Yurts as a Collaborative Community Effort

On October 3, 2024, a talk, Every Stranger is the Most Welcomed Guest, by the architect Asel Yeszhanova took place at the community space Info Office, Ljubljana. It focused on the Nomadic Yurt Project and the nomadic traditions that existed in Kazakhstan before the Soviet era. The discussion explored how these traditions had survived to the present day, how they had evolved, and how they were reflected in various arts and crafts.

The Nomadic Yurt Project aims to collaborate with local communities in building a yurt, as constructing one was a collective experience.

Later, the participants and Yeszhanova built a yurt in Centre ROG.

The event was tailored to migrants with the aim of building skills in community organising and participation in local inclusion strategies.

Asel Yeszhanova is an architect and cultural activist based in Almaty, whose professional journey focuses on active participation in the broader discourse on architecture and urbanism.

The event was part of the EMV-LII Training Programme.

Photo: Asel Yeszhanova speaking on Kazakh nomadic traditions (KDG)