Modern Kazakh culture is mainly characterized as a synthesis of Tengrian nomadic and Islamic and European elements. Nomadic elements are derived from predecessors, such as the Huns, First Turkic Khaganate, Golden Horde and Kazakh Khanate. Nomadism largely shaped its peculiar music, clothing, jewelry and oral literature. Kazakh culture also seems to be strongly influenced by the nomadic Scythians.
Because animal husbandry was central to the Kazakhs' traditional lifestyle, most of their nomadic practices and customs relate in some way to livestock. Traditional curses and blessings invoked disease or fertility among animals, and good manners required that a person ask first about the health of a man's livestock when greeting him and only afterward inquire about the human aspects of his life.
The traditional Kazakh dwelling is the yurt, a tent consisting of a flexible framework of willow wood covered with varying thicknesses of felt. The open top permits smoke from the central hearth to escape; temperature and draft can be controlled by a flap that increases or decreases the size of the opening. A properly constructed yurt can be cooled in summer and warmed in winter, and it can be disassembled or set up in less than an hour. The interior of the yurt has ritual significance; the right side is generally reserved for men and the left for women. Yurts are also frequently used as a decorative motif in restaurants and other public buildings.
Modern influences Today's Kazakhstan is a modern culture, thriving in the post-Soviet era. The traditional Kazakh lifestyle has blended with influences from Western societies, as well as those from Kazakhstan's Russian and Chinese neighbors.
Religion
Islam is the largest religion in Kazakhstan, followed by Russian Orthodox Christianity. Approximately 70% of the population is Muslim. The majority are Sunni of the Hanafi school, including ethnic Kazakhs, who constitute about 60% of the population, as well as by ethnic Uzbeks, Uighurs, and Tatars.Kazakhstan - International Religious Freedom Report 2008 U.S. Department of State. Retrieved on 2009-09-07. Less than 25% of the population is Russian Orthodox, including ethnic Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians. Other religious groups include Judaism, the Baháʼí Faith, Hare Krishnas, Buddhism, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is also currently a revival of the traditional religion of Tengriism, which was the largest indigenous faith on the Kazakh steppe before the introduction of Islam.
Cuisine
Traditional Kazakh cuisine revolves around lamb and horse meat, as well as a variety of dairy milk products. For hundreds of years, Kazakhs were herders who raised fat-tailed sheep, Bactrian camels, and horses, relying on these animals for transportation, clothing, and food. The cooking techniques and major ingredients have been strongly influenced by the nation's nomadic way of life. For example, most cooking techniques are aimed at long-term preservation of food. There is a large practice of salting and drying meat so that it will last, and there is a preference for sour milk, as it is easier to save in a nomadic lifestyle.
In recent years, there has been an influx of young westernised Kazakh chefs into the heart of Astana, including the now famous Rania Ahmed who spent her early years training in West London's Michelin Star restaurants. This has resulted in a new breed of cuisine which blends traditional savoury Kazakh dishes with European fast food, such as betinjantabs, proving very popular with younger generations.
Besbarmak, a dish consisting of boiled horse or lamb meat, is the most popular Kazakh dish. Besbarmak is usually eaten with a boiled pasta sheet, and a meat broth called shorpa, and is traditionally served in Kazakh bowls called kese. Other popular meat dishes are Qazı (which is a horse meat sausage that only the wealthy could afford), shuzhuk (horse meat sausages), kuyrdak (also spelled kuirdak, a dish made from roasted horse, sheep, or cow offal, such as heart, liver, kidneys, and other organs, diced and served with onions and peppers), and various horse delicacies, such as zhal (smoked lard from horse's neck) and zhaya (salted and smoked meat from horse's hip and hind leg). Pilaf (palaw) is the most common Kazakh rice dish, with vegetables (carrots, onions, and/or garlic) and chunks of meat. The national drinks are kumys (fermented mare's milk) and tea.
Traditions Kazakhs are known for their hospitality, and many Kazakh traditions are based on this ethnic feature. Some traditions have been lost, but some have been rediscovered. Below are some of the traditions that continue to play a role in the modern Kazakh society:
Konakasy (Kazakh: қонақасы; "konak" - guest, "as" - food) - a tradition to welcome a guest and make his stay as enjoyable as one can by providing food, lodge, entertainment. Depending on the circumstances under which a guest had come from, he is either called "arnayy konak" (Kazakh: арнайы қонақ) - a specially invited guest, "kudayy konak" (Kazakh: құдайы қонақ) - a casual traveller, or "kydyrma konak" (Kazakh: қыдырма қонақ) - an unexpected visitor.
Korimdik (Kazakh: көрімдік; "koru" - to see) - a tradition of presenting a person with a gift to congratulate him on a gain in his life. The custom is called korimdik, if a gain is related to a person or an animal (e.g. seeing a person's daughter-in-law or a newborn animal for the first time), and baygazy (Kazakh: байғазы), if the gain is material.
Shashu (Kazakh: шашу - to scatter) - a tradition to shower heroes of an occasion with sweets during some festivity. Kazakhs believe that collected delights bring luck.
