Tamyr Bazaar at NU: A Celebration of Art, Culture, and Community
For the third time, Tamyr Bazaar brought together talented artists and craftsmen at Nazarbayev University, creating an atmosphere of creativity and cultural exchange. Each year, the event continues to grow, and this edition was no exception—featuring even more skilled artisans and unique works.
A major highlight of the event was the visit of Professor Waqar Ahmad, President of Nazarbayev University, who met with the artists, admired their craftsmanship, and even purchased a special gift for his children. His engagement underscored the importance of the bazaar within the university community. On the final day, Dr. Loretta O’Donnell, Vice-Provost for Academic Affairs, joined Professor Shumaila Yousafzai, officially presenting certificates of participation to the artists—a meaningful moment appreciated by all.
The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Artists and craftsmen praised the seamless organizationand the enthusiasm of students, who engaged fluently in Kazakh, Russian, and English, making the event welcoming and inclusive. Their appreciation fuels the motivation to continue developing Tamyr Bazaar as a platform for artistic expression and cultural connection.
One of the standout moments was the participation of Orken Puzzles from Almaty. Their handcrafted puzzles generated enormous interest, selling out by lunchtime on the first day. A new batch was urgently ordered, arriving just in time for the third day—only to sell out again within hours! Their success showcased the demand for original, creative works.
Tamyr Bazaar is more than just a market—it is a space for dialogue, inspiration, and community-building.NURCE extends its gratitude to the artists, organizers Mohammed and Sabu, and the university for their continuous support in making this event possible.
As the main organizer, Alua Nurbayeva reflects on the experience: "Bringing this project to life has been incredibly rewarding. Now, I need a few days to recover—but it was absolutely worth it!"
We look forward to seeing Tamyr Bazaar continue to grow and inspire!
