In July 2025, an event that went down in world history took place in Taldykorgan - more than 5,000 dombra players performed the legendary kui "Balbyraun", setting a new Guinness record. This large-scale flash mob became not just an achievement, but also a powerful symbol of the cultural code of Kazakhstan.

It is gratifying that the dombra has become a living carrier of Kazakh history, philosophy and spirituality. Through kuis (instrumental pieces), not only melodies are transmitted, but also emotions, legends, images of steppes and heroic battles. In every sound we hear the trace of our ancestors and feel the national symbol.

For centuries, the dombra has been a companion of nomads, akyns, bays, warriors and storytellers. It does not need translation - because it speaks the language of the soul. And when thousands of hands touch the strings at the same time, it becomes an act of not just playing, but of national unity.

Historical record in Taldykorgan

The mass performance of the kui "Balbyraun" became the culmination of the republican cultural project, which brought together people of different ages, professions and regions. The event was attended by both schoolchildren and professional musicians, as well as amateurs - from young to old.

The organizers conducted online and offline training in advance so that each participant could prepare. On the day of the performance, more than 5,000 dombra players gathered at one venue and performed the piece synchronously under the direction of the conductor. Representatives of the Guinness Book of Records recorded the result as the most massive performance of kui on the dombra in human history.

This record became not only a PR opportunity, but also an important impetus for popularizing traditional art. It showed that national music is not something old-fashioned, archival, but a living part of the present.

It is worth noting that after the flash mob, young people's interest in learning to play the dombra increased dramatically, and videos from rehearsals and performances became viral on social networks.

"We have a unique opportunity to declare ourselves and Kazakh culture, to strengthen national identity. In the context of globalization, it is important to have sustainable cultural markers, and the dombra is exactly such a symbol," the organizers of the flash mob note.

Thanks to the participation of foreign media and wide resonance, the whole world learned about the Kazakh dombra.

The Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan has already announced plans to hold an annual National Dombra Day in the format of mass performances, master classes, festivals and educational programs. The country is also discussing the introduction of mandatory dombra playing lessons in schools as part of the preservation of intangible cultural heritage.

The entry of Kazakh dombra players into the Guinness Book of Records is not just a number and not only success on the world stage. This is a confirmation that traditions are alive, that young people are ready to accept and develop them, and that the art of dombra is able to unite the nation.