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Vendors at Almaty's well-known flea market, affectionately nicknamed 'Shaitan Bazar' or 'Flea Market,' have voiced concerns over alleged theft by film crews. The sellers claim that individuals posing as filmmakers took valuable Soviet-era artifacts under the guise of a production, leading to increased caution and distrust.

This incident has made vendors wary of new film projects, with some expressing frustration over lowball offers for their goods. "Singers and artists ask for ridiculously low prices. When filmmakers come, they try to drive the prices down to the ground," shared one vendor, Aspandyar.

A Glimpse into the Market's History

The market, known for its eclectic mix of old items, has a history rooted in Almaty's past. It originally operated on weekends at the site of the former 'Katalizator' trade center before relocating to its current spot at the 'Zhetysu' market in 2015. Traditionally, the market only opens its doors on Saturdays and Sundays, offering a unique shopping experience.

A Source of Livelihood for Many

A significant portion of the vendors are pensioners who supplement their income by selling unwanted household items. Others are individuals facing unemployment, for whom the market provides a crucial, albeit modest, source of income.

Erkin, a vendor who has been selling at the market for a decade, shared his perspective. "Thank God. It's okay. Many people come and sell their old things from home. Soviet-era items are being sold for next to nothing. On Saturdays and Sundays, I can make seven to eight thousand tenge. Who comes to the market in the freezing cold of winter? Even in summer, not many people come. More people come in spring and autumn. You won't get rich selling here. You'll just have enough for bread and tea," he explained.

Potential as a Tourist Hub

Erkin expressed a desire for the market to evolve into a recognized tourist destination for antique enthusiasts. He noted a recent increase in foreign visitors showing keen interest in the unique items on offer. "Foreigners buy well. They take badges, binoculars, whatever they like. Foreign tourists are very interested in old things. In countries like France and Germany, such markets are well-developed. Local authorities provide support and make the trading spaces attractive," he said.

He believes that similar markets in Europe have become significant tourist attractions. Visitors to Kazakhstan, he suggests, are intrigued by portraits of Stalin and Lenin, items from the Soviet era, and works of socialist realism.

Affordable Clothing Options

Beyond antiques, the market also offers a variety of used household goods and clothing. Aygul, another vendor, mentioned that sales depend on the items themselves. "Sales depend on your goods. If they are in demand, you can make a profit. I mainly sell metal items. It's winter now. We don't bring them out for fear of rust, so we're selling old clothes right now," she stated.

Aygul highlighted that the market serves as an affordable shopping destination for those with limited budgets or facing temporary financial difficulties. "Everything is expensive now, so people buy old clothes. The market only operates on Saturdays and Sundays. We wish it were open regularly, but both vendors and buyers are used to this. We work other jobs on weekdays and come out on Saturdays and Sundays to earn extra income," she added.

This situation was reported by the Infohub.kz information agency.