Kazakh Craft Festival Photo Earns Spot in The Guardian’s Global Showcase

A striking image captured during the international crafts festival “Dalamen Undes Baba Óner”, held in the coastal city of Aktau, Kazakhstan has been featured in The Guardian’s prestigious “Best Photo of the Day” selection.

The photograph, taken by Turkish photographer Elkin Eskipehlivan, was handpicked by the British newspaper’s editorial team from a pool of submissions worldwide, The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

The recognition serves as a powerful affirmation of Kazakhstan’s growing presence on the global cultural stage and the increasing appreciation of its traditional craftsmanship.

The festival gathered artisans from across Kazakhstan and abroad, showcasing a rich tapestry of handmade works, national traditions, and age-old techniques. Visitors had the chance to take part in interactive workshops, explore open-air exhibitions, and experience authentic cultural performances - all aimed at reviving and celebrating the nation’s artistic legacy.

Organizers noted that the main objective of the event was to promote traditional Kazakh arts, instill national values in younger generations, and raise the international profile of the country's cultural identity and craft heritage.

Now, with global recognition from one of the world’s leading newspapers, the festival’s message has transcended borders - putting Kazakh artisanship in the global spotlight.