Kazakhstan spotlights Nauryznama and intangible heritage at UNESCO headquarters

Kazakhstan put its living traditions center stage at UNESCO headquarters on 18 March 2026, presenting elements of its intangible cultural heritage as part of the ten-day Nauryznama program.

The event, organized by the Permanent Delegation of Kazakhstan to UNESCO with support from the Abai Cultural Centre under the Embassy of Kazakhstan in France, drew heads of diplomatic missions from UNESCO Member States, Secretariat staff, friends of Kazakhstan, and representatives of the Kazakh diaspora.

Opening the evening, Kazakhstan’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Ambassador Askar Abdrakhmanov, noted that Nauryz is among the world’s oldest holidays, symbolizing nature’s renewal as well as harmony and unity among peoples. He said this year the spirit of spring renewal in Kazakhstan is also associated with comprehensive reforms in the country and the adoption of a new Constitution through a nationwide referendum held on 15 March.

Abdrakhmanov outlined the Nauryznama decade’s key themes—tolerance, friendship, care for others, and respect for nature—and underscored the importance of international cooperation to safeguard intangible heritage.

He recalled that the tradition of celebrating Nauryz was jointly nominated by 13 countries and inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, reflecting shared traditions across a vast region.

Fumiko Ohinata, Secretary of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighted Kazakhstan’s vibrant contribution to cultural diversity and its active engagement with UNESCO mechanisms. Congratulating guests on the upcoming Nauryz, she pointed to the sounds of the dombra, yurt-making skills, traditional games, and other elements of spiritual heritage as vivid symbols of Kazakhstan today.

She reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to continued cooperation with Kazakhstan to promote international recognition and safeguarding of these traditions. Marking National Clothing Day and as a gesture of long-standing friendship with UNESCO, Ambassador Abdrakhmanov presented her with a traditional Kazakh robe, a shapan, to applause.

The program showcased craftsmanship and performance. France-based Kazakh artist Zhanel Zhubanova demonstrated the ancient art of felt-making, presenting the process and her works that reflect a deep connection with the natural environment.

It was noted that the multinational nomination of Traditional Felt Making, jointly submitted by Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan, will be considered for inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List in December 2026.

Musical performances included Kurmangazy’s kuy Adai on the dombra by Niyaz Torebek and the song Qarlygash performed by Gauhar Rustemkyzy. Chingis Kuanbayev introduced guests to the intellectual game Togyzkumalak, previously inscribed on UNESCO’s lists as a shared heritage of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Türkiye.

In honor of National Clothing Day, traditional men’s and women’s costumes were also presented, highlighting the richness of Kazakh attire. Organizers said the Nauryznama events are intended to foreground the values and practices that sustain community life. The upcoming consideration of the felt-making nomination in December 2026 will be a further test of the region’s collaborative approach to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.