Kazakh Traditions & Customs

Ancient Nomadic Heritage Alive in Modern Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan's rich cultural traditions are rooted in centuries of nomadic heritage. From celebrating the spring equinox to mastering the art of eagle hunting, Kazakh customs reflect a deep connection to nature, family, and community.

Despite rapid modernization, many ancient traditions remain vibrant in contemporary Kazakhstan, offering visitors a unique window into a culture that has preserved its identity while embracing the future.

Major Festivals & Celebrations

Nauryz (Наурыз)

March 21-23 • Spring Equinox

The most important holiday in Kazakhstan, Nauryz marks the Persian New Year and celebrates spring's renewal. This UNESCO-recognized festival features:

  • Nauryz kozhe: Special dish with seven ingredients symbolizing prosperity
  • Public celebrations: Concerts, yurt installations, traditional games
  • Family gatherings: Visiting relatives, gift-giving, forgiveness
  • Traditional sports: Wrestling (kazaksha kures), horse races
  • Symbolism: Cleaning homes, settling debts, fresh starts

Visit Kazakhstan during Nauryz for the most authentic cultural experience!

Constitution Day

August 30

Celebrates Kazakhstan's constitution and independence. Features patriotic events, concerts, and fireworks in major cities. A day of national pride celebrating modern Kazakhstan.

Independence Day

December 16

Commemorates Kazakhstan's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Major celebrations include military parades, concerts, and cultural events, especially in Almaty and Astana.

Kurban Ait (Eid al-Adha)

Date varies (Islamic calendar)

The most important Islamic festival in Kazakhstan. Families sacrifice livestock and share meat with relatives and the needy. A time for prayer, charity, and family gatherings.

Legendary Kazakh Hospitality

Kazakhs are renowned for their exceptional hospitality, a tradition deeply rooted in nomadic culture where helping travelers was essential for survival on the vast steppes.

The Guest is Sacred

In Kazakh culture, guests are treated with utmost respect and generosity:

  • Konak asy: Special meal prepared for guests, often featuring the best food available
  • Tea ceremony: Guests are immediately offered tea, regardless of the time
  • Best seat: Honored guests sit at the tor (place of honor) farthest from the door
  • Refusing is rude: Accept hospitality graciously, even if just a small portion
  • Mutual respect: Hosts and guests show deep respect for each other

Traditional Greetings

  • "Salem" or "Salam": Hello (universal greeting)
  • "Kalay zhagday?": How are you?
  • Handshakes: Common between men; may be light between men and women
  • Respect for elders: Always greet older people first

Traditional Arts & Crafts

Yurt (Киіз үй)

The iconic portable dwelling of nomadic life. Made of felt-covered wooden framework, yurts represent Kazakh engineering ingenuity. Still used for special events and in rural areas, yurts symbolize mobility, family, and connection to ancestral traditions.

Where to see: Nauryz celebrations, ethnographic villages, rural areas

Felt-Making (Kiyiz)

Traditional craft using sheep wool to create felt for yurt coverings, carpets, and clothing. The process involves beating wet wool until fibers interlock. Intricate patterns and symbols carry cultural meaning.

Jewelry & Metalwork

Kazakh silver jewelry features intricate designs with semi-precious stones. Traditional pieces include headpieces, bracelets, and pendants with symbolic motifs representing protection, prosperity, and beauty.

Embroidery & Textiles

Colorful embroidery adorns traditional clothing, often featuring geometric patterns and animal motifs. Each region has distinctive styles and color combinations passed down through generations.

Music & Performing Arts

Traditional Instruments

Dombra (Домбыра)

The national instrument—a two-stringed lute central to Kazakh music. Master dombra players are revered for preserving oral histories and epic poems through music.

Kobyz (Қобыз)

Ancient two-stringed bowed instrument with a haunting sound. Traditionally used by shamans and storytellers, believed to have spiritual power.

Sybyzgy (Сыбызғы)

End-blown flute made from reed or wood, producing melodic tunes that echo across the steppes. Associated with pastoral life and nature.

