The Wonders of Kazakhstan
By: Emily Walshin
Important Holidays!
Kazakhstan's system for celebrating holidays is unique, because all holidays may be divided into national, state and professional ones. National holidays are held in honor of historically significant events for the development of independent Kazakhstan, while state holidays are indicative of socially and politically significant events, these including traditional Kazakh holidays such as New Year, Unity Day, Capital Day, and Constitution Day. Lastly, professional holidays are celebrated by only some categories of citizens, and include alternative holidays such as Police Day on June 23rd and Knowledge Day on September 1st!
Popular Foods
Mutton
Meat is integral to Kazakh cuisine, and if you want a real glimpse into Kazakh life, 10/10 would recommend trying traditional Kazakh cooking based on boiling. Horse and mutton are the most popular forms of meat and are served in boiled, uncut pieces. Dig in!
Horse Meat
Horse meat is considered a main festive meat in Kazakh culture, as Kazakhs cared especially for horses which they intended to slaughter. In doing so, Kazakhs separated horses from other animals and fed them heavily with the intentions of making them fat and more delectable.
Sut
Aside from Kazakhs' love for meat, the traditional boiled milk product sut is very common in Kazakh cuisine, integrated in various recipes found in everyday meals.
Traditions
One may be pleased to learn that in Kazakh society, hospitality plays an integral role in tradition and cultural practices, given that there is an unofficial law voiced in ancient times, voicing, “Meet a guest as the God's messenger”. Considered sacred, hospitality and principles of public relations are interweaved into many holidays and traditional Kazakh practices. However, Kazakh is known for other traditions, such as Konakkade, a tradition associated with guest reception that preaches a host's right to ask a guest to sing a song or play a musical instrument. What fun!