Nauryz Celebrations in Strasbourg

Strasbourg, April 7-8, 2025 – As part of the events dedicated to the celebration of Nauryz, the Kazakh Consulate General, with the support of the Almaty Region Administration and the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, organized a “Kazakh Corner” at the Headquarters of the Council of Europe – one the oldest European organization on the sidelines of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The exhibition showcased the culture, traditions, and tourism potential of Kazakhstan as a diverse and multinational state. The opening ceremony was attended by members of the Kazakh diaspora, students, PACE foreign delegations, diplomatic corps, officials of the Council of Europe Secretariat, as well as representatives of the Grand Est region.

The delegation from Kazakhstan created a unique cultural space through a dedicated Kazakhstan stand that featured photo and video materials, the distribution of books and brochures, souvenir and promotional products, elements of traditional Kazakh clothing, and a tasting of Kazakh delicacies.

In welcoming remarks, Consul General Anel Bakytbekkyzy expressed gratitude to the French organizers and the Kazakh delegation for the excellent opportunity to present the Kazakh culture. She highlighted that the milestone of the “Kazakh Corner” comes from cooperation establishment between the Almaty Region and the European community of Alsace on the eve of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s governmental visit to France in the fall of 2024.

It was emphasized that this joint effort aims to foster mutually beneficial interregional partnerships, strengthening ties between Kazakhstan and Alsace in the spheres of tourism, investment, and cultural diversity. The event also underlined Kazakhstan’s strategic priorities in tourism development, noting that the country is investing in competitive infrastructure and creating favorable conditions for international visitors. Participants were informed about the newly introduced Neo Nomad visa in Kazakhstan, which allows travelers to combine tourism, study, and employment.

Special gratitude was extended to the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, which marks its 30th Anniversary this year, as a unique institution and a vital component of Kazakhstan’s political system, aimed at protecting the interests of all ethnic communities and ensuring the rights and freedoms of citizens.

Deputy Director of the Tourism Information Center under the Tourism Department of Almaty Region, A. Kozhakhmetov, drew the guests’ attention to the region’s cultural diversity, noting that it is home to representatives of more than 130 nationalities.

It was noted that Almaty Region shares picturesque landscapes similar to those of Alsace, with vineyards, nature parks, and historical landmarks including mountains, canyons, lakes, and protected areas. Natural attractions such as the Ile-Alatau, Kolsai, and Charyn national parks are among the jewels of Kazakhstan and a source of great pride for the region.

The performance of the traditional Kazakh kui “Korogli” on the dombra by fellow Kazakhstani E. Duken captivated the audience and sparked interest in Kazakhstan’s national art, culture, and traditions. European attendees, Kazakh diaspora members, and students shared overwhelmingly positive impressions of the event.

Representatives of the Almaty Region Tourism Department also held meetings and negotiations with French partners, facilitated by the Consulate General. During discussions with M. Levy, Director of the Tourism Department of the Alsace European Community and P. Schnitter Head of the Territorial Division current trends in tourism and prospects for cooperation between tour operators and relevant institutions were discussed. Parties made proposals to develop joint tourist routes for travelers and expressed readiness to exchange lists of tour operators and participate in major events organized in their regions.