Celebrating Kazakhstan: Unity, Resilience, and Hospitality on Gratitude Day
Gratitude Day in Kazakhstan: A Celebration of Resilience, Unity, and Hospitality
March 1st marks Gratitude Day in Kazakhstan, a day of celebration that goes beyond mere festivities. It is a tribute to the resilience, unity, and enduring spirit of hospitality that defines the nation. Throughout history, people from various corners of the world, some forced by circumstances, others seeking new beginnings, have made Kazakhstan their home. While their individual stories differ, they all share a collective past that has contributed to shaping the country’s diverse identity.
Established in 2016, Gratitude Day commemorates the formation of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK), which promotes interethnic cooperation among the nation’s over 800 ethnocultural associations. The holiday recognizes the kindness shown by the Kazakh people to those who arrived on their land, often in tragic circumstances, yet found refuge and acceptance.
During the 20th century, Kazakhstan became a sanctuary for millions uprooted by Soviet-era deportations. From the 1930s to 1952, millions of people, including Koreans, Germans, Poles, Chechens, Crimean Tatars, and others, were exiled to Kazakhstan, where local Kazakh families welcomed them with open arms, providing food, shelter, and compassion.
One individual with a personal connection to this history is Konstantin Kim, the editor-in-chief of Kazakhstan’s national Korean-language newspaper, Koryo Ilbo. His grandparents were among the forcibly relocated Koreans who found refuge in Kazakhstan. Kim emphasizes the importance of Gratitude Day as a living memory, highlighting the support for interethnic harmony in Kazakhstan.
Gratitude Day also serves as a reminder of the shared past and unity among diverse ethnic groups in Kazakhstan. People like Dmitry Ostankovich, a composer and teacher, reflect on their family histories that trace back to different countries, yet all found hospitality in Kazakhstan. Stories of resilience, like that of Elena Dmitrievna Aksyukevich, who returned to express her gratitude decades after being sheltered in Kazakhstan during World War II, exemplify the lasting bonds between people.
Ruslan Idrisov, a journalist in Kazakhstan, stresses the importance of practicing gratitude beyond symbolic commemorations, urging for daily actions that reflect appreciation and unity. He recalls historical accounts of solidarity between Kazakhs and other ethnic groups to emphasize the enduring bonds formed in Kazakhstan.
Alexandra Myskina, a journalist and APK member, highlights Kazakhstan’s inclusive society that values and preserves cultural identities of various ethnic groups. The country’s unique approach to celebrating holidays that blend traditions from different communities showcases the spirit of inclusivity and unity that defines Kazakhstan.
Gratitude Day in Kazakhstan is more than just a celebration; it is a testament to the nation’s history of resilience, unity, and hospitality that continues to shape its diverse identity. As Kazakhstan honors its past and embraces its shared heritage, the spirit of gratitude and unity remains at the core of its national identity.
