Steppe Archive: Nemez, Kiiz, Namad

Feltmaking is one of the oldest technologies connecting the peoples of the Great Steppe Belt from Central Asia to the Carpathian Basin. "Steppe Archive: Nemez, Kiiz, Namad" creates a dialogue between traditional Hungarian craft practices and Central Asian textile art heritage.

The program consists of two parts: a theoretical panel discussion and a live feltmaking demonstration, during which the masters will create custom felt panels in real time, each using their own traditional techniques.

Speakers:

• Károly Marton-Szőnyegi (Hungary) — Folk Master of Feltmaking, recipient of the Junior Prima Award, holder of the honorary title "Young Master of Folk Art," and fellow of the Hungarian Academy of Arts (MMA). In his practice, Károly explores the nomadic roots of feltmaking and Hungarian peasant culture, adapting elements of traditional costume (including the famous embroidered felt coats, cifra szűr) to the context of modern design and craft.

• Azhar Altynsaka (Kazakhstan) — Textile artist and researcher of Kazakh textile traditions. She specializes in authentic techniques: embroidery, weaving, plaiting, patchwork, and feltmaking. Azhar is the founder of the "Steppe Magic" art space — a platform for preserving and reimagining living traditions in partnership with holders of traditional knowledge. She is currently conducting research on the decolonization of traditional textiles and the resilience of Kazakh culture against external pressures.

Schedule:

• 17:00 – 18:00 — Speakers' presentations and open panel discussion. Q&A session with the audience.

• 18:00 – 19:00 — Practical session: Simultaneous creation of felt panels by Károly Marton-Szőnyegi and Azhar Altynsaka, accompanied by explanations of their techniques.

The event is organized with the support of the Hungarian Embassy in Astana, the Hungarian Consulate General in Almaty, and Dr. Zsófia Sziráki, a Hungarian language instructor at L.N. Gumilyov University.