Some believe that ethnic affiliation is more important than citizenship. That a Kazakh from the USA or France is closer than, say, a Russian, Ukrainian, or German who is a citizen of Kazakhstan.
But I think differently. For me, citizenship outweighs nationality.
And for us, as citizens of Kazakhstan, this should matter more than any ethnic differences.
We should feel …
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n one episode of the series Black Mirror, a world is depicted where everyone has gadgets that allow them to rate each other – not on social media, but in real life. Smile at a passerby, yield to someone, help a neighbor – they give you five stars. Be rude, insult, or deceive – they give you one star. …
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In Kazakhstan, as in many predominantly Muslim countries, it is customary to perform circumcision on boys at a young age for religious reasons.
I believe this is wrong, as it essentially constitutes violence against children. At 3–5 years old, a child does not yet understand their religious identity and cannot make an informed choice. They are defenseless against the will …
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Our hospitality is well known far beyond the borders of our country. It originated back in the times when we were nomads and lived separately from other families for long periods throughout the year. In such circumstances, a rare traveler who reached a nomad’s camp seemed like a small miracle. He brought news from nearby areas or even distant lands …
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Among Kazakhs, there is an old tradition: on the day after the wedding, the groom’s family invites their close relatives and seats the newlywed bride at the head of the table, right by the doorway, to serve tea to the guests.
It’s clear that this tradition originally emerged, first of all, to introduce the bride to the groom’s close relatives, …
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In the patriarchal Kazakh society, women have traditionally been the keepers of the home. Everything related to the household was considered their responsibility, which was fair since women didn’t work and spent their entire day managing the home, while men earned money.
However, later on, women began striving for equality and started working outside the home. Despite this, the stereotype …
I am the captain of a football team and sometimes I have to select players to participate in competitions. Since there are always more volunteers than places on the team, unpleasant situations often arise when I have to exclude someone from the main lineup. Recently, one of my friends complained, “Why didn’t you take me to the competition? We’re old …
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Serik is a typical Kazakh. He has a good family and his own business. Almost every weekend, Serik meets relatives and friends at traditional gatherings. He drives up to the restaurant in a luxury SUV, wears huge watches with a tourbillon, and is adorned with gold rings and chains. This is how he demonstrates his high status to others. Serik …
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In every society, whether primitive or modern, Eastern or Western, there are certain norms of behavior. These rules can vary greatly in different societies, but they exist in any culture. And Kazakh “uyat” is a restraining factor against violating established norms of behavior in our society. For example, walking naked or relieving oneself on the street violates Kazakhstani norms of …
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During these days, the whole world commemorates the victory of the international coalition over Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. This day symbolizes the victory over the ideology of national superiority and political despotism. Therefore, yes, this is a holiday. And I believe that on this day, we should rejoice in the victory over evil. I congratulate war veterans on Victory …
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