Traditional Performance

  • Aitys: Improvised poetry contests where performers exchange witty verses accompanied by dombra
  • Kui: Instrumental compositions telling stories without words
  • Epic poetry: Oral narratives preserving historical and mythological tales
  • Traditional dance: Graceful movements often mimicking animals or nature

Nomadic Sports & Games

Kokpar (Көкпар)

Goat Dragging

Dramatic horseback competition where riders fight for possession of a goat carcass and attempt to place it in the opponent's goal. This intense, ancient sport showcases horsemanship skills essential to nomadic life. Played during major celebrations.

Kazaksha Kures

Kazakh Wrestling

Traditional wrestling where competitors try to throw their opponent to the ground. Requires strength, technique, and strategy. Champions are highly respected in Kazakh society.

Kyz Kuu (Қыз қуу)

Catch the Girl

Playful horseback chase where a young man tries to catch a young woman. If he succeeds, he gets a kiss; if she catches him, she playfully whips him. Symbolizes courtship rituals and equestrian skill.

Baige (Байге)

Horse Racing

Long-distance horse races, sometimes covering 25-100km. Horses are central to Kazakh culture, and racing showcases the bond between rider and horse. Young riders (often children) demonstrate incredible skill.

Eagle Hunting (Burkitshi)

Ancient Tradition

Training golden eagles to hunt foxes and rabbits—a skill passed down for millennia. Burkitshi (eagle hunters) develop deep bonds with their birds. This UNESCO-recognized tradition is still practiced in the Altai region.

Where to see: Eagle hunting festivals near Almaty (fall/winter)

Tenge Ilu

Picking Up Coins

Riders gallop at full speed while trying to pick up coins from the ground—a test of balance, flexibility, and horsemanship that amazes spectators.

Life Ceremonies & Rituals

Birth Traditions

  • Shildekhana: Celebration on the 40th day after birth when baby is first bathed
  • Besik toy: Ceremony placing baby in traditional cradle (besik)
  • Tusau kesu: Cutting ceremonial rope tied to child's legs when they take first steps, symbolizing freedom to walk through life

Weddings (Toy)

Kazakh weddings are elaborate multi-day celebrations combining ancient customs with modern elements:

  • Kyz uzatu: Farewell ceremony for the bride at her family's home
  • Betashar: Veiling ceremony where bride is introduced to groom's family
  • Kelin tusiru: Welcome ceremony for the new daughter-in-law
  • Large celebrations: Hundreds of guests, abundant food, music, and gifts

Respect for Elders

Elderly people hold special status in Kazakh society:

  • Always stand when an elder enters the room
  • Serve elders first at meals
  • Seek advice and blessings from elders
  • Children are taught to respect age and wisdom

Cultural Do's and Don'ts

Do

  • Accept offered tea and food
  • Dress modestly, especially in rural areas
  • Remove shoes when entering homes
  • Show respect for elders
  • Try to learn basic Kazakh/Russian phrases
  • Ask permission before photographing people
  • Give small gifts when visiting homes

Don't

  • Refuse hospitality outright—at least taste a little
  • Point your feet at people when sitting
  • Touch bread with your feet (considered disrespectful)
  • Speak loudly in public spaces
  • Make overly negative comments about the country
  • Be overly affectionate in public

Where to Experience Traditions

  • Ethnographic Villages: Near Almaty and Astana, experience yurt stays and traditional activities
  • Nauryz Celebrations: March 21-23 in all cities—the best time for cultural immersion
  • Museums: Central State Museum (Almaty), National Museum (Astana)
  • Cultural Centers: Regular performances of traditional music and dance
  • Rural Areas: Visit villages to see authentic nomadic lifestyle
  • Eagle Hunting Festivals: Seasonal events near Almaty (October-March)

Experience Living Traditions

From ancient nomadic customs to vibrant modern celebrations, Kazakhstan's traditions offer unforgettable cultural experiences.

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