WELCOME TO KAZAKHSTAN

An unforgettable adventure awaits you

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On March 24, Zhandarbek Malibekov (1942), an artist and architect, the author of the State Emblem of Kazakhstan, was born.

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Culture of the Great Steppe

Kazakhstan is located in the heart of Eurasia - at the intersection of key transportation routes. For millennia, the country's territory has served as a connecting bridge between the East and the West. Its strategic position has facilitated not only the active growth of trade but also the exchange of cultural and scientific achievements. The Great Silk Road passed through the lands of modern Kazakhstan. Caravans transported furs, gold, spices, and silk. Since ancient times, the vast steppes have united peoples and preserved many valuable artifacts. The word of Turkic origin 'Kazakh' means 'Free man,' and Kazakhstan is a country historically inhabited by freedom-loving nomads. At various stages of history, unique civilizations arose and developed here, and their heir is the modern state with a rich past and a multicultural heritage

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Treating by Hierarchy: How Nomadic Traditions Influence Modern Ethnoculture

For nomadic peoples, food has always been more than just a meal.It reflected social status, age, family roles, and respect for the guest. In nomadic society, each dish and its parts had symbolism, and the order in which food was served was subject to strict rules. Today, when ethnic culture is once again experiencing a revival, researchers and practitioners find in these culinary traditions the key to understanding the social structure and cultural identity of the Kazakhs.Hierarchy at the dastarkhanIn traditional Kazakh society, the main places at the dastarkhan were occupied by aksakals - clan elders or respected guests. They were served the most honorable parts of the meat.The ram's head was given to the most honored guest or aksakal. He not only divided it, but also symbolically distributed the pieces among the others, showing respect and wisdom.Thigh (zhambas) - was intended for older men, a symbol of strength and authority.The brisket and ribs were often given to young men and warriors as a sign of courage.The tongue was given to eloquent speakers, akyns.The liver and heart are a symbol of vital energy, often given to children and young men to strengthen their health.Thus, food became not just a means of saturation, but a tool for strengthening the social structure.The hierarchy at the table reflected the deep values ​​of nomadic culture:respect for elders,honoring the guest,educating the younger generation through the symbolism of food,awareness of the relationship between man and nature.It is important to note that in the Kazakh tradition, the guest was always above the family hierarchy. Even if a stranger came, he was given a place of honor and the best parts. This showed the openness and generosity of the steppe people.And what about the modern world?Today, these practices are once again becoming relevant - albeit in a modified form. At ethno festivals and tois, the revival of the ritual of serving a ram's head and the symbolic distribution of meat parts is used as a form of cultural demonstration.In restaurant ethno cuisine, chefs serve dishes based on old traditions, creating a gastronomic experience with historical overtones.For young people, this becomes a way to touch the roots - to understand that behind simple actions there was a philosophy of respect and hierarchy."The revival of these traditions is not about archaism, but about finding support in the past. In the context of globalization, when national identity is eroding, symbolic rituals around food are becoming an instrument of cultural self-presentation," experts say.The hierarchy of food serving among nomads was not accidental. It was a way to consolidate social roles, express respect and educate youth. Today, by returning these traditions through ethno projects, festivals and gastronomic practices, Kazakhstan is rediscovering a rich cultural layer for itself and the world.Food becomes a language that tells about the past and shapes the national identity of the future.Ethnorestaurants todayToday in Kazakhstan you can see how ancient rituals of serving food are given a new life in restaurants, ethnoparks and festivals.Ethnoaul "Kazakh Ethnopark" (Astana) - during the Nauryz holidays and international cultural festivals, a ceremony of cutting up a ram's head is held here. The guest is trusted with the right to distribute the honorary pieces, explaining the symbolism of each part. This becomes a bright ethnopresentation for foreigners.Restaurant "Altyn Orda" (Almaty) - the menu includes dishes with elements of traditional distribution. For example, serving lamb is accompanied by a story from the waiter about who in ancient times was intended for different parts of the carcass. Thus, dinner turns into an ethnocultural lesson.Nomadic Culture Festival in Turkestan — during cultural programs, reconstructions of a traditional dastarkhan are held, where you can not only try baursaks, kumys or beshbarmak, but also see how meat was distributed among elders, youth and children according to hierarchy.Ethnotourism for foreigners — many tour operators include “dinner with nomads” in their routes, where the guest is entrusted with the honorable role of host. For tourists, this becomes not just a meal, but a “living history” in which they themselves participate.Thus, rituals that seemed forgotten are returning to gastronomic tourism, the restaurant business and ethno projects. This helps Kazakhstan form a unique cultural brand, where food is the history of the people.

Regions and places to visit

Discover the best places to visit in Kazakhstan. Explore the regions and find out what makes them unique.

Akmola region

Akmola region is one of the largest and most developed regions of Kazakhstan and ranks ninth in size. It borders with Kostanai region in the West, North Kazakhstan region in the North, Pavlodar region in the East and Karagandy region in the South.

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Heritage

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CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

This section contains unique customs and traditions of the Kazakh people - rituals, holidays, folk crafts and family values passed down from generation to generation.

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ABOUT KAZAKHSTAN

In this section, the users will find information about the development and prospects of Kazakhstan

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HISTORY

In this section, there is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Kazakhstan

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UNESCO HERITAGE

The UNESCO World Heritage List includes both natural and cultural monuments of Kazakhstan. These include the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, the petroglyphs of Tamgaly, Saryarka - Steppes and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan, the Turan Deserts, the Western Tien Shan, as well as a complex of sites of the Great Silk Road in the Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor.

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MUSEUMS AND RESERVES

Museums and reserves are important institutions that preserve cultural, historical and natural heritage. Museums collect and display works of art and historical artefacts, while reserves protect natural resources and ecosystems, ensuring their safety for future generations.

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GOLDEN FUND

In this section, the users can get acquainted with the Kazakh talents who have gained worldwide fame

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CINEMA

Pearls of national cinema: retrospectives and long-awaited premieres

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ARCHIVES

This section provides access to a rich historical collection of documents and archival materials of Kazakhstan

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Become a batyr

Upload your photo and try on the look of a Kazakh batyr or a Turkic amazon with the help of artificial intelligence

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