigine CRC team.

🤝 Work meetings: On April 25, the third meeting of the Steering Committee of the project “Development of the cultural tourism industry by enhancing the potential for the production and digital marketing of traditional crafts in the Kyrgyz Republic” took place. The project is implemented within the framework of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) between the Republic of Korea and the Kyrgyz Republic. The meeting discussed the tasks and events planned for 2024. The project is implemented by the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (ICHCAP). Aigine is a member of the Steering Committee for the criteria of long-term activities in the field of intangible cultural heritage and accreditation under the 2003 UNESCO Convention.