From May 29 to 31, in Muynak, at the legendary "cemetery" of ships, with the support of the Tourism Committee, the festival of electronic music, art and science "Stihia" was held. The event attracted over 5,000 guests. The main goal of the event was to enhance the cultural life of the region and to attract both foreign and local tourists.
This vibrant event brought together musicians, DJs, producers, as well as artists and scientists from all over the world, creating a platform for a shared commitment to the revival of the Aral Sea region through art, science, and the strength of the human spirit. The organizers aimed not only to promote musical culture but also to raise public awareness of important environmental issues.
"Stihia" is more than just music; it serves as a tool to communicate to the world the message of Muynak as a significant destination in need of support and care.
The strength of the human spirit and a manifesto of life became the central theme of the festival's art installations.
All the pieces, created from environmentally friendly materials resilient to the harsh conditions of Muynak, were seamlessly integrated into the overarching narrative of the event, highlighting the harmony between art and nature. Each work of art not only captivates the imagination but also serves as a reminder of the urgent need for a thoughtful and caring approach to our planet.
On the four stages of the festival, electronic music artists from various corners of the world, avant-garde composers, and prominent representatives of the Uzbek and Central Asian underground came together. Each performance immersed the audience in an atmosphere where electronic, progressive, and ethnic sounds intertwined in an unforgettable symbiosis.
The dance epicenter of the festival came to life on the "I will see you again, jonim" stage, where cutting-edge forms of techno, electro, and ghetto sound merged with the eccentric live performances of invited artists. This musical palette infused the atmosphere with unimaginable energy and rhythm, making hearts beat in unison.
The "Aq Keme" stage transformed a ship into a unique concert venue, hosting live performances that spanned a spectrum from noise electronics to folk and avant-pop. Every sound, every note created an unforgettable atmosphere of musical experimentation.
The "Lighthouse" became a true musical oasis in the format of a bar, where sunset was celebrated with Italo disco and melodic house. The relaxed dancing and gatherings set to downtempo created a perfect harmony, while the stunning view from the lighthouse added special meaning to this charm.
On the "Back To Muynak" stage, DJs on a truck created the largest dance floor of the festival, where hits ranging from techno to hardcore and drum and bass echoed.
This powerful musical flow gathered dancers and dreamers ready to surrender to the waves of rhythm and revel in the freedom of self-expression. Each performance became a revelation, affirming that music is a universal language capable of transcending any boundaries.
In addition to the music program, the "Stihia" festival offered a unique opportunity for knowledge and idea exchange at the "Stihia N+1" forum. Here, locals shared stories about their region, invited speakers shared their experiences, and a fair of eco-brands and artisans provided a chance to connect with the art and traditions of Karakalpakstan.
The festival gathered leading IT specialists, investors, and representatives from the digital industry. This significant event became a platform for idea exchange and discussions on the prospects for technology development, contributions to the promotion of the region, and expanding opportunities for youth. The inspiring atmosphere of dialogue and collaboration laid the foundation for creating innovative ideas that will help accelerate digital transformation and support sustainable development in the Aral Sea region. Only together can we contribute to the restoration of the area by addressing pressing environmental issues and exploring possible solutions to improve the situation.
Among the social initiatives of the festival, the "Stihia Gen" and "Stihia Arts" projects stood out. Over several meetings, 35 students participating in the "Stihia Gen IT" program mastered the art of creating images using neural networks. The result of their hard work was an animated film, which was enthusiastically presented during the session "Modern AI Technologies and Their Implementation in Contemporary Education" at the "Stihia N+1" forum.
The "Stihia" festival offered its guests a variety of entertainment options: workshops, yoga sessions, and engaging games, creating an atmosphere of unity and involvement where everyone could find activities that matched their interests and showcase their talents.
On the "Aq Keme" stage, young talents from Muynak performed as emerging electronic music artists as part of the "Stihia Gen" project, alongside renowned musicians.
The result of their collaborative creativity was a touching composition titled "Song of the Sea". This performance, filled with genuine emotions, left an indelible mark on the hearts of the listeners.
The captivating landscape of the desert, once home to the flourishing Aral Sea but now transformed into a "graveyard" of ships, inspires the creation of new values in its tragedy. This landscape serves as a reminder that rebirth begins within us. Here, in the heart of Muynak, we realize that each of us has the ability to contribute to the restoration and greening of our world, transforming it into something truly beautiful.
As per tradition, the closing ceremony of the 7 th International Festival of Electronic Music, Science, and Art "Stihia" in 2025 concluded with the symbolic burning of the main installation on the helicopter pad.
This mesmerizing event took place under the performance of Nikina, as the first rays of the rising sun illuminated the horizon, giving this moment a special significance—a moment of unity and hope for a bright future.