Research within the Framework of Nauryznama

From March 15 to 22 of the current year, Gulzhakhan Zarubayevna Tazhitova, PhD, Acting Associate Professor of the Department of Foreign Languages and a member of the program-targeted funded research project BR28713029, titled “The Study of the Social Role of Folk Art in the Formation of Modern National Identity: Transformation and Reconstruction of Spiritual Culture,” visited the city of Taraz as part of the project to collect research data.        

During the business trip, meetings were held with the staff of the Directorate for the Protection and Restoration of Historical and Cultural Monuments in the city of Taraz. As part of these meetings, she familiarized herself with the organization’s activities related to the preservation and restoration of historical and cultural heritage and also conducted interviews.

In addition, she visited the Sherkhan Murtaza Center for Spirituality and Local Studies and introduced with the activities of the center. The center serves as an important platform in the Zhambyl region, aimed at promoting regional spirituality, history, and traditions, as well as supporting local writers and poets.  

The director of the center, Zhasulan Abdimanap Lesbekuly, provided a detailed overview of the institution’s activities, including events aimed at promoting national traditions. In particular, he highlighted the work carried out with asaba (masters of ceremonies), imams, and the general public involved in organizing traditional celebrations.

As part of the Nauryz celebration, she attended the ritual of “Meeting of the Matchmakers” («Құдалар қарсы алу») held at the center, as well as a schoolchildren’s event called the “Blessings Competition” («Баталар сайысы»), where she served as a member of the jury. In addition, interviews were conducted with the center’s staff based on a questionnaire.

A visit was also made to the Active Longevity Center located in the city, where she familiarized herself with its activities. During the visit, she participated in events organized by elderly people in accordance with national traditions. In addition, interviews based on a questionnaire were conducted with ten elderly women engaged in handicrafts..

During the business trip, she also visited the socio-cultural complex “Anaga Tagzym”, where she became acquainted with the center’s activities. This complex serves as an institution dedicated to promoting national values and family education. Its facilities include an exhibition hall, rooms for educational and instructional activities, a handicraft workshop, a reading corner, consultation offices, and halls for various cultural and educational events. All of these spaces are intended to promote national values, support family traditions, and reinforce the role of mothers in society.

During the business trip, she participated in the Nauryz celebration held at the Assem Vocational Education College.

As part of the festive program, traditional rituals were showcased, including “syrga salu” (placing earrings on the bride), “kelin tusiru” (welcoming the bride into the household), and “tusau kesu” (the ceremony of cutting a child’s tied feet). National games were also demonstrated, such as “arkhan tartu” (tug-of-war), “gir koteru” (weightlifting), and arm wrestling.  In addition, interviews based on questionnaires were conducted with the college’s teaching staff.

The results of the conducted research have been systematized and will be used in scientific analysis, as well as in the preparation of research materials within the framework of the project.