07 February 2016

URUMUQI GRAND BAZAAR

After enjoying ourselves at the Mukamu Theatre, we proceeded to the grand bazaar nearby.  It is known as Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumuqi, Xinjiang, China.  It is the largest bazaar in the world, combining Islamic culture, architecture, ethnic commerce, tourism and entertainment.  It is also one of the most famous landmarks in Ürümqi, and in Xinjiang.  


There were many stalls selling grilled meat and unique food.  It was so crowded that we had to push our way through.







06 February 2016

PENANG ASSAM LAKSA

Penang laksa to entertain guests :



Penang laksa, also known as asam laksa.  It is made with mackerel (ikan kembung) soup and its main distinguishing feature is the asam or tamarind which gives the soup a sour taste.  The fish is poached and then flaked. Other ingredients that give Penang laksa its distinctive flavour include lemongrass, galangal (lengkuas) and chilli.  Typical garnishes include mint, pineapple slices, thinly sliced onion, a thick sweet prawn paste (he-ko) and use of torch ginger flower.

05 February 2016

MUKAMU THEATRE

At the city center of Urumqi, we were arranged to enjoy the fantastic folk performance over the yummy buffet dinner at Mukamu Theatre.


















04 February 2016

KAZAKAH ARTS & CRAFTS




Many are also skilled in the performance of Kazakh traditional songs. One of the most commonly used traditional musical instruments of the Kazakhs is the dombra, a plucked lute with two strings. It is often used to accompany solo or group singing.




03 February 2016

KAZAKHS CULTURE

Kazakhstan has a well-articulated culture based on the nomadic pastoral economy of the inhabitants.  Today's Kazakhstan is a modern culture, thriving in the post-Soviet era. The traditional Kazakh lifestyle has blended with influences from Western societies, as well as those from Kazakhstan's Russian and Chinese neighbors.




The traditional Kazakh dwelling is the yurt, a tent consisting of a flexible framework of willow wood covered with varying thicknesses of felt.  The interior of the yurt has ritual significance; the right side is generally reserved for men and the left for women.  But nowadays modern world their dwellings are built with bricks.



A great variety of different decorations - great applications, patches were used on clothing, headwear, footwear. Carnelian, coral, pearl, pearl, coloured glass were used to decorate gold, silver, copper, bronze jewellery of women.  Earrings, flat and wrought bracelets and rings were extremely beautiful. Rings depending on their traditional forms have specific names, such as a Bird's beak ring. Belts - a compulsory element of both male and female clothing - were decorated especially: it was ornamented with embroidery; silver badges were sewn on it.

















Kazakh national clothes are characterized by common forms for all segments of the population  Elegance and beautiful elements to dresses were given by fur trim, embroidery, jewelry.  Traditional materials for the clothes were leather, fur, thin felt, cloth, which was produced by the local population.  Clothes sewn from imported materials - silk, brocade, velvet, were a kind of measure of wealthiness of their owners.  Cotton was also widely used.