Culture of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is a modern state that honors respectful attitude to the traditions

Modernity and Traditions

• Today the Republic of Kazakhstan is a developed and prosperous state with a modern Constitution and legal system.
• Along with the laws, the Kazakh people honor their centuries-old traditions, rooted in the customs of nomadic tribes.

Kazakh traditions of hospitality

• Hospitality is one of the most respected traditions and traits of national character.
• A guest is the most important and desired person in the house, who is received with an open heart and treated to the best dishes.

Basic customs of hospitality:

• Konakasy is a tradition of treating a guest.
• Bata beru is a blessing pronounced by elders when a guest leaves.
• Bel koterer - special treats for elderly guests, symbolizing respect.
• Konakkade is a request from the host to the guest to perform a song or play an instrument.
• Erulik is a holiday in honor of new settlers, meeting neighbors.
• Korimdik is a gift for meeting a daughter-in-law or a newborn.
• Suyinshi is a custom of giving a gift to a person who brings good news.

Shashu is the practice of showering guests with sweets and money, a symbol of good luck.

Kazakh wedding (Uylenu toy)

Stages and customs of a Kazakh wedding:

1. Qudalyq/Quda tusu - matchmaking, official introduction of families.
2. Kalyn mal - bride dowry.
3. Syrga salu - putting on a bride’s earrings, a symbol of agreement.
4. Kiit - gifts to the bride's relatives.
5. Kyz uzatu - seeing the bride off to the groom's house.
6. Kelin tusiru - a formal reception of the bride in the groom's house.
7. Betashar is the unveiling of the bride's face and her presentation to the groom's relatives.

Traditionally, the bride walks on a white cloth “Ak zhol”, a symbol of a pure and bright path.

Modern wedding:

• Often lasts only 1 day.
• European elements are used: white dresses, processions, photo sessions.
• However, national traditions remain at the center of wedding ceremonies.

Rituals associated with the birth and upbringing of children

• Shildehana is a holiday in honor of the birth of a child.
• Yesim koyu/At koyu/ Azan shakyru is a naming ceremony with the blessing of a respected person.
• Kyrkynani shygaru is the fortieth day after birth:
• The child is bathed in silver water.
• They do the first hair and nail cut.
• Tusau kesu is cutting the fetters of a child when he begins to walk:
• Conducted by a respected person.
• Symbolizes an easy and prosperous life path.

Combination of tradition and modernity

• In Kazakh families, children are proficient in digital technologies and speak English, while the older generation maintains traditional clothing and lifestyle.

This creates an atmosphere of mutual understanding, respect and love between generations.