The Resurgence of a Forgotten Holiday: Kazakhstan’s Remarkable Revival
Republic Day: Celebrating the Birth of a New Independent Kazakhstan
Republic Day holds great significance for the multinational people of Kazakhstan. This important holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty in 1990, which marked a pivotal moment in Kazakhstan’s journey towards becoming an independent republic.
Initially, Republic Day was not immediately recognized as a national holiday. It took five years for it to receive official recognition in 1995, and in 2001, it was finally granted the status of a state holiday. However, unexpectedly, in 2009, the president’s decree excluded Republic Day from the list of official holidays in Kazakhstan, leaving many surprised.
Fortunately, last year President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed the revival of Republic Day, and in the same year, the Senate of the Parliament swiftly passed legislation to reinstate its status as a national holiday.
Therefore, after a long pause, Republic Day was celebrated once again last year with wide-ranging festivities. Eyewitnesses describe the celebrations as joyous and beloved by the people of Kazakhstan.
This year, Republic Day was accompanied by numerous events, particularly in the Akmola region where around five thousand activities were held. These events included the inauguration of new facilities, concerts, sports competitions, creative contests, scientific conferences, flash mobs, exhibitions, as well as charity, patriotic, and volunteer actions. Distinguished individuals from various professions were also honored, and keys to apartments were handed over to new residents, creating a truly festive atmosphere.
Not only was Republic Day celebrated within Kazakhstan, but it was also embraced by friendly nations, including Turkmenistan.
A magnificent reception took place at the Yildiz hotel in Ashgabat, bringing together leaders, diplomatic figures, international organizations, and friends of Kazakhstan to honor the Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan, Askar Tazhibayev, emphasized in his speech that Kazakhstan, as a peace-loving and open state, follows a multi-vector and pragmatic foreign policy. This approach fosters friendly, equal, and mutually beneficial relationships with all nations, both bilaterally and within multilateral frameworks. Kazakhstan makes significant contributions to global and regional security, cooperation, and development through its interactions with interstate associations and international organizations.
During the event, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Tangrykuli Atahalliyev, delivered a congratulatory speech, highlighting how Republic Day strengthens statehood and promotes unity and solidarity among Kazakhstan’s diverse population. He also acknowledged Kazakhstan’s remarkable progress in building a modern and forward-looking state that holds a worthy position in the international arena.
The ceremony commenced with the national anthems of both Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, followed by performances by Turkmen musicians and vocalists. Their rendition of an official song in the language of the fraternal people of Kazakhstan symbolized the state sovereignty and national unity of Kazakhstan.
Ambassador Askar Tazhibayev referred to Republic Day as “the day of revival of the centuries-old tradition of Kazakh statehood.” He emphasized the historical significance of this day, which marked the realization of the ancestors’ dream and the crucial first step towards the establishment of an independent republic.
Republic Day, established to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration on State Sovereignty, holds a special place in the hearts of Kazakhstanis. It signifies the birth of a new era and celebrates the resilience and determination of the people on their path towards independence.
