Shopping in Kazakhstan: Local Markets & Handicrafts

Shopping in Kazakhstan is a unique experience when one wants to have a very exciting trip to Central Asia. In addition to its beautiful mountainous landscapes, contemporary cities, and cultural legacy, Kazakhstan can provide its tourists with an opportunity to experience the high level of craftmanship and colorful local markets. The markets here narrate the story of cultural development of the country as far as handmade carpet weaving and elaborate jewelry in the markets up to genuine Kazakh attires and traditional souvenirs. You may be going in the crowded bazaars of Almaty or the modern malls of Astana (Nur-Sultan), you will find that shopping in Kazakhstan is not all about buying things but it is also about meeting the soul of the land.

The markets in Kazakhstan are an amalgamation of Russian, Chinese and the Silk Road traders ethnicities. Different markets feature distinct products with most of them being locally crafted. Shopping trips can be easily added to the itinerary of the visitors traveling through Dubai and choosing Kazakhstan Tour Packages proposals suggested by reputable agencies such as Go Kite Travel. The country offers everything to the type of tourist; the aromatic spices and woollen crafts, handmade ceramics and locally made chocolates among others. This is the guide that will take you through the most recognizable shopping locations, the common handicrafts as well as the useful tips that will ensure that your shopping in Kazakhstan is a memorable experience.

The Reason Why it is a Special Place to Go Shopping in Kazakhstan

A Mashup of Tradition and Modernity

The most interesting aspect of Shopping in Kazakhstan is the unified nature of the old and the new. In such big cities as Almaty and Astana, we find modern shopping malls, which are located next to old bazaars. This will enable travelers to experience the luxury international brands at the same time as traditional Kazakh products. One day you may visit a local market and purchase a handwoven shyrdak (felt carpet) and the same day you may visit a luxury boutique and buy designer fashion.

The Impact of the Silk Road

Traditionally, Kazakhstan was the important point in the ancient Silk Road, which united China and Europe. The local craftsmanship was the result of this tradition of trade. The effects of this influence can be observed to date in the colorful bazaars with silks, spices and handcrafts. Kazakh products are usually a masterpiece of cultural interaction and each item is a living history.

Supporting Local Artisans

When purchasing any kind of souvenirs or handmade bags in Kazakhstan, you are contributing to the local craftsmen and their families directly. These artisans keep up traditions that were passed on by their forebears which means that tradition of Kazakh people still flourishes. A large number of these artisans are currently selling collectively in cooperatives or cultural centres where they deal in fair trade and sustainable production.

Best Shopping places in Kazakhstan

1. Green bazaar (Zelyony Bazaar) - Almaty

The Green Bazaar, which is situated in the center of Almaty, is the place everyone should visit in case he/she adores local markets. On this, you will get both fresh goods and spices and traditional Kazakh clothing and handcrafted souvenirs. The environment is vibrant and full of color and it provides a visitor with a real experience of the daily Kazakh life.

What to Buy:

• Dried fruits, nuts, and spices
• The traditional hats of the Kazakh culture (tyubeteika).
• Handmade jewelry and leather products.
• Local dairy products and honey.

Hint: Remember, you need to bargain, it is what shopping is all about here!

2. Arbat Street Market – Almaty

The most popular footway shopping street in Almaty is the Arbat Street that is a mixture of art, culture, and shopping. Local artists and street vendors establish booths that sell paintings, handicrafts and souvenirs. During the weekends, the market is vibrant as musicians and performers come to entertain the people who come to stroll and shop in the market.

Best Buys:

• Paintings and local art objects.
• Wooden and leather accessories and crafts.
• Soviet-era collectibles

3. Shymkent Central Bazaar

In case your Dubai to Kazakhstan Tour Package is in Shymkent, do not forgo the Central Bazaar. This market takes the flavor of the rich southern Kazakh culture. You will get a good variety of products- Uzbek clothes, Kyrgyz felt products, and Kazakh artisan work.

Highlights:

• Embroidered textiles
• Traditional carpets and traditional rugs.
• Handmade ceramics

4. Astana’s Khan Shatyr Mall

Astana (Nur-Sultan) is a city where the Khan Shatyr Mall must be visited by people, who want to enjoy a modern shopping atmosphere. It is an unusual shopping center in the world designed in the form of a giant transparent tent. There are both international luxury brands and local designer’s stores, which are located inside.

Don’t Miss:

• Local designer fashion
• Souvenir restaurants with the modern Kazakh crafts.
• International and domestic restaurants.

5. Esentai Mall – Almaty

Esentai Mall is the center of luxury shopping in Kazakhstan, which accommodates such global brands as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Burberry. Nevertheless, in addition to these brands, it is also possible to find some concept stores where Kazakh designers combine tradition and modern fashion style.

What Makes It Special:

• Luxury retail experience
• Local and international brand mix.
• Ultimate place to visit to do high-end souvenir shopping.

Kazakh Famoust Handicrafts and souvenirs

1. Felt Crafts

Felt is entrenched in the Kazakh culture. Traditionally nomadic tribes made yurts, carpets, and clothes with felt. Nowadays, the decorative felt products made by the artisans include the rugs, bags, slippers, and the wall hangings. These are ideal souvenirs which symbolize the nomadic culture of the country.

