Kazakhstan Adoption
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Culture and Traditions
Kazakhstan stepped into the world arena as an independent republic in 1991. It is a new nation in transit, charging forward to join the ranks of a world en the threshold of the 21st century. Yet at its heart lies a history rooted in antiquity and a culture suffused with tradition. It boasts a nomadic past and warrior legacy stirring up images of Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan.
The ethnic Kazakhs, who now account for a half of Kazakhstan 's population, were primarily pastoral nomads until the middle of the last century. Depending on the climate and nature of the land, they might have easily traveled hundreds of miles, migrating from rich summer pastures to warmer winter quarters, accompanied by their horses, sheep, cattle, goats, and camels.
They lived in yurts - portable, dome-shaped tents of felt made from boiled camel's wool. Even the word "kazakh", meaning "independent," "free," "wanderer," depicted their nomadic existence long before it became an ethnic connotation.
Today the Kazakh is settled in cities and villages. Many live an agricultural life, although few still roam the arid steppe and mountain valleys in search of pasture for their herds. The traditions and folkways of these people have come with them into their contemporary homes, intermingling with the routines of modern life.
Many festivals will feature a traditional horse race. As many as 200 participants, mostly young boys riding bareback, will race their horses around a mile track in the middle of the steppe for about 30 laps. In this case it's not the fastest who wins, but the most enduring. Many will drop out before the end of the race and it's not unlikely that a horse or two drop dead before it's over.
The Kazakh today is no longer a nomad in the literal sense. Yet the traditions that have evolved over centuries, virtues necessary to survival, are not particularly superfluous today. Strong ties to family, respect for elders, competitiveness, and a high regard for courtesy to others are traits which may well ensure the continued survival of a people in a time of reformation of its statehood, economy, and culture.