The First International Exhibition in Karcag, the Capital of the Hungarian Kipchaks

Karcag, 3 October 2024 – The opening ceremony of the exhibition “Nomads of Kazakhstan: History and Present” was held in the pavilion of the Kartság Treasure Art and Conference Centre in Karcag, the capital of Hungarian Kypchakia. The exhibition, which was organized with the support of the Almaty City Akimat together with the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hungary, presented around 200 historical exhibits from the rich collection of the Association of Museums of Almaty to the Hungarian public.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Karcag Tibor Szepesi, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Hungary Abzal Saparbekuly, the President of the Union of Hungarian Kipchaks, Member of Parliament Sándor F. Kovács, and the Director of the Association of Museums of Almaty Lyazzat Sagindikova, local government representatives and intellectuals.

In his speech, the mayor of Kartsag expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to get acquainted with the ethnographic relics and the rich history linking Kazakhs and Hungarian Kipchaks. The exhibits of the exhibition help to remember the origin of the Hungarian Kipchaks.

In his speech, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan expressed his confidence that the exhibition will contribute to the development of cultural relations between Kazakhstan and Hungary. He noted that the history and culture of the peoples of the Great Steppe, including Kazakh traditions, life, philosophy and outlook, are close to the Hungarian Kipchaks.

The President of the Hungarian Kipchak Union said that the value of the exhibition is immeasurable from the point of view of studying the historical origins of the Hungarians. It proves the direct relationship between the Hungarian Kipchaks and the Kazakhs. This exhibition is only a secondary reflection of the civilization of the nomadic peoples of the Great Steppe, so for a full acquaintance with the rich cultural and historical heritage it is necessary to visit Kazakhstan.

The director of the Almaty City Museum Association told about the history of the exhibits presented at the exhibition and the significance of the event. She pointed out that the exhibition of the Almaty City Museums is being held for the first time in Hungary, that it has a special significance for the organization of the exhibition in the capital of the Hungarian Kipchaks, Karcag, a city of historical importance that has become a cultural bridge between the two countries. The exhibition consists of two parts – the first part presents jewellery and musical instruments that characterize the life, traditions and customs of the Kazakh people. In the second part you can see photos of the picturesque nature and modern appearance of the city of Almaty. One of the most important objects in the exhibition is a dombra belonging to Abai.

The exhibition presents more than 200 exhibits from the funds of the Association of Museums of Almaty, including silver tenge (dirkhems) minted on the territory of Almaty in the XIII century.

As part of the cultural program of the exhibition, famous kuys and works of famous Kazakh composers were performed by the famous kuyshi, dombrist Yerkin Kudaibergen. In addition, traditional Kazakh dishes were presented to the guests of the event.