Kyrgyz and Kazakh Poets to Compete at 2026 World Nomad Games

The 6th World Nomad Games, scheduled to be held in Kyrgyzstan from August 31 to September 6, 2026, will feature a significant cultural event: an international competition of Kyrgyz and Kazakh folk singers, known as tokmo akyns.

This competition is slated to occur from September 2 to 4, 2026, in the Kyrchen pasture, located in the Issyk-Kul region. The event is organized by the Ministry of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy.

According to the ministry, the primary goals of the competition are to strengthen the centuries-old spiritual and cultural connections between the Kyrgyz and Kazakh peoples. It also aims to glorify the art of tokmo akynship and promote national values among younger generations.

Talented tokmo akyns from both Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan will showcase their skills, impressing audiences with their sharp wit, quick thinking, and improvisational mastery. Accompanied by the traditional komuz instrument, the poets will continue the artistic tradition of 'Aitys' (poetic duels), weaving verses about the history, friendship, and unity of the two nations, as well as addressing important contemporary themes.

The competition boasts a substantial total prize fund of 3,000,000 Kyrgyz soms. The opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games will be held in Bishkek on August 31, with the main competitions taking place in the Issyk-Kul region.