"Dasmiya" - holder of the World International Brand certificate

The Kyrgyz Ethno-Complex “Dasmiya” has been included in the World List of Special Tourist Attractions

On June 1 in Moscow, certificates confirming inclusion in the World List of Special Tourist Attractions were presented. Among the list that includes the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Colosseum, this year a site from Kyrgyzstan has been added - the cultural and ethnographic complex “Dasmiya.” The honorary certificate of global recognition was brought back home by the head of “Dasmiya,” Turusbek Mamashov.

The high award for “Dasmiya,” beloved not only by Kyrgyz citizens but also by foreign guests, was celebrated at the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow. Igor Rybakov, Chairman of the Presidium of the General Council of the EAEU, noted that the passage of numerous tourists along the Great Silk Road in a harmonious environment of ancient rarities and modern attributes of comfort and quality across the territory of Kyrgyzstan will bring the country closer to the center of tourism and recreation in Greater Eurasia.

The significance of the inclusion of the ethno-complex in the “envied” list was highly appreciated by Vladimir Piskurev, Secretary General of the Eurasian Economic Cooperation Organization. He noted that the initiative to promote “Dasmiya” - a model of Kyrgyz nationality in the international top tourist attractions - came from the EAEU representative in the Kyrgyz Republic, Alexander Bannikov, thanks to whom the presentation of the first candidate from Kyrgyzstan took place. The expert council of the International Committee on Tourism Attractiveness and Sustainable Tourism Development, led by Gabriel Kochofa, unanimously concluded that the “Dasmiya” complex meets all the criteria of the List of Special Tourist Attractions.

- Tourists around the world should know that they are awaited in this republic, that here they will get acquainted with the great Eastern culture and receive excellent service. This is the first presentation of a tourist attraction from Kyrgyzstan, but I know that on the blessed land, where the ancient Kyrgyz people live, there are many more tourist sites of world level that undoubtedly deserve this honorable title, - concluded Piskurev.

Turusbek Chukuevich Mamashov, in turn, emphasized that tourism is one of the priority and promising sectors of the economy for the Kyrgyz Republic, and the people of Kyrgyzstan, who have carried their unique culture through the centuries, carefully preserve it while simultaneously developing all the best inherited from their ancestors: national traditions and customs, an incredibly rich heritage of tales and songs, remarkably diverse artistic and cultural creativity and folklore, the secrets of crafts, the mysteries of folk cuisine… A vivid confirmation of Turusbek Chukuevich's words in Moscow is his brainchild - a unique complex built according to all the rules of the traditions and customs of the Kyrgyz people, and only traditional materials - felt, wood, and wool were used in the decoration of the “Dasmiya” objects.

Speaking about the emotions from the high award, Mamashov noted that the secret of success and the foundation of tourism development lies precisely in the connection of generations and a return to their roots. It is worth noting that the conversation took place in an “ethnic oasis” - a bowl of aromatic tea was steaming, on the table were rosy boorsoks, and above their heads towered a trunk. The atmosphere of the establishment captivates even native Kyrgyz, and one can only guess what effect the national color has on tourists.

- “Dasmiya” appeared in 1999 as an ordinary restaurant, however, when 2001 was declared the Year of Tourism, one of the best ethnographers asked me over a cup of tea: “Turusbek, why don’t you create a real Kyrgyz aiyl?” His question became a signal for me, and after some time, the ethno-complex appeared - we brought about 30 yurts from different regions of the country - beautiful, with different decorations, they became immensely popular not only among city dwellers but also among tourists. The opening of the updated “Dasmiya” was a grand event - it was attended by the president, several ministers - everyone liked the idea, and a corner appeared in the city where anyone could taste authentic Kyrgyz cuisine, drink kumys, listen to national music, and marvel at the craftsmanship of artisans, - said Turusbek Mamashov to “AiF”.

