NOMADS LAND

for the third time the "world nomad games" were held in different locations around lake issyk kul in kyrgyzstan. 37 sports disciplines included eagle hunting, bone throwing and "kok boru", all of which the competitors celebrate in their native dress. the event is grouped around sports and cultural competitions, though the nomad games really celebrate common ground. a strong message in a time where the focus is often on what sets people apart. although this years opening ceremony in was attended by the heads of state not only of kyrgyzstan, but the presidents of hungary, turkey, kazakhstan, azerbaijan and uzbekistan, it was really the people that made this edition: the over 2000 athletes, the visitors from the surrounding "stans" but as well the hosting kyrgyz who all celebrated their nomadic heritage. meanwhile i wanted to focus not on the spectacle, nor statesmen, and neither the competitions, but find intimacy with the faces in the crowd.