Kazakhstan Marks Harmony in Variety: A Showcase of Unity in the Land's Multicultural Mixture
Celebrating the Tapestry of Cultures in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, a nation brimming with a rich multicultural identity, commemorates the Day of Unity of the People on May 1, a testament to the country's harmonious blend of over 150 ethnic groups. This state holiday, officially recognized since 1996, upholds the values of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and the power of cultural diversity.
Photographed by e-history.kz
The story behind this day runs deep, encompassing the experiences of those who found a new home in Kazakhstan during the Soviet Union's campaign to develop virgin lands in the 1950s, as well as those forcibly deported during the years of Stalinist repression.
In the present day, young Kazakhs honor these tales, often passed down from grandparents who built new lives on the Kazakh steppe.
A Melting Pot of Cultures
Yerkezhan Sharipova, a resident of Astana, shared her family's story with The Astana Times. Her maternal grandmother was Kazakh, and her grandfather - Belarusian.
Sharipova's grandparents took part in an art performance in the village.Photo credit: Sharipova's personal archieve
"My grandfather came to Kazakhstan during the so-called Virgin Lands campaign in 1951 and met my grandmother in one of the villages. She came from a traditional family and was hesitant initially. But my grandfather was persistent - he learned Kazakh, and asked for her hand in marriage in her native language," said Sharipova.
Despite the challenging living conditions that drove many settlers away, her grandfather persevered. He found not only love but a sense of belonging in her grandmother's large family.
Vlad Rekk enrolled in German language courses to better connect with his roots. Photo credit: Rekk's personal archieve
"They welcomed him as one of their own. He embraced Kazakh traditions and passed them down to his children and grandchildren," she said.
For those whose families were uprooted by repression, Kazakhstan redefined their lives. Sharipova sees the country's ethnic diversity as a strength and the holiday as a symbol of unity, representing a nation where everyone aspires to live in peace and harmony.
For Vlad Rekk, an ethnic German, the Day of Unity carries both historical weight and personal meaning. His great-grandmother Katya was among those exiled to Kazakhstan during the repressions. A local Kazakh family took her in, offering safety in a time of hardship.
"She helped with housework, and eventually, my great-grandfather, Zeinula, fell in love with her. They married, and from their story came a family that blends two distinct worlds," said Rekk.
Rekk is also of German origin on his father's side. As a child, he remembered seeing old photographs and letters in German carefully preserved at home.
"My parents always told me to remember our family's history. I wanted to learn more about my roots, so I started taking German language courses. It helped me feel more connected to my family's story and realize that culture is not something abstract - it's deeply personal. For me, German and Kazakh are part of my family memory," he said.
"I often think about how both cultures live in me. From my German roots, I probably inherited a love of order and structure. From my Kazakh side, I learned openness, respect for elders, and the importance of family. I'm proud to be part of both," he added.
- Young Kazakhs, like Yerkezhan Sharipova, honor the tales of their grandparents who built new lives in Kazakhstan during times of repressions and virgin lands campaign.
- Sharipova's grandfather, a Belarusian migrant, learned Kazakh and married into a traditional Kazakh family, finding a sense of belonging.
- Despite challenging living conditions, Sharipova's grandfather persevered and embraced Kazakh traditions.
- For Vlad Rekk, an ethnic German, the Day of Unity symbolizes his great-grandmother Katya's exile and the local Kazakh family who offered her safety during repressions.
- Rekk's great-grandparents married and their blended family represents a merging of two distinct worlds.
- Rekk, who is also of German origin on his father's side, feels a deep personal connection to his roots and takes German language courses to understand and preserve his family's history.
- Rekk sees personal growth in reconciling and appreciating the cultural influences from both his German and Kazakh heritage.
- In Astana, the melding of different lifestyles, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, relationships, pets, and even hobbies like sports and travel, reflects the nation's vibrant cultural tapestry.
- Education-and-self-development are invaluable tools that help individuals connect with their roots, cultivate personal growth, and contribute to the richness of Kazakhstan's diverse society.
