Batken, 13 October 2025 — The cultural festival “ARTurduuluk: Batken — at the crossroads of cultures” was held in the city of Batken, organized by the Batken City Hall in conjunction with Batken State University, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The festival was the culmination of a creative expedition through the Batken region, which followed the route Osh–Batken–Samarkandek–Zardaly. The initiative aims to develop the region's tourism potential through art, modern technology, and creative ideas in the field of culture.

Eleven Kyrgyz artists, including young talents and renowned masters, took part in the event. They shared their experience with local residents and held master classes on painting, digital art, and the creation of traditional dolls. More than 100 residents of Batken took part in these open classes and creative meetings.

Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic, noted: “UNDP supports the Kyrgyz Government's efforts to strengthen social cohesion through culture and creativity. Such initiatives help people come together, take pride in their region, and build a peaceful and sustainable future together.”

The festival programme included an exhibition of works by artists and craftsmen, a crafts fair, and an exhibition by the Children's Art School named after Turgunbay Sadykov. Of particular interest was an open lecture by Professor Abdinabi Kadyrov, “From Antiquity to Modernity: The Cultural and Tourist Wealth of Batken,” in which he emphasized the region's unique role as a centre of ancient cultural traditions and new opportunities for internal tourism.

The cultural part of the programme was enriched by performances by artists from the Batken Regional Music and Drama Theater named after Apaz Zhainakov, led by Aliya Zhamantaeva, Honored Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The ARTurduuluk festival has become a symbol of unity and diversity, showing that culture and creativity can be a powerful tool for strengthening social cohesion and sustainable development in the regions of Kyrgyzstan. The festival was organized by the Osh Regional Museum of Fine Arts.

The project is implemented by UNDP with the financial support of the Russian Federation.