At the end of July 2006, the first of a series of annual crafts festival and exhibition was held in Tamchi, on the shores of Lake Issyk Kul. "Oimo 2006", ("Patterns 2006"), organized by the Central Asian Craft Support Association, (CACSA), and the Kyrgyz Ministry of Culture as part of the programme "100 Cultural Activities", brought together craftsmen and women from all over the Central Asian region to the small lakeside resort and provided a showcase for their products.
Masterclasses were held, explaining the various techniques and skills for different types of attendees, tailor made for visitors, participants and school kids, the future generation of masters. The programme of events included concerts featuring local musicians, a fashion show, films and theatrical performances and on a more serious note a "round table" on the subject of "An Ethno-Cultural Dialogue between the World and the Region". Dishes of national and regional cuisine were available and, of course, there was the opportunity to simply relax on Tamchi's very own tranquil beach.
Plans are in the making for next year's "Oimo 2007". Visitors to Kyrgyzstan in late July will have the great chance to add the festival-exhibition to their itinerary and gain an insight into the various crafts of the region - and perhaps to obtain some quality souvenirs of their stay in Central Asia.