In 2016, Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan wore a traditional Kazakh boitumar—a jewel and protective amulet—during Jordan’s 70th independence anniversary celebrations. This single act ignited a wave of global interest in Kazakh jewelry, according to Berik Alibay, the master jeweler and restorer who crafted the piece. Alibay shared his story with Kazinform on February 18.
Alibay revealed that he did not personally present the jewelry to Queen Rania. “I often receive orders to create pieces that are later gifted to high-ranking officials. I don’t usually ask who the recipient will be,” he explained.
The connection to Queen Rania became clear when an employee from the Culture Committee reached out to Alibay, inquiring if the jewelry she wore was of Kazakh origin. Alibay immediately recognized his own work. “I told them it wasn’t just Kazakh—it was my creation,” he said.
The story quickly gained media attention, leading to a significant increase in demand for Kazakh jewelry. Alibay emphasized that Queen Rania’s global influence, combined with her choice to wear the boitumar at high-profile events, played a crucial role in popularizing the traditional designs.
“After she wore it, the demand for our traditional pieces, especially boitumars, skyrocketed. We’re struggling to keep up with the orders,” Alibay noted.
The unexpected boost has not only highlighted the beauty of Kazakh craftsmanship but also brought international recognition to its cultural heritage.
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