One of the most beautiful and profound traditions of the Kazakh people, reflecting the essence of the national character, is hospitality. For Kazakhs, hosting a guest is not simply a gesture of politeness, but a sacred duty, the fulfillment of which demonstrates the honor and generosity of the host. Guests always occupied a special place in a Kazakh home – they were greeted with an open heart, seated in a place of honor, and treated to the finest dishes, surrounded by warmth, care, and respect.
The tradition of "qonaqasy" (from the words "qonaq" – guest, "as" – food, treat) is one of the key traditions in Kazakh culture. Guests were considered messengers of goodness, and a generously laid dastarkhan (table) was a symbol of peace and prosperity in the home. The table was always to be filled with the finest dishes, as refusing a treat was considered shameful. In the old days, there was even a penalty for failing to provide hospitality: a host who failed to offer "qonaqasy" (a gift of food) was fined a livestock item—a horse, a camel, or a cow.
Guests were classified into three categories:
"Arnayy qonaq"—a specially invited, honored guest, who was given special attention.
"Qudayy qonaq"—a random traveler, who was to be received with no less cordiality, as they were considered sent by God.
"Qydyrma qonaq"—an unexpected, but still welcome guest, who showed up unannounced.
A special tradition was the "bata beru" (blessing upon the guest's departure). This was given by elders, who uttered beautiful, meaningful words of encouragement and kindness. Respect for elders was expressed in the tradition of "bel köterer"—serving special treats to the oldest guests. This was a sign of gratitude and care, emphasizing the high status of elders in Kazakh society.
"Konaköde" is another warm tradition: the host would ask a guest to sing a song, play the dombra, or tell a story. Thus, the meal became a celebration, uniting everyone around a single dastarkhan (table).
"Erulik" is a ritual in honor of new settlers. New neighbors shared a meal, met the residents of the village, and received help and good wishes.
"Körömdök" ​​is a gift for meeting a daughter-in-law or a newborn for the first time, a sign of respect and recognition of a new stage in the family's life.
"Süyönshö" is a custom of rewarding the first bearer of good news; Joy was shared generously, because, as the saying goes, "joy shared with others becomes greater."
"Shashu" is a bright and cheerful ritual of showering guests with sweets and coins. Children happily collected the treats, believing that candies collected during "shashu" brought happiness and abundance.
Each of these traditions reflects the deep philosophy of the Kazakh people: respect for humanity, love of life, and the belief that kindness shared with others is always returned a hundredfold.