ASTANA/TOKYO, Oct 21 (IPS) – Kazakhstan has recently been actively displaying its culture and traditions. 5th World Nomad Games Astana celebrates the enduring spirit of its nomadic heritage against a backdrop of modernity and globalization. This biennial event, which drew competitors and spectators from around the world, served not only as a showcase for traditional sports, but also as a poignant reminder of the resilience of a culture that had been driven to the brink of extinction under Soviet rule.
Held from September 8 to 13, the event featured a variety of activities reminiscent of the nomadic lifestyle of the nomads who roamed the vast steppes of Central Asia. From horse wrestling to archery, each event reflected the skills of our ancestors honed over centuries. But for many participants and visitors, the significance of these games went beyond mere athletic ability. They embodied the restoration of long-suppressed identities.
During Joseph Stalin’s collectivization policies of the 1930s, the nomadic way of life was effectively dismantled. Entire communities were uprooted as the Soviet regime sought to impose an agricultural model on residents who had previously thrived on ranching. These brutal changes disrupted traditional customs and caused enormous human casualties. The scars of this cultural genocide were deep, and for decades the vibrant tapestry of nomadic culture was all but silenced.
But the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 was a turning point for Kazakhstan and other newly independent states. Since independence, there have been concerted efforts to revive and celebrate nomadic traditions and to turn historical disasters into positive developments. For Kazakhstan, this revival has become a central pillar of the country’s identity and a way to reconnect with its rich pre-colonial history.
World Nomad Games symbolizes this cultural renaissance. Launched in 2014, the games have attracted participants from more than 80 countries and fostered camaraderie among people who share a nomadic heritage. “This is not just a competition, it’s a celebration of our roots,” said Madiyar Aiyp, a Kazakh IT entrepreneur and former industry official. “We are showing the world who we are.”
Kazakhstan’s ability to turn historical challenges into opportunities is evident not only in the revival of its nomadic culture, but also in its multi-vector diplomacy. The country has hosted important events such as: Meeting of world and traditional religious leadersIt emphasizes its commitment to promoting dialogue and tolerance among its 130 ethnic groups. Although this diversity is rooted in the legacy of racial and political persecution under Stalin, newly independent Kazakhstan guarantees equality to all citizens regardless of background.
Kazakhstan’s leadership extends beyond cultural diplomacy. We have also made progress in global disarmament. The Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, once home to 456 nuclear tests between 1949 and 1989, was closed by independent Kazakhstan, which has eliminated its entire nuclear arsenal. This bold move transformed the United States from the fourth-largest nuclear power to a staunch advocate for a nuclear-free world. The UN recognizes the closure of Semipalatinsk as a pivotal moment in the war against nuclear testing.
As the game concluded, the atmosphere was filled with celebration and pride, a testament to a culture that refuses to die. The resilient and adaptable nomadic spirit is being woven back into the fabric of Kazakh identity. As the competitors took their final bows in Astana, it was clear that past and present were intertwined to create a future that respected both tradition and innovation.
Kazakhstan is a model for transforming historical disaster into a platform for positive change and championing peace and cooperation on the world stage. The World Nomad Games not only serve as a vivid reminder of the importance of cultural roots, but also serve as confirmation that multi-ethnic and multi-religious societies can thrive through dialogue and understanding. Embracing its past, Kazakhstan is redefining its place in the world and proving that its nomadic lifestyle is not a relic of the past, but a living, breathing part of its national identity and aspirations for the future.
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© Interpress Service (2024) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: Interpress Service