- When the complex started its work, we opened a crafts village, where masters did not leave the yurts from morning till evening - making crafts, weaving carpets… And once a group of Japanese tourists entered one of the yurts. An hour passed, two, and they were still not out. We decided to peek in, and it turned out they had been admiring a tush-kiyiz, on which the pattern was the same on both sides. This item was made about 100 years ago, and the guests could not believe that the craftsmanship of Kyrgyz artisans in the last century could compete with the best techniques of modernity!

- So, the decor in “Dasmiya” is handmade?

- Of course! Now in the ethno-complex, we are expanding the yurts, but the foundation remains unchanged - the shape, the decoration… A yurt is a whole philosophy! A couple of years ago, the governor of St. Petersburg visited us, and looking at the decoration and texture of the yurt, he said that the Hermitage should have been done like this. Modern people do not know the value of a yurt, which is a pity - after all, there is history, culture, it is everything!

- Turusbek Chukuevich, you pay special attention to the complex; how did its name come about? What does it mean?

- Friends helped me with the name. I asked them to suggest options - melodic, originally Kyrgyz words with deep meaning. One of my friends invited me over, opened a large dictionary, where the word “Dasmiya” was highlighted.

The literal translation is “money, capital,” but in the case of the complex, the meaning is deeper: our “Dasmiya” is spiritual wealth.

- Have you received any offers from foreigners to sell the complex?

- No, and even if they did, I would refuse. The architects had the task that the yurts would stand for centuries… We can change the design at the whim of time, but the yurt remains. This is history, culture; our fathers and grandfathers fought, left their lives - this is not for sale, there can be no talk of any transactions.

- You preserve and promote traditions, which has been highly appreciated by the international community. What are your impressions from the trip to Moscow?

- Once, our secretaries, heroes, and famous deputies dreamed of getting into the Kremlin, and I managed to do so. It is very beautiful and interesting there, especially in the Palace of Congresses, where the award ceremony took place - it is a unique complex. The most distinguished people from all over the former Union gathered there… The award was personally presented by the Secretary General of the Eurasian Economic Cooperation Organization, Vladimir Piskurev… Of course, the impressions are immense; it is pleasant that our work has been appreciated at such a high level. And most importantly, the award was received not only by “Dasmiya” but also by Kyrgyzstan as a whole! The organization that recognized the complex as particularly attractive for tourists includes 152 countries - it is almost UNESCO! I have worked in the tourism sector and care deeply about its development. Our country has enormous potential for its development. It is a God-given tourist world. And global recognition gives an incentive to work even harder.

- Turusbek Chukuevich, you are the first Kyrgyz citizen to receive such a high award. Could other sites in the Kyrgyz Republic also achieve such status?

- Of course! We have so many interesting entrepreneurs who create no less than I do. Some build factories, some hotels and complexes, some launch unique production. I hope to become a guide for them. For example, our “Kyrgyz Cognac” - the commodity type of their product is unique! When we go abroad, we always take our cognac with us. Foreigners are surprised by the design of the gift packaging, the taste… This is one of hundreds of examples. I really want the efforts and enthusiasm of our people to be appreciated accordingly.

- Was there any idea to open branches of “Dasmiya” in other countries?

- Such an idea exists; we are gradually moving towards this - after all, Moscow was not built in a day. Serious financial support is needed here, and that is quite difficult. But I know that someday the plans will come true, and we will promote Kyrgyz culture abroad.

- In conclusion, I cannot help but ask: what is needed to increase tourist interest in the Kyrgyz Republic?

- If every businessman, regardless of the field of activity, brings his creation closer to a tourist object, adds national color, then both business will thrive, and the flow of foreign guests wishing to see local authenticity will increase.

For example, the World Nomad Games, which have become a brand of the country… In Moscow, we discussed with the leadership of the EAEU the possibility of holding one of the stages of the World Festival-Competition of National Cultures and Arts World Folk Vision in Kyrgyzstan, which could increase the effect of the WNG - attracting children's groups from different countries of the world to the games. Our complex is ready to initiate the event; we just need to resolve this issue with the leadership of the country. After all, the key to success and development is the soul, and our people’s soul is as vast as the steppe!