Living in Moscow, she talks about Kazakh culture every day, destroys stereotypes and rediscovers the meaning of the customs and traditions of her people for thousands of subscribers. In the interview, ethno blogger Liya Bergen shares her personal story of searching for identity, explains why young people need to know how to wear national clothes and jewelry correctly and how Instagram can restore respect for their roots.

You position yourself as an ethno blogger - what does this term mean to you personally? What ethnic roots do you consider to be the main ones in your history?
- For me, an ethno blogger is not just a person who broadcasts Kazakh customs and traditions to the audience, it is important for me to be able to preserve history and culture in modern realities. I have always felt that closeness to my roots, origins and Motherland has always been in me. Living in Moscow, I understand that I carry a part of Kazakhstan within me, I wear national clothes on the metro, I tell young people about our customs. I think this is more than just the work of a blogger. Here my soul is sick. How did you come to the decision to combine ethnic themes with blogging? What inspired you to share traditions publicly?
- It all happened very naturally. Having moved to Moscow, I wanted to keep my blog and at the same time stay in touch with my homeland. I began to notice the interest of foreigners in our culture, traditions, and ability to be friendly and united. This inspired me to share national content with my audience.
In one of your posts, you write: “I am a Kazakh woman who moved to Moscow, but with her soul she clings tightly to her native steppes and traditions.” How did this combination of life happen - adapting to a new environment and preserving cultural affiliation?
- Of course, when I moved to Moscow, everything seemed new. But adapting to a new place does not mean that you need to abandon yourself and your roots. Kazakh culture for me is like an internal compass that helps me not to lose myself in any country.
Do you have plans to share your culture through other formats - books, documentaries, offline events?
- Right now I am focused on the blog, but if I see interest from my subscribers, I will certainly devote myself entirely to the new project.
Would you like to influence cultural policy, the popularization of traditions officially or through civil projects?
- I do not set such a goal, but if my blog becomes part of something bigger, inspires and guides the younger generation, and I notice that my voice influences the civil community, then, of course, I will be happy to lead civil projects that reveal the culture and history of the nation.
You are preparing for a wedding, tell us how you plan to maintain traditions in an international marriage, how did the family perceive your decision?
- For me, observing all traditions is important, plus we have a lot in common in observing customs with the Tatars and Kazakhs, both families perceived our decision with warmth and respect.
What are the three most important insights you have gained about yourself through ethnoblogging?
- My identity, my strength. Traditions are my support and my voice, the more I immerse myself in the culture of my people, the more I understand myself. My love for culture is not just a trend, I am glad that it is gaining more and more meaning.
Who is your audience?
- The main part - 70% are Kazakhstanis, and I am proud of it. There is also an audience from Central Asia. But I strive for as many foreigners as possible to learn about my blog and become imbued with the national culture. Perhaps, in the future, I will blog in English to attract an international audience to my blog.
What is the goal and mission of your blog?
- I want to show that being a Kazakh today is important, interesting and beautiful. I want girls of my generation not to be shy, but, on the contrary, to study and talk about their roots through language, culture, humor and style. My blog is about how to maintain identity without losing lightness and relevance.