U.S. Diplomats Immerse in Kazakhstan’s Nomadic Heritage amid C5+1 Preparations

U.S. Special Representative for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau recently visited Kazakhstan as part of their regional tour ahead of the upcoming C5+1 summit. While official statements emphasized talks on regional cooperation and stability, local media drew attention to the delegation’s cultural engagements that highlighted Kazakhstan’s living nomadic traditions.

During their stay in Almaty, the American envoys toured the Shymbulak ski resort and the famed Medeu high-altitude skating rink. Amidst the stunning alpine backdrop, they also took part in traditional archery—an enduring emblem of the Kazakh steppe’s spirit and heritage.

Archery: A Living Legacy

Traditional archery, or sadak atu, is witnessing a powerful revival in Kazakhstan. Historically, both boys and girls mastered the bow—a vital skill for hunting and defense on the vast steppe. The art of archery embodied the nomadic philosophy: precision, instinct, and harmony between human and nature.

Crafted from wood, bone, and sinew, the traditional bow was once a tool of survival and warfare. Modern enthusiasts now carry this legacy forward. Archery clubs are flourishing, competitions are expanding, and sadak atu continues to inspire a new generation of Kazakhs.

The 5th World Nomad Games, held in Astana in 2024, showcased sadak atu alongside other ethnic sports. Petropavl hosted the Kazakhstan Youth Traditional Archery Championship, drawing 400 young competitors in national dress, while Uralsk organized the 4th Republican Traditional Archery Championship with 270 athletes from 18 regions. Coaches predict that both sadak atu and zhamba atu—mounted archery—will continue to grow, offering Kazakhs a vibrant connection to their ancestral past and an impressive spectacle for international audiences.

The Tazy: A National Symbol

The Tazy dog, often called the Kazakh greyhound, holds a revered place in Turkic heritage. Once essential to nomadic hunters, the Tazy’s cultural and historical significance is now enshrined in national policy.

In 2023, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received a Tazy puppy named Nauryz—after the traditional spring festival—and emphasized the importance of promoting and protecting both the Tazy and Tobet breeds. A dedicated law was subsequently adopted to safeguard these canine symbols.

By 2024, President Tokayev had three Tazys of his own and famously gifted two puppies—Jules and Jeanne—to French President Emmanuel Macron, symbolizing a bridge of friendship through shared heritage and respect for tradition.

Participants prepare to compete at the World Nomad Games 2024; image:

Hunting with Birds of Prey: The Wings of Victory

The ancient art of kusbegilik, or hunting with birds of prey, is another cornerstone of Turkic culture. Archaeological discoveries confirm its deep roots, and today it remains a thriving national sport.

Practiced within families and passed through generations, aspiring hunters begin with hawks and falcons before training golden eagles—the most powerful and revered of all. Legends tell of eagle hunters who sustained entire villages during harsh winters.

At the 2024 World Nomad Games, Kazakhstan triumphed in the “Hunting with a Golden Eagle” and “Hunting with a Hawk” categories, while Kyrgyzstan claimed gold in “Hunting with a Falcon.”

Experts note that beyond cultural preservation, the resurgence of these traditional practices fosters sports development, strengthens national pride, and enhances Kazakhstan’s appeal as a destination for cultural tourism.