The Day of National Unity marked each year on the 1st of May, has always been about celebrating our differences and building bridges of respect and understanding across cultures. Honoring this special day QazMonitor asked four people from culturally diverse backgrounds what it is like to live in Kazakhstan.
Ramon Pedrosa Lopez, Spain - expert in the fields of investor relations and, stock market, financial and corporate communications
I arrived in Kazakhstan for the first time about five years ago, when I met my now wife, who is an Almaty girl. Since then, pandemic and all, I managed to come a few times and moved more or less permanently a couple of years ago. Every day I am more and more in love with the country, and more and more fascinated with the opportunities it brings.
Kazakhstan, for Europeans, is a place of discovery. Kazakhstan is a place that accepts you instantly. Since the second I set foot here it’s become my home.
What is the most fascinating aspect of life in Kazakhstan?
I’ve said it many times. Kazakhstan is the best kept secret in Asia (and I’ve been in Asia since 2001). It’s the next Dubai, combined with thousands of years of history, an incredible melting pot of cultures and yeah, sorry for the common place, the most ridiculously tasty food in the planet. The most fascinating thing of living in Kazakhstan is that, for a European like me, no rules apply. All is different, all is growing, all is an opportunity.
If you want to visit Kazakhstan, get ready to be hooked up for good. A part of your heart will always stay here”.
Isaac Mutambala, Congo - student, travel, and education blogger
I have been living in Kazakhstan for almost 2 years now. As an African, living in Kazakhstan is a captivating adventure. As there are few African people in here, people are interested to see you. This visibility often leads to being noticed and approached, as people are fascinated by my presence. Anyway, I find the opportunity to share my culture and learn about Kazakh culture.
What is the most fascinating aspect of life in Kazakhstan?
The Kazakhstani culture. I have been always impressed by the way Kazakhs respect family institutions, and let's say it, I am shocked to see Kazakhs being shocked when I say I’m 28 and I am not married.
If you want to visit Kazakhstan, prepare a few slots in your calendar, because you may be surprised by the warm hospitality and invitations.
Danielle Reis, Brazil - Pedagogical Neuropsychologist, Art Educator
I have been living in Kazakhstan for 7 years. To live in Kazakhstan is to experiment future and past in the same day. The culture is so inviting and there is music everywhere!
The most fascinating for me is how the 4 seasons affects people's mood. You leave 4 different lives in 1 year.
If you want to visit Kazakhstan, you must hike in Almaty, eat in Shymkent and walk around Astana.
Mohamed Ibrahim, Somalia- computer science engineer
I have been living in Kazakhstan for almost 8 years. In Kazakhstan, there is never a shortage of things to do and see. The Zailisky Alatau mountain range, which is close to Almaty, provides access to outdoor ice skating at Medeu stadium as well as winter activities like skiing and snowboarding at the resort of Shymbulak. The summertime is a fantastic time to hike and climb these mountains.
For me, the most fascinating aspect is that Kazakhstan is a multicultural nation with a deep cultural history.
Many different ethnic groups, each with their own distinctive traditions and customs, have called its wide territory home. These many civilizations have converged over time to form the distinctive Kazakh culture that is valued and appreciated by its citizens.
Despite the mingling of civilizations, Kazakhstanis have made a great effort to maintain their distinctive cultural traditions. These customs are widely followed throughout the nation and are passed down from generation to generation.