Culture of Kazakhstan
Traditional curses and blessings invoked disease or fertility among animals, and good manners required that a person ask first about the health of a man's livestock when greeting him and only afterward inquire about the human aspects of his life.
The traditional Kazakh dwelling is the yurt, a tent consisting of a flexible framework of willow wood covered with varying thicknesses of felt.
[2] Other religious groups include Judaism, the Baháʼí Faith, Hare Krishnas, Buddhism, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
For hundreds of years, Kazakhs were herders who raised fat-tailed sheep, Bactrian camels, and horses, relying on these animals for transportation, clothing, and food.
There is a large practice of salting and drying meat so that it will last, and there is a preference for sour milk, as it is easier to save in a nomadic lifestyle.
This has resulted in a new breed of cuisine which blends traditional savoury Kazakh dishes with European fast food, such as betinjantabs, proving very popular with younger generations.
[6] Tusau kesu (Kazakh: тұсау кесу - to cut ties) - a tradition to celebrate the first attempts of a child to walk.
For centuries, Kazakhs lived in harmony with the natural environment, and their clothing was primarily designed to protect them from harsh weather conditions, including the severe cold of winter, the intense heat of summer, and the strong winds of spring and autumn.
[8] Syrt kiim (outerwear) The shapan is a traditional Kazakh garment recognized for its historical significance and cultural value.
This outerwear typically features an inner layer of wool or cotton for insulation, covered by sturdy and decorative fabrics such as broadcloth or velvet, with a lined interior.
The garment’s collar can be designed either as an upright style or folded, while its neckline, front panels, and sleeves are often embellished with intricate Kazakh motifs.
[11] The börik is a traditional headwear with a crown surrounded by fur, worn by both men and women, with similar shapes for both genders.
[12] Ayel adam bas kiim (women’s hats) The saukele is a traditional headpiece worn by a bride during her wedding.
It is made from specially pressed white felt or fabric with wool inserted, and covered with expensive materials such as silk, damask, brocade, velvet, and mohair.
[21] The nomadic lifestyle of the Kazakh people fostered a rich tradition of oral creativity, which became the primary means of creating, preserving, and transmitting literary works.
Kazakh oral poetry has ancient roots, while the development of written literature in its modern form began to take shape in the mid-19th century.
In the 16th century, legendary figures such as Asan Kaigy and improvisational poets (akyns) like Dospambet and Shalkiiz gained prominence for their works.
The akyns of the late 19th century, including Birzhan Kozhagulov, Asset Naimanbayev, Sarah Tastanbekova, and Zhambyl Zhabayuly, utilized aytysh—a traditional form of poetic improvisation—as a platform to voice public opinion and advocate for social justice.
Pioneering educators and intellectuals such as Shoqan Walikhanov, Ybyrai Altynsarin, and Abay Qunanbayuli played a foundational role in shaping this literary evolution.
[23] The early 20th century marked a flourishing period for Kazakh literature, characterized by the adoption of European literary forms and styles.
This era saw the establishment of modern Kazakh literature, the consolidation of the literary language, and the introduction of new genres such as novels and novellas.
[24] During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a group of traditionalist writers, including Nurzhan Naushabayev and Mashhur-Zhusup Kopeev, promoted patriarchal values and actively worked to preserve Kazakh folklore.
The Soviet period is particularly notable for the development of large-scale literary works, including epic novels and historical chronicles.
It provides a dramatic and nuanced depiction of the customs, struggles, and aspirations of both nomadic and settled communities in the Kazakh steppe.
The trilogy consists of three parts: –The Enchanted Sword (15th–16th centuries), which details the establishment of the Kazakh Khanate amidst internal and external conflicts.
Modern Kazakhstani authors who have gained significant readership include Olzhas Suleimenov, Herald Belger, Abdizhamil Nurpeisov, Azilkhan Nurshaikhov, Kadyr Myrzaliev, Tumanbai Moldagaliev, Nurlan Orazalin, Ivan Shchegolikhin, Maurice Semashko, Bakhytzhan Kanapyanov, Dulat Isabekov, and Alibek Askarov.
These writers represent a diverse range of themes and styles, reflecting the dynamic cultural landscape of post-Soviet Kazakhstan and contributing to the development of the nation's literary identity.
This program is conducted by the Union of Artisans of Kazakhstan, "Chevron", the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia, Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Information and the UNESCO Cluster Office in Almaty.
Magic Songs of the Eternal Steppe is a series of concerts at Carnegie Hall[30] and The Kennedy Center in celebration of Kazakhstan Cultural Days in the United States.
The Orchestra has a vast repertoire spanning Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Liszt, Saint-Saens, Bizet, Ravel, Franck, Mahler, Orff, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Mussorgsky, Shostakovich, and many others.
