Today was a bright and sunny day in Shymkent, where players of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix enjoyed a well-deserved rest day. The organizers planned a wonderful afternoon filled with activities that not only showed off the local culture, but allowed participants to immerse themselves in it. The day’s itinerary included hands-on masterclasses in pottery and felt-making, a visit to a historic monument site, and an authentic dining experience at a traditional Kazakh restaurant.
The day began at Art Hub Amanat, where we were split into two groups to explore the crafts of pottery and felt-making. Guided by skilled artisans, the pottery session offered players the chance to work with clay, crafting unique plates or shaping vases and cups on the pottery wheel. The hands-on experience was wonderfully messy, but players and members of the tournament team thoroughly enjoyed it as they made pieces to take home as souvenirs. On the other side of the room stood a round table surrounded by beautiful mats and carpets. Under the guidance of a local expert, participants learned traditional techniques, each creating a beautiful felt mat to take home—a lasting piece of Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage.
After the workshops, a stop was made at Baydibek Bi, the highest monument in the country, where local organizers went into detail about its cultural and historical significance. The heritage site also provided stunning panoramic views of the city, offering a moment to appreciate Shymkent’s landscape.
To wrap up this cultural adventure, we headed to Sandyk, a beloved local restaurant known for its authentic Kazakh cuisine. Awaiting us was a beautifully arranged table filled with a variety of traditional dishes. Each delicacy was thoughtfully introduced, and the warm hospitality of the restaurant staff ensured that every guest enjoyed an authentic taste of Kazakhstan.
With most tournament activities centered at the Rixos Khadisha Hotel, this excursion offered a refreshing change of scenery and a chance to truly experience Shymkent, Kazakhstan’s third-largest city, in a meaningful way.