Residents of Astana shared different impressions about the fair of products of the Sughd region of Tajikistan, which took place on August 16-17 at the Barys Arena: some admired the aroma of plov, the atmosphere of the oriental bazaar and the concert program, others complained about queues, high prices, payment problems and limited access to the counters.

The atmosphere of an oriental bazaar and queues for plov

“This is not just a market, but a real cultural event. The atmosphere here is so vibrant that you really feel like you are at an oriental bazaar. We not only bought food and souvenirs, but also got charged with the spirit of Tajik culture,” one of the visitors to the event shared her impressions.

The national cuisine was of particular interest: the smell of spices and fresh bread literally drew people to the counters. The cooks prepared more than a ton of plov daily in ten cauldrons, and baked thousands of flatbreads and sambusa in six tandoors.

The cultural program with concerts by artists from Tajikistan created a festive atmosphere and emphasized the national flavor.

According to the Akimat, more than a thousand tons of products were delivered to Astana: watermelons, melons, grapes, dried fruits, nuts, as well as carpets, dishes and handmade textiles. Many city residents noted that this was a rare opportunity to buy fresh fruits directly from producers and get acquainted with the products of Tajik craftsmen.

There were no free treats like two years ago this year, but the interest in fruits and products from Tajikistan remained huge.

Prices were comparable to regular Astana markets: grapes were sold at 1,000 tenge per kilogram, melons at 3,000 tenge each, dried apricots at 2,500 tenge per kilogram, and seeds at 3,000. Watermelons were completely sold out on the very first day.

The plov cooked in huge cauldrons was especially popular: a portion cost from 1,000 to 1,500 tenge, and payment was often accepted only in cash.

In addition to food, the fair offered Tajik textiles, carpets, pillows and ethnic jewelry. But it was the fruits and national dishes that attracted the greatest interest from visitors.

Astana residents complained about the organization of the fair and prices

Remembering the past experience, the Astana authorities installed fences between the stalls and visitors, and police officers were on duty along them. The organizers explained such measures by the need to ensure safety and prevent a crush at the fair.

Some visitors complained about the queues, especially at the site where they cooked plov. Others were unhappy with the organization: many traders did not have online payment, and the authorities installed fences between the stalls and people to avoid a crush.

"The fair was a failure. The Astana city administration, in its worst traditions, drove people into a narrow stall, it is impossible to walk, the toilets are closed, everything is cordoned off by the cardinal's guards... Only the sellers are happy, having sold their watermelons and melons to the "rich" Kazakhstanis at exorbitant prices without scales, by eye for 2-4 thousand tenge apiece," one of the residents wrote on Facebook.

Fair as a symbol of friendship

Despite criticism, many city residents emphasized that such events are important for strengthening cultural and economic ties between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. The festive atmosphere, vibrant concert program and wide range of products will remain in the memory of those who came to the fair for a long time.

The main goal of the event is to develop and support interstate cooperation in the field of small and medium-sized businesses, as well as to strengthen cultural and economic ties between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, the Astana authorities noted.