University Students Engage with Kazakh National Traditions

On 16 March 2026, a curatorial hour dedicated to the Day of “Culture and National Traditions” was held in groups V053-5302-23-01 and V053-5302-23-03. The purpose of the session was to determine how familiar modern youth are with our gradually forgotten traditions and to promote them among young people. The traditions of the Kazakh people have, for centuries, been closely connected with a nomadic way of life, developing in accordance with changes in the natural environment, economy, and social conditions, and acquiring distinctive features at each stage. The ethnic and social composition of the nation, as well as its religion, worldview, and way of life, played a significant role in shaping these traditions. In Kazakh society, every tradition had strong educational value. Each ritual was aimed at the moral and spiritual upbringing of individuals, as well as maintaining social order. Alongside traditions that have been preserved to this day, such as “Tusau kesu” (cutting the tether), “Sundetтеу” (circumcision ceremony), “Bata beru” (blessing), “Kyz uzatu” (seeing off the bride), and “Kelin tusiru” (welcoming the bride), there are also forgotten or rarely practiced customs. These include “Enshi beru” (allocation of inheritance share), “Zhylu zhinau” (collective aid gathering), “Asar” (community assistance), “Kuda tusu” (matchmaking), “Zhienkuyryk,” “Syrgaly,” and others. It was revealed that while some young people are familiar with these traditions, others are not. During the session, an engaging discussion took place in a question-and-answer format. The students actively participated and shared their opinions.