Nauryz Festival Emphasized, Abai's Legacy Respectfully Honored, Cultural Renewal Advocated by Tokayev
Livelifying Kazakh Culture: A Fusion of Tradition and Technology
STAN Johann — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in his speech during the National Kurultai on March 14 at Burabai, highlighted the cultural importance of the ten-day Nauryz celebration, the promotion of national clothing, and the ongoing development of the Abai Institute.
[Tokayev's Address]
Tokayev emphasized the cultural implications of the expanded Nauryz observance, with each day dedicated to a specific theme. Day of National Clothing has sparked a resurgence in traditional attire, popularized in schools, workplaces, and companies. This surge has led to the launch of sewing workshops and the emergence of new brands and stores, bolstering Kazakh heritage. "Rather than dressing in concealing robes, it is better to flaunt our cultural identity in national-style clothes," Tokayev stressed.
[Abai and National Pride]
In addition, the President commemorated the 180th anniversary of the legendary Kazakh philosopher, Abai, and his institute's ongoing development. Tokayev expressed his hope that the Abai Institute would become an extensive network of cultural and educational institutions, modeled after renowned institutions like the Confucius, Goethe, and Cervantes Institutes.
The President also envisions the Abai Institute's expansion into numerous countries, including China, Turkey, Mongolia, and others, to disseminate Kazakh culture globally. Such centers would be crucial in strengthening national identity and adding Kazakhstan's heritage to UNESCO's international lists.
[Bridging History and Innovation]
In his speech, Tokayev underscored the challenges posed by modern times and the need for Kazakhstan's cultural heritage to evolve with the times. Emphasizing the importance of harmonizing tradition with innovation, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence (AI), he stated that while AI revolutionizes cultures and ideologies, it lacks human insight.
To address this, the government has embarked on digitizing Kazakhstan's vast cultural and historical data, such as archives, research, photographs, music, and artworks. The ultimate goal is to create a national digital archive, accessible to domestic and international AI developers, bridging the gap in AI's understanding of Kazakhstan's identity.
[Kyzylorda and the Future]
The President proposed that the forthcoming National Kurultai meeting take place in Kyzylorda, honoring a significant milestone marking the city's centennial as the former capital, seeking to reinforce its historical significance.
Reflecting on Tolen Abdik's ideas in Egemen Qazaqstan, Tokayev emphasized the importance of humility and equality among nations, stating that no country should consider itself superior. He concluded by advocating a comprehensive, civilizational perspective on history, urging the nation to gather a more interconnected and overarching vision of the past, present, and future to enhance Kazakhstan's development.
Embracing Heritage and Technology in the Digital Landscape
Kazakhstan's initiative to adapt its cultural heritage for the digital age involves advancements in technology, AI, and strategic global promotion through institutions like the Abai Institute and digitization projects. By preserving and showcasing cultural and historical data, integrating AI to facilitate cultural cooperation and dialogue, and forming international partnerships, Kazakhstan is forging a unique identity on the digital world stage while preserving authenticity.
- Tokayev's address underscored the importance of integrating AI with Kazakhstan's cultural heritage to bridge the gap in AI's understanding of the country's identity.
- The government aims to digitize Kazakhstan's vast cultural and historical data, including archives, research, photographs, music, and artworks, creating a national digital archive accessible to both domestic and international AI developers.
- Such digitization initiatives, along with the expansion of the Abai Institute into various countries, aim to strengthen Kazakhstan's national identity and add its heritage to UNESCO's international lists, fostering a unique identity in the digital world.
- The President envisions the Abai Institute's expansion into countries like China, Turkey, Mongolia, and others, promoting Kazakh culture globally in the realms of fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, travel, education-and-self-development, and politics, while also fostering cultural travel and general news about Kazakh culture.
