Journey through the symbols of Kazakh people: from the endless steppe to a warm yurt

In the heart of the Kazakh soul

Our journey begins with the endless expanses of the Kazakh Steppe. Here, in the open space, you can feel the real freedom and power of nature. The steppes of Kazakhstan are not just a geographical space, they are a symbol of independence, strength and greatness of the Kazakh people. Orientalist Shoqan Walikhanov noted that the steppe is the natural home of the Kazakhs, the source of the people's strength.

Kazakh hunter's true friends

Making our way through the steppe expanses, we meet Tazy, the Kazakh hunting dog. This ancient hunting breed is known for its endurance, speed, and loyalty.

Tazys were highly respected, as they played a crucial role in providing for the family. During times of famine, a single Tazy could feed an entire village. They were given a special place in the yurt, provided with the best food, and regarded as the pride of the family.

Suddenly, in the distance, we notice a golden eagle. Someone must be hunting with a golden eagle. It is not just an ancient tradition, it is a symbol of strength, nobility and skill of hunters, and the golden eagle is a sacred bird for Kazakhs, and it must be treated with great respect.

The history of Kazakh hunting with birds of prey dates back to the 13th century. It is very difficult to tame and train a feathered predator, and those who could do it were highly respected by the people. The price of a trained eagle was equal to the cost of 5-6 camels, and a pair of two-humped camels was given for a falcon.

A sudden discovery

Traveling further across the steppe, we accidentally notice a large apple on the ground, apparently accidentally dropped during transportation. Looking closely, we realize that it is an Aport - a famous variety of Kazakh apples. Its impressive size and juicy appearance immediately give it away.

The average weight of aport apples is about 300-400 grams. Some fruits reach up to 700-800 grams. Aport grows best at altitudes from 900 to 1300 meters above sea level. The most famous apple orchards of Aport are in the suburbs of Almaty.

An interesting fact: the first cosmonaut of independent Kazakhstan, the first Kazakh in outer space, Talgat Musabayev, established a tradition of giving aport apples to landed cosmonauts after his first flight into space. He recalls that he was glad to breathe in the air of his native steppe, the smell of Almaty aport.

Symbols of hospitality and traditions

Continuing on our way, we find a Yurt, a traditional dwelling of the Kazakhs, and decide to go inside.

Yurt is a comfortable and practical house that can be easily assembled in one hour and transported during nomadic transitions from pasture to pasture. It is a symbol of the culture of Kazakhstan and other nomadic peoples. Also, the yurt is a model of the idea of ​​the universe for Kazakh people, a symbol of a special worldview, life without corners, life without restrictions, life in harmony with nature.

We are greeted by a hospitable host named Abai, who immediately invites us to come to the table. Hospitality is an integral part of Kazakh culture. According to tradition, any guest is expected to be greeted in a friendly manner, invited into the house, treated without asking about anything. It is customary for Kazakhs not only to feed guests but also to provide them with accommodation for the night.

You, as an honored guest, are offered a place of honor at the table, because a guest in a Kazakh home always gets the best place at the table. This is called Torge shygaru, a tradition in which a guest or an elder person is seated in the place of honor - the farthest place located opposite the entrance.

The yurt is cozy inside, its walls are decorated with carpets with traditional patterns of koshkar muiz, ram's horns, symbolizing vitality, grace, wealth and well-being.

We are treated to a traditional dish – beshbarmak, a symbol of Kazakh cuisine and hospitality. This dish has a special ritual character. No big event or special family event is complete without it. It is made from boiled meat, dough and rich broth.

Over tea, the elder told about various traditions, for example, Zheti ata - an ancient tradition of knowing one's ancestors up to the seventh generation among the Kazakh people, translated as Seven Ancestors. Since ancient times, Kazakhs believed that incest is dangerous, and in order to marry, a couple should not have common ancestors up to the seventh generation. In addition, this is a deep connection with the roots.

Abai said that his grandfather gave him his name, as is often the case according to tradition, so that the baby would grow up to be as noble as the great thinker of the Kazakh people, Abai Kunanbayev.

Night falls quietly. During our conversation we discuss ancient traditions, hunting, the steppe and the wisdom of ancestors. It gets cold outside, the wind howls across the steppe and the stars begin to twinkle in the sky. But it is warm and cozy in the yurt.