Friends! From May 15 to 17, 2026, we invite you to immerse yourself in the world of ancient crafts and unique felting traditions. As part of the all-Russian "Museum Night" event, the Interregional Arts and Crafts Symposium "Koshma" will be held at the "Tura-Khan" Visitor Center of the Eurasian Museum of Nomadic Civilizations (Chishminsky District, Republic of Bashkortostan).

About the Project

The symposium is dedicated to promoting the spiritual and material heritage of the Eurasian space. The main goal is to preserve and develop the unique craft of felting, draw attention to the history of ancient technologies, and support talented artisans.

Symposium Program:

A rich cultural and educational program awaits you. Museum guests will be able to see how traditional felt products are created and learn about the stages of their production.

• Master Classes for the Public: Under the guidance of experienced craftsmen, you can try your hand at creating replicas of ancient items — a traditional felt carpet (koshma) or a felt saddle blanket for a horse (sergetysh).
• Techniques: Wet felting, pattern inlay, appliqué, mosaic, incrustation, and embroidery on felt.
• Lectures and a Round Table: Discussions on preserving and developing crafts, and exchanging experiences.
• Exhibition: Following the symposium, starting May 20, an exhibition of the created replica artworks will open, which will become part of the museum's collection.

Who can participate?

We invite folk craftsmen, professional and emerging felt artists from the Republic of Bashkortostan and other regions of Russia.

Application deadline for participation: April 19, 2026.

Organizers and Partners:

Organizer: ANO "Eurasian Museum of Nomadic Civilizations."

Partners: State Unitary Enterprise "Agidel" Bashkir Artistic Crafts of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Administration of the Chishminsky District, Public Chamber of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Regional Association "Clans of Min," and others.

Location: "Tura-Khan" Visitor Center, Eurasian Museum of Nomadic Civilizations, Chishminsky District, Republic of Bashkortostan.

Dates: May 15–17, 2026.

Join us for a journey into history and culture! Stay tuned for news and announcements of master classes.

The uniqueness of the Bashkirs lies in their complex ethnogenesis — the historical process through which a people forms from different cultural and historical components.

There are several theories about the origin of the Bashkirs. One of them, supported by archaeological evidence, will be presented by archaeologist Flarit Sungatov.

Zakiryán Aminev, PhD in Philosophy, will speak about a previously little-known ancient Iranian component in the formation of the Bashkir people.

Start: 13:00
Admission: Free

A free transfer from Ufa to the Tura-Khan Visitor Center and back will be provided for lecture participants.

Departure: 11:00
Meeting point: 47 Chernyshevsky Street, Ufa

Registration is required for both the lecture and the transfer:
+7 (917) 487-53-76