Kasteyev Museum Hosts Kurash Zulfikar’s Anniversary Exhibition “Along the Roads of Legends”

For the next month, the Abylkhan Kasteyev State Museum of Arts will resemble something out of One Thousand and One Nights — a reference inspired by the newly opened exhibition by artist Kurash Zulfikar, celebrating his 75th anniversary.

The exhibition, titled Along the Roads of Legends, spans several series of works, including “Uyghur Enlighteners During Buddhism,” “The Lyricism of Bilal Nazym,” “19th-Century Uyghur Poets,” and the ancient Turkic epic “Oguznama.”

A large part of the display features vivid illustrations of Uyghur myths and folk tales — bursting with color, movement, and detail.

Scenes depict anthropomorphic animals, secret lovers, trading caravans, and more. Other pieces, such as those in the graphic series “Eastern Themes,” bring satire and local humor to the foreground, blending tradition with irony.

The exhibition concludes with personal photographs from Zulfikar’s archive — moments with family, friends, and colleagues — offering visitors a glimpse into the life behind the artwork.

The exhibition is open until August 15.

Original Author: Alena Timofeeva