2. Traditional Jewelry

Kazakh jewelry is very outspoken and crafted to be elaborate with semi precious stones and silver. The jewelry worn by women including headpieces, earrings, and bracelets is representation of tribal designs and the ancient art. Purchasing the jewelry in the local artisan will guarantee authenticity and cultural meaning.

3. Handwoven Carpets

The art of carpets is a masterpiece of Kazakhstan. Every single design has a story to tell, signs of nature, life and spirituality are interwoven in each piece. The use of a handwoven carpet is a lovely means of taking home a bit of the Kazakh culture.

4. Wooden Handicrafts

Wood carving is another one of the old-time skills that were transferred between generations. It has everything, ornate kitchen utensils and a variety of decorative boxes and furniture carved with elaborate geometric patterns inspired by the folklore of Kazakh.

5. Traditional Clothing

Since fur-lined coats and colored dresses are examples of traditional clothes in the country, Kazakh clothing has diverse heritage. Today, a lot of tailors make their contemporary versions of these clothes, which lets tourists to wear the traditional designs of Kazakh with modern sense.

Contemporary shopping centers in Kazakhstan

Whereas the old bazaars have the cultural aspects, the modern malls in Kazakhstan are comfortable, diverse and have international brands. The following are some of the most successful shopping centers:

• MEGA Alma-Ata Mall (Almaty): It has international fashion, entertainment areas, and restaurants.
• Asia Park (Astana): This one is associated with family shopping and recreational activities.
• Keruen City Mall (Astana): It is a mall that features both local and international brands, a movie theater, and a restaurant.

When a traveler is a Dubai to Kazakhstan Tour Package, it is advisable to balance the two so as to visit both the bazaars and the malls.

Shopping in Kazakhstan

• Bargain Be nice: Bargaining is a norm in the local markets. When negotiating always begin at a price lower than the asking price and do so in a manner of respect.
• Carry Cash: The malls take cards but cash is often taken in bazaars and street vendors particularly in the local currency called Tenge.
• Support Local Artisans: Purchasing/ buying products directly at the artisans would guarantee that your money supports local traditions.
• Request Authenticity Certificates: In case of jewelry, carpets and so on, always demand to see the authenticity certificates.
• Be aware of Customs Policies: There are certain antique pieces or animal products that need to be approved by export permits.

Kazakh Handicrafts, some cultural significance

The Kazakh arts of handcrafts are not merely pieces of decorations but they are a statement of identity, history and pride. Every region possesses a unique style, which is determined by tribes that inhabited this area. Motifs of animal, stars and nature are often portrayed in the handcrafted items as a sign of harmony and strength. The crafting of these works requires whole families which makes it a communal art.

The purchase of such products not only keeps the economy going, but also contributes to the preservation of intangible heritage that is likely to be lost in the face of modernization. That is why Shopping in Kazakhstan can be regarded as a cultural experience but not a mere shopping activity.

Sustainable and Ethical shopping in Kazakhstan

Over the past few years, emphasis on sustainability has been increasing. A lot of Kazakh craftspeople and boutique design is currently concerned with eco-friendly products, upcycling, and ethical manufacturing. To designate a positive impact on the environment and the surrounding communities, travelers are advised to buy local and handmade products.

GoKite Travel, which is one of the renowned travel partners in the region, guarantees that their Dubai to Kazakhstan Tour Package would have a visit to an authenticated local cooperatives and fair-trade crafts centers. This will ensure quality souvenirs and at the same time enhance responsible tourism practices.

The Best time to shop in Kazakhstan

The markets are open throughout the year, but spring (April -June) and fall (September-October) are the most comfortable seasons to go out shopping. The bazaars are even livelier during such a festival like Nauryz (Kazakh New Year) when special sales, food stands, and cultural performances can be noticed. Shopping at this time will be a more significant experience of being connected to the traditions and celebrations of Kazakh people.

The Question of How to Include Shopping in Your itinerary of a Kazakhstan tour

To a tourist who travels to Dubai or other Gulf countries, it is easy to incorporate shopping experiences in your travel program. Most of the tours provided by GoKite Travel involve guided tours of major markets, artisan workshops and cultural hubs. These tours enable the tourists to get acquainted with the local craftsmen and learn the story behind every product, or even get involved in brief work experience at making felt or jewellery.

Conclusion

Kazakhstan shopping is a time and culture travel and craftsmanship. Every market, boutique, and crafts workshop is an insight into the nomadic nature of the country and its artistic background. Whether it is the vibrant corridors in the Green Bazaar of the city of Almaty or the state of the art premises in the Khan Shatyr Mall of Astana, the shopping in this country is an adventure that lies between the old and the new.

To travelers who want to get to know Kazakhstan better, visiting its markets and handicrafts must be included in the list of attractions. No matter whether you are in a need of hand made rugs, traditional jewelry, or modern Kazakh fashion, each buy will be a story to remember. Your journey can be convenient and, at the same time, culturally enriching when organized with the help of a Dubai to Kazakhstan Tour Package. The experience will not just be an adventure of magnificent sceneries, but also a companion of the soul of Kazakhstan, through its craftsmanship and artistry, with the knowledge of GoKite Travel.