The ethno-museum Kyluet is one of the most unusual places in Shymkent. Created by hand by Kendebai Karabdalov, it’s located in the Turlan Expedition neighbourhood, at the exit of Shymkent after the airport.

Kendebai Karabdalov is a remarkable character. Artist, musician, historian and philosopher, he built the ethno-museum to promote the ancient Kazakh culture.

Inspired by the old way of making clay pots, especially the one from the city of Otyrar, he founded a school of pottery to share this knowledge. Vases, statues, oil lamps, he has many creations of clay. The most original of them is certainly the ten holes (8+2) ocarina, typical music instrument and now a World Heritage by UNESCO.

Kendebai knows playing an incalculable number of music instruments, local or foreigner. Many are on view in the ethno-museum, and the artist gladly does demonstrations of each of them.

The ethno-museum also includes an underground building dedicated to spirituality. Built in clay by Kendebai himself on a site known for its magnetic forces, it’s a quiet and cool place, propitious to thinking and meditation.
Two rooms with carpet-covered floor are connected by tunnels and stairs. One is lit by candles and dedicated to prayer, the other is illuminated by natural light from an opening in the vaulted roof.

In these places, Kendebai will share his thoughts with you, which are centred on the unity of humans, the harmony of the soul, the respect of the Earth, and the power of natural energies.

Interested in a visit or a master-class? Contact Kendebai Karabdalov!
+7 705 128 55 45 – +7 7252 53 37 20