Bata (Kazakh: бата - blessing) - a form of poetic art, typically given by the most respected or the eldest person to express gratitude for the provided hospitality, give blessing to a person who is about to enter a new phase in life, go through a challenging experience or travel.
Tusau kesu (Kazakh: тұсау кесу - to cut ties) - a tradition to celebrate the first attempts of a child to walk. The legs of a child are tied with a string of white and black colors symbolizing the good and the bad in life. The tie is then cut by a female relative who is energetic and lively in nature, so that the child acquires her qualities. After the string has been cut, it is burnt.
Kyz uzatu (Kazakh: қыз ұзату) - the first wedding party organized by the parents of a bride. The literal translation is "to see off a daughter".
Betashar (Kazakh: беташар; "bet" - face, "ashu" - to open) - the custom (often done at the wedding) to lift a veil from the face of a bride. Today it the mullah who is invited to perform an improvised song, in which he mentions relatives of the groom. During his performance, a bride has to bow every time she hears a name. After the song, the mother of the groom lifts the veil.
Shildehana (Kazakh: шілдехана) - celebration of a birth of a child.
Suinshi (Kazakh: сүйінші) - a tradition to give present to someone who has brought good news.
Kazakh clothing
The origin and development of traditional Kazakh clothing are closely tied to the nomadic lifestyle of the Kazakh people. For centuries, Kazakhs lived in harmony with the natural environment, and their clothing was primarily designed to protect them from harsh weather conditions, including the severe cold of winter, the intense heat of summer, and the strong winds of spring and autumn. Most garments were made from materials derived from livestock, reflecting the distinctive features of a nomadic way of life. Wool and hides from sheep, camel wool, leather, and animal furs served as the primary materials for crafting traditional clothing.
Syrt kiim (outerwear)
The shapan is a traditional Kazakh garment recognized for its historical significance and cultural value. This outerwear typically features an inner layer of wool or cotton for insulation, covered by sturdy and decorative fabrics such as broadcloth or velvet, with a lined interior. The garment’s collar can be designed either as an upright style or folded, while its neckline, front panels, and sleeves are often embellished with intricate Kazakh motifs.
Er adam bas kiim (men’s hats)
The tymaq is a traditional headwear for men, divided into two types: summer and winter. Summer tymaqs are lightweight and are often trimmed with black or red lambskin and fine furs. Winter tymaqs, on the other hand, are made from thick felt and crafted using the pelts of furry animals such as foxes, corsac foxes, or lamb. Depending on the type of fur used, tymaqs are referred to by names like eltiri tymaq (lambskin tymaq), tulki 'tymaq (fox tymaq), pushpaq tymaq (fine fur tymaq), and qarsaq tymaq (corsac fox tymaq).
The taqiya is a small headwear made from fabrics such as satin, broadcloth, or velvet, sewn using various methods like pleating or embroidery.
The börik is a traditional headwear with a crown surrounded by fur, worn by both men and women, with similar shapes for both genders.Ayel adam bas kiim (women’s hats)The saukele is a traditional headpiece worn by a bride during her wedding. It has a distinctive pointed, tall shape that tapers towards the round top. At the top of the saukele, an owl feather is attached, and a veil that partially covers the face is secured. Its outer layer is made of luxurious fabrics and adorned with precious stones such as gold, silver, pearls, and gemstones. The saukele is sewn with colorful, fine threads. The weight of the saukele can sometimes reach up to seven kilograms, symbolizing the bride's social status. The main components of the saukele include the crown, top, earflaps, and rear section. It is made from specially pressed white felt or fabric with wool inserted, and covered with expensive materials such as silk, damask, brocade, velvet, and mohair. The edges are often decorated with sable or marten fur.
The kimeshek is a traditional headpiece worn by married women. It has special cutouts for the face, and the part that covers the shoulder also covers the woman’s chest. There are several types of kimesheks, differing in shape, decoration, and the length of the shoulder covering.
The zhaulyk is a traditional headpiece worn by older women, wrapped around the head. The term "ak zhaulyk" is used to honor revered mothers and grandmothers, while the phrase "zhaulyk salu" refers to this tradition. The zhaulyk is often worn over the kimeshek.Ayak kiim(shoes)Mäsi is a traditional Kazakh footwear, typically made from leather or fabric. It is narrow, slip-on, and usually lacks a shaft, making it easy to wear. Mäsi is commonly worn in the summer due to its lightness and comfort, keeping the feet cool. Mäsi can be decorated with intricate patterns, especially those worn during special holidays and celebrations. It holds an important place in Kazakh culture and continues to retain its significance today.
Baipaq is a traditional warm footwear of the Kazakh people, usually made from leather or wool. The distinctive feature of baipaq is its length and narrowness, which makes it easy and comfortable to wear. Its shaft reaches up to the knee and is intended for cold weather, outdoor wear, or during winter. Baipaq is typically lined with felt or wool to keep it warm and soft. It is popular among herders and rural residents as it protects the feet from the cold. The exterior of baipaq is often decorated with various patterns, giving it an elegant and attractive appearance.
Languages
The official language is Kazakh, a Turkic language closely related to Nogai and Karakalpak. Another widely spoken language is Russian. The recent language policy suggests trilingualism as an important factor for future development of the country.