Scientific Expedition to Omsk to Study the Role of Folk Art in the Formation of National Identity

From March 16 to 23 of this year, a scientific expedition to the city of Omsk was undertaken as part of the program-targeted funding scientific project BR28713029, "Study of the social role of folk art in the formation of modern national identity: transformation and reconstruction of spiritual culture." The research group included Zhanibek Zeinollauly Toleubaev, Zyliha Omirbekkyzy Ibadullaeva, and Danagul Edigekyzy Kopezhanova.

During the trip, in collaboration with the leadership of the regional public organization "Kazakhs of Omsk," the group established scientific cooperation, conducted spiritual and cultural research, and exchanged experiences. Founded in 2008 and officially registered in 2014, this organization is dedicated to preserving the language, culture, and traditions of Kazakhs in the Omsk region of Russia. Its primary goals include advancing education, building cultural ties, promoting the native language and traditions, supporting creative groups, protecting the interests of Kazakhs in the region, preserving national identity, and partnering with the Consulate of Kazakhstan in Omsk and other organizations. According to Kuanysh Eleutaev, one of the organization's leaders, it serves as a vital cultural hub for the Kazakh diaspora in the Omsk region, which numbers around 100,000 people.

The expedition was highly fruitful as it coincided with the fasting month of Ramadan, the Eid al-Fitr holiday, and the spring festival of Nauryz. Gatherings during Iftar, religious ceremonies, and Nauryz celebrations allowed researchers to bring respected elders together in one setting. This greatly facilitated the research process, enabling comprehensive surveys and in-depth interviews. The trip was of immense importance in defining and developing the social role of folk art in shaping national identity.

As part of the project, during the Nauryz celebrations held at the Salauat, Central, and Ykylas mosques, a village cultural center, and the Omsk Philharmonic, performances featuring national instruments, traditional songs, and dances were showcased, reviving ancient Kazakh customs. Nauryz was celebrated at both the city and regional levels. Participants included Omsk-based art groups and students from the local branch of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Highlights included a traditional clothing fashion show by the "Saukele" studio, performances by the "Turan" dance theater, the "Nuray" vocal studio, the "Miras" dombra studio, and the "Arnau" Kazakh dance school, alongside an exhibition of national jewelry and handmade crafts organized by the "Tomiris" nomadic yurt project. These large-scale, high-level festive events were held with the direct participation of our country's consulate in Omsk.

The expedition closely studied the preservation and current state of the customs, traditions, and folk art of the Omsk Kazakhs. Meetings and interviews were conducted not only in the city itself but also in nearby settlements, such as the former Karzhas village, Tavricheskoe, and Koyanbay. Researchers were shown ancient artifacts and heirlooms. A comparative analysis was carried out to assess how well traditional practices have been preserved and how they have evolved. This included unique regional traditions like "Bugybay zhyry" and "Saukele zhyry," as well as ceremonies for marriage (neke qiyu), bride send-offs (qyz uzatu), the cutting of ties (tusau kesu), naming ceremonies (azan shaqyru), matchmaking (qudalyq), and weddings (toy). Ultimately, the scientific expedition proved to be deeply meaningful and significant from both a theoretical and practical standpoint.