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March 22 is Nauryz Meyramy, the holiday of the arrival of spring and the day of the spring equinox. It is an official holiday in Kazakhstan, celebrated with ethnovillages, cultural and sports events, and various fairs.

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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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When Nauryz becomes the mood of the country

On March 22, the main day of Nauryz, the holiday is especially deeply felt. It embodies the joy of spring renewal, respect for the memory of ancestors, and that rare sense of inner reconciliation when tradition ceases to be merely a beautiful ritual and once again becomes a living part of the present day. In Kazakhstan, Nauryz has long been more than just a date on the calendar. It is a time when the awakening of nature coincides with the desire of individuals and society to begin a new cycle, brighter, purer, and more meaningful.That is why, in his celebratory address, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized not so much the formal aspect of Nauryz as its inner meaning. It is symbolic that these words were spoken in Turkestan, which the President called the golden cradle of the people, a sacred place where national identity, culture, traditions, and historical memory are reflected. In this context, Nauryz is not simply a spring holiday, but a day that particularly clearly evokes the connection between the past, present, and future. The main strength of Nauryz is that it combines several meanings. It is a celebration of renewal, a celebration of generosity, and a celebration of harmony. It brings people back to simple yet important things: home, family, respect for elders, gratitude, and the ability to share warmth and kind words. This is why Nauryz is perceived each year not as a repetition of a familiar ritual, but as a new moment of inner re-alignment. It reminds us that spring begins not only outside the window, but also within us.In this sense, the President's words about the philosophy of the holiday itself were particularly apt."Nauryz is a time of spiritual cleansing and renewal. The concept of purity has a comprehensive meaning. Above all, it is about purity of thoughts, consciousness, and intentions. Two years ago, we launched the nationwide campaign "Taza Kazakhstan." This large-scale project received broad public support, especially among young people. "The awareness and purity of our citizens' thoughts are confirmed by their actions. Traits such as neatness, punctuality, and self-discipline are becoming integral qualities of our nation," noted Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.This quote is important precisely because it helps us see Nauryz as more than just a holiday of fun, gatherings, and dastarkhan, but also a day with a deeper meaning. Purity is understood broadly here: as purity of thought, as respect for the surrounding space, as care, responsibility, and inner discipline. And this perfectly aligns with the very nature of Nauryz. After all, spring has always symbolized not only the renewal of the earth, but also the renewal of man. It is no coincidence that in Kazakh tradition, this holiday is associated with reconciliation, good wishes, openness, and a willingness to leave behind old grievances and enter the new year with a pure heart.Therefore, the theme of "Taza Kazakhstan" in the holiday address sounded not like a separate agenda, but rather a natural extension of the Nauryz worldview. The holiday itself already embodies the idea of ​​order, harmony, and respect for the common home. When people gather, set the dastarkhan (tablecloth), greet each other with kind words, help their elders, and rejoice in the arrival of spring, they are truly reproducing a very important cultural model: the world around us begins with a person's relationship with themselves, with others, and with the land on which they live.This meaning is reinforced by other words from the President, closely linked to the philosophy of the main day of Nauryz."Overall, the 'Taza Kazakhstan' initiative is not just another one-off campaign or propaganda; it is the unshakable ideology of our state. Therefore, this noble mission must become a permanent commitment for us, an integral part of our nation's identity. On the holiday of Nauryz, it is especially important to widely explain the essence of the philosophy of Purity. "I believe that at this historic moment, when nature is reviving and the country is renewing itself, every wish takes on special power. Therefore, above all, may peace and prosperity reign in our land," the President emphasized.These words capture the very spirit of Nauryz. This is a holiday that has never been limited to mere superficial joy. Behind it has always been the idea of ​​peace as a fragile balance that must be preserved. Therefore, wishes for well-being, peace, prosperity, and harmony on the main day of Nauryz are perceived not as formulaic, but as an expression of the very essence of the holiday. When nature revives, people also feel especially keenly the value of peace, home, native land, and human connection.Another important feature of Nauryz is that it addresses both memory and the future. It is no coincidence that the festive speech was delivered in Turkestan—a place where history is particularly strongly felt. The image of an ancient city, the legacy of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, and the memory of unity and spiritual continuity give Nauryz added depth. In this context, the spring festival appears not simply as a folk celebration, but as a reminder of the cultural foundation upon which society rests.But despite the depth of historical memory, Nauryz always looks forward. It is a celebration of a new cycle, a new breath, a new movement. Therefore, the themes of youth, creation, labor, and responsibility resonate so naturally within it. The very feeling of spring prompts thoughts of continuation: life is renewed, which means it is important not only to preserve tradition but also to imbue it with contemporary content. Nauryz is alive precisely because it is not frozen in the past. It speaks to each generation in its own language without losing its roots.This, perhaps, is the special power of Nauryz's main day. It combines festivity and depth, family warmth and a shared national feeling, the beauty of ritual and the inner work of the soul. It's a day when the country seems to recall its best state: open, generous, peaceful, collected, and mindful of its roots. And if one were to try to sum up the guiding spirit of March 22, it would probably be this: Nauryz comes not only as a sign of spring, but also as an opportunity to once again feel part of a larger, shared home.

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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CHILDREN'S LITERATURE

The world of Kazakh children's literature reveals a wealth of folk legends and heroic stories to young readers. It contains Kazakh myths, poems about batyrs, and other works that bring ancient legends, the courage of heroes, and the wisdom of ancestors to life. These texts help children experience the beauty of their native culture and connect with the people's spiritual heritage.

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ABOUT 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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