The “8th Women and Fashion Days in the Turkic World” Festival Successfully Completed in Kazakhstan

The “8th Women and Fashion Days in the Turkic World” festival, organized under the auspices of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY), in cooperation with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and the Mangystau Regional Administration, was successfully held in Aktau, Kazakhstan.

Held on June 28–29, the festival brought together distinguished designers and artists in the fields of traditional handicrafts and ethnic fashion from across the Turkic World.

At a special fashion show held at the Aktau Amphitheater, designers from Turkic countries presented stylized collections that blended traditional motifs with contemporary lines, featuring themes such as silk, felt, miniature art, and weaving. Representing Türkiye, designer Gözde İşbilir and the Izmir Olgunlaşma Institute captivated audiences with their collections of traditional garments enriched with modern touches.

In his opening remarks, TÜRKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev stated, “Women are the bearers of the Turkic World civilization. Each handcrafted motif is not merely an aesthetic element, but a reflection of our identity, history, and spirit.” Raev emphasized that this project, which places women at its center, contributes meaningfully to a shared cultural future.

The event was attended by TÜRKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev, Mayor of Aktau Abilkair Baipakov, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Aktau Sabri Alptekin, and Consul General of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Aktau Jamoliddinhoca Abdukarimov.

Participants from 13 countries and regions, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Hungary, Mongolia, and North Macedonia, took part in the festival, which reinterpreted the cultural heritage of the Silk Road through the lens of fashion. A 12-meter-long felt carpet — the result of months of dedicated craftsmanship — was also unveiled at the festival with the support of TİKA. The carpet will remain on display throughout the year for visitors in Aktau.

With exhibitions, workshops, masterclasses, and fashion shows, the festival once again highlighted the cultural richness and artistic creativity of the Turkic World. TİKA continues its efforts to promote and support the shared cultural and artistic heritage of the Turkic world.