More than History: Kazakhstan Celebrates Republic Day

Kazakhstan celebrates Republic Day on October 25. Orda.kz has talked to various people about their thoughts on the holiday.

Return of The Holiday

Republic Day was first declared a national holiday in October 1995, when former President Nursultan Nazarbayev signed a decree.

On October 25, 1990, the Supreme Council of the Kazakh SSR adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty. The document proclaimed Kazakhstan's sovereignty, unitarity, and indivisibility of territory, protected the Kazakh people's culture and language, and strengthened national identity.

In 2001, Republic Day lost its status as a national holiday and became a state holiday. In 2009, its celebration was canceled.

On July 16, 2022, President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev proposed returning Republic Day to national status, emphasizing its symbolism and importance for the development of statehood. In September, the parliament approved amendments that re-established October 25 as a national holiday and Independence Day on December 16 as a state holiday.

MPs Opinions?

According to Majilis member Irina Smirnova, the revival of Republic Day is an important event:

Today is a national holiday, and I congratulate everyone. We have our own established homeland, with its own flag, coat of arms and laws. We can change laws in accordance with the wishes of citizens, we can be friends and demonstrate our independence. Many countries and peoples still cannot gain independence and tirelessly fight for their dream. We already have this sovereignty,said Irina Smirnova. 

Senate Chair Maulen Ashimbayev asserts that the holiday's revival has historical significance for future generations. Republic Day has become a symbol of the revival of our centuries-old statehood for which Kazakhstan's people have overcome many struggles. 

Today, at the initiative of the country's president, comprehensive reforms are being implemented in various areas. In recent years, serious steps have been taken to build a fair Kazakhstan, improve the well-being of citizens, economic growth and regional development, said Maulen Ashimbayev.

Majilis deputy Magerram Magerramov believes that October 25 is no longer just a date on the calendar. From now on, this day reminds us of the history, traditions, and culture that define our identity.

Our country is home to many nations and ethnic groups, each contributing to economic and social development. This holiday has become an opportunity for us to strengthen our sense of civic duty and responsibility, and also to stop for a moment and think about the values ​​we share. Therefore, on this day we remember the achievements of our state, those who contributed to its development, Magerram Magerramov stated.

What Do Kazakhstanis Think?

According to our interlocutor Berik, essential words about love for the country should be remembered not only on such holidays.

Love for Kazakhstan should not awaken only on such dates of the calendar. Every day you need to invest your energy in self-development and the development of the country. Then there will be order. I have not watched or listened to speeches of officials, messages of all kinds for a long time. I live by the call of my heart and I advise everyone to do the same. Trust only yourself and build your life yourself, do not expect anything from anyone, said Berik.

Shymkent resident Lyudmila wished Kazakhstanis to be kinder and more generous:

I came to the capital for the weekend to visit my daughter. Well, what can I say: let's strive for the best. We are in a mess right now, some kind of abode of evil. We need to treat each other with understanding and respect. You must not hurt little ones, beat them, or take their lives. You must not raise your hand against women. On the 25th, another holiday appeared, another reason to see family and friends. I think it was a good idea, said Lyudmila.

 Original Author: Olga Ibraeva