Nauryz Celebrated at the University of Poitiers, France

Nauryz is recognized in our national culture as a celebration of abundance and renewal. Nauryz and spring are inseparable concepts. In spring, the legendary Samarkand blue stone melts, streams flow, trees become covered with leaves, nature transforms: animals awaken from hibernation, birds return from the south and fill the air with their songs — it’s one of the most beautiful times of the year.

The key symbols of Nauryz are renewal, revival, letting go of grudges, forgiveness, the spring equinox, the beginning of a new day, and the path toward abundance. Every nation is unique in its language, identity, and culture. To introduce Kazakh culture to foreigners, a cultural event called "Nauryznama" was organized at the initiative of Professor Almas Smayylkyzy Seidikenova, PhD in Philology at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (currently serving as a guest lecturer at the University of Poitiers).

As part of the Erasmus academic mobility program, third-year students from Al-Farabi KazNU, majoring in “Translation in International Relations and Law” (Tursyngazy Aida, Bibizada, Talshyn), introduced Nauryz to students of the University of Poitiers.

Professor A.S. Seidikenova and the Kazakh students wore national attire and traditional jewelry while presenting information about the history of the holiday, customs, traditional dishes, the ingredients of nauryz kozhe, and national games. French students were offered baursak, zhent, kurt, and Kazakhstani chocolate, with explanations provided about each item.

Students from France, Armenia, and Germany listened with great interest, asked questions, and expressed joy at discovering the culture of Central Asia. They also shared their impressions of the food they tasted.

Such educational events not only promote awareness of our national identity, country, culture, customs, and traditions, but also contribute to building a national brand, promoting educational tourism, and attracting international students to study in Kazakhstan.

Professor at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
PhD in Philology
Almas Smailkyzy Seidikenova