The city of Aktau hosted the closing ceremony of the International Photo Festival of Turkic Countries, TuraNews.kz reports citing El.kz.
The festival brought together 14 professional photographers from 11 countries, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye, Hungary, Northern Cyprus, Bashkortostan and Kabardino-Balkaria (Russia), as well as Crimea.
During a four-day photo expedition (September 14–17), the participants captured the stunning landscapes of Mangystau – from Torysh and Sherqala to Bozzhyra Canyon, Shopan Ata underground mosque, and the Caspian coastline. The best works were curated into a special exhibition, now on display for one month at the regional library named after Q. Sydyıqov.
According to the organizers – the Department of Culture of Mangystau Region and the Regional Cultural Center – the festival aimed to showcase the region’s natural beauty, traditions, and the shared cultural heritage of Turkic peoples.
Kazakh photographer Timofey Starovoitov highlighted the importance of the event: “Although I have lived in Mangystau for many years, I had never visited all of its landmarks. This festival filled that gap and gave us a chance not only to create but also to exchange experience and strengthen cultural ties.”
At the closing ceremony, the participants were awarded letters of gratitude from TURKSOY and the Governor of Mangystau Region, along with commemorative gifts.
