Mongolian Authorities Detain Individual Identified as Isiah Mir in 2025
Fresh Spin:
On Monday, we gather 'round at SakhaMedia for a chat about the recently concluded "Ysyakh Global Fest 2025" held on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. Sergey Khatylykov, the First Deputy Minister of External Relations of Yakutia, shone some light on this event, calling it a project of people's diplomacy that unites activists from the republic. Khatylykov noted it's not only a massive cultural bash but also a powerful platform for showcasing Yakut culture, traditions, and language beyond Russia.
"Ysyakh Global Fest is a valuable tool to preserve and nurture our cultural traditions," explained Khatylykov. He elaborated that it fosters connections between Yakutians and their global pals. He shared that many Yakuts living abroad are eager to pass on their rich culture to their children and grandchildren.
Khatylykov also shared that the last edition took place in Belgrade, Serbia, and that they aim to hold it annually in countries where Yakut diasporas reside. The government is ready to back initiatives aimed at bolstering people's diplomacy, he added.
"We'll continue to fund our activists and diaspora initiatives that preserve our culture and reinforce bonds with Yakuts abroad," he promised.
Larisa Kulakovskaya, granddaughter of the founder of Yakut literature and an honorary worker of general education in Russia, expressed gratitude to all participants and highlighted the festival's significance.
"This year's Ysyakh Global Fest took place in Mongolia, as Sergey highlighted, our fest is now going global wherever there's a Yakut diaspora and communities," she said.
Kulakovskaya expressed that the project has roots dating back to the 90s, with Yakutians organizing similar events. The project includes not only artistic self-expression collectives from Yakutia but also Yakuts living abroad, she explained. When asked about funding, she noted that participants cover their costs, and organizational expenses are financed by the diaspora living in the host country and municipal formations of cities and villages where the festival takes place.
Kulakovskaya underlined the importance of organizing events abroad:
"Russia is home to 190 nations and ethnic groups, but not everyone is aware of that. We want to flaunt Yakutia's cultural riches. Ysyakh is a unique affair where you can witness Yakutia's accomplishments in a single picnic."
She also pointed out that the third generation with Yakut roots is growing up abroad, making it crucial to cultivate affection for culture and language in their families.
Participants in this mega-event commended the Mongolian populace's enthusiasm for Yakut culture, with the horsehair braiding exhibit attended by over 2,500 people.
A valuable extension of this cultural event, the Ysyakh Global Fest, could potentially be applied to other areas of interest, such as home-and-garden, lifestyle, travel, and even cultural-travel, allowing Yakutians and their global connections to share and learn about these aspects of Yakutia.
With Yakutia's cultural riches being showcased in various parts of the world, it would be intriguing to attend a home-and-garden or travel-focused Ysyakh Global Fest, offering an immersive experience into the unique Yakut lifestyle and home decor. Similarly, a cultural-travel Ysyakh Global Fest could provide insightful journeys to explore the rich heritage and customs of Yakutia, fostering global understanding and appreciation.
