People and Culture

Multi-Ethnic Populace

The ethnic breakdown in Southern Kazakhstan is an extremely fertile field for ethnographical research. Representatives of above a hundred of nationalities dwell in this land known for its multi-ethnic, mulri-religious population. In addition to the local natives Kazakhs, for multiple years representatives of Slavic, Finno-Ugric tribes, Tatars, Bashkirs, Koreans, Uigurs, Germans, Kurds, Greeks, and many others live in the region on the principles of friendship, equality and mutual respect. The governmental policy focuses on maintenance and enhancement of friendly international relations, encouragement of development of the diversity of cultures, traditions, and languages of all the ethnic groups populating Southern Kazakhstan.

Currently 19 national cultural centers operate in Southern Kazakhstan. The representatives of ethnic Diasporas take an active part in the social and cultural life of the region.  Ethnic diversity, interosculation of cultures, mutual respect and homage to multiethnic traditions, arts and crafts, mild climate tell upon the traditions and mentality of people. Only here you will be able to appreciate eastern hospitality, national cuisine, openness, and the cordiality of the local dwellers.

Hospitality Traditions

Local people consider having meals to be of special significance. Here you will enjoy unhurried range of nourishing dishes, dairy beverages and tea. A guest in Southern Kazakhstan is a special person, that is to be placed in seat of honor  by the most delicious food on the table. In a Kazakh/Uzbek family you chance to be treated at the low national table – dastarkhan. Kazakhs say that "A host\\'s hospitability is judged by his dastarkhan". Furthermore, Eastern Hospitality includes seeing a guest to the door (or home) or inviting him/her to stay in the house of the host. Read more about the kazakh national traditions here