SHANYRAQ

experience the confluence of Emirati and Kazakh cultures

Shanyraq is an interactive storytelling installation that invites you on a journey to unite two cultures, through collective participation. This experience centers under a beautifully crafted Shanyraq, the traditional wooden dome of a Kazakh yurt, symbolizing the sky and the heart of communal life.

Discover a touching narrative of friendship between an Emirati and a Kazakh boy, enhanced by a rich blend of cultural music, interactive technology, and artistic expression.

Interactive Features

Immerse yourself in the heart of Shanyraq, where tradition meets innovation through the captivating use ofBare Condictive's paint. This ingenious technology transforms the ordinary into the interactive, turning surfaces into a canvas of sensitivity and response. As you journey through our installation, your touch becomes the key that unlocks a realm of stories, music, and heritage, blending the rich cultural tapestries of the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan.

4 Handprints

Four handprints await your touch, each a gateway to a shared narrative. The story only unfolds when four individuals, each representing a corner of our tale, join forces.

Place your hands upon these prints, and watch as the age-old tradition of storytelling is reborn.

2 Musical Instruments

In the middle of the story, play along with the characters by interacting with two traditional instruments — Dombyra (kazakh) and the Oud (emirati).

Each touch create harmonies derived from the national anthems of Kazakhstan and the UAE.

UNITY

Parallels we've covered in two cultures

01

Cultural Practice

The UAE has a rich history of pearl diving, symbolizing resilience and the deep connection to the sea. Kazakhstan's tradition of jewelry making reflects the intricate craftsmanship and artistic expression ingrained in its heritage. Both practices embody the meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship that unite these cultures.
02

Storytelling

Storytelling is a cherished oral tradition that has been practiced by both the UAE and Kazakhstan. It serves as a timeless medium for communal engagement in preserving cultural identity and passing down wisdom from generation to generation.
03

Heritage

The Bedouin tents of the UAE and the traditional Yurts of Kazakhstan represent more than just shelter; they are symbols of hospitality, community, and resilience in harsh environments. These structures serve as tangible expressions of cultural heritage, embodying the nomadic spirit that unites these two cultures.
04

Music

The Oud, a string instrument cherished in the UAE, and the Dombyra, a long-necked string instrument revered in Kazakhstan, embody the soulful essence of their respective cultures. Despite their geographical distance, both instruments share striking similarities in their harmonic richness and melodies.

Creators of Shanyraq

Meet the Artists

Aiya Sartbayeva — Salama Almheiri

Salama is a multidisciplinary artist double majoring in Interactive Media and Art and Art History at New York University Abu Dhabi.

Salama Almheiri — Aiya Sartbayeva

Aiya is a digital artist and content creator majoring in Interactive Media and minoring in Social Research and Public Policy at NYUAD.

Production Process

Project Highlights

Visuals

We created visuals (illustrations and animations) using Procreate, Davinci Resolve, Capcut PC
Fabrication

We built, drew, painted table in the Scene Shop at Arts Center
Software

We made a communication between Arduino, Processing, and Madmapper
Handbook

We created the handbook to give more info about our project, and included translations of the storyline in Arabic and Kazakh