The Days of Culture of the Republic of Kazakhstan have officially opened in Doha, marking a major cultural event that highlights the growing humanitarian and cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Qatar. The large-scale initiative became possible thanks to agreements reached at the highest level during the state visit of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the State of Qatar, DKNews.kz reports.
The Kazakh delegation is led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva. As part of the cultural program, she held a bilateral meeting with Qatar’s Minister of Culture, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani. The talks focused on expanding cooperation in culture and the arts and setting new directions for joint initiatives.
Shared heritage and a forward-looking dialogue
During the meeting, both sides emphasized the deep cultural and spiritual affinities between the two nations and expressed interest in transforming these common values into long-term cooperation.
“Holding the Days of Culture of Kazakhstan in Qatar is a great honor for us. Our peoples are united by shared spiritual values. Both Kazakhstan and Qatar carefully preserve the heritage of a rich nomadic civilization and deeply respect traditions. I am confident that these values will continue to bring our countries closer and open the way for new joint projects,” Aida Balayeva emphasized.
Welcoming the Kazakh delegation, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani highlighted the strong potential for further development of Kazakh-Qatari relations, noting that cultural cooperation can serve as a solid foundation for expanding bilateral ties in other areas as well.
Focus on creative industries
Special attention during the talks was given to cooperation in the creative sector. Aida Balayeva noted the dynamic development of creative industries in Qatar and stressed that Kazakhstan also considers this field a national priority. A Creative Industries Development Fund has been established in Kazakhstan to support this direction.
In this context, the Kazakh side expressed readiness to implement joint projects and expand practical cooperation in the creative economy, seeing it as a promising platform for sustainable cultural exchange.
From books to cultural exchange
The parties also outlined several other promising areas of collaboration, including the publication of joint books, translation of literary works by authors from both countries into Kazakh and Arabic, and exchanges of experience in supporting artists and cultural professionals.
As a concrete step, the sides proposed signing an interdepartmental action plan that would encompass all of the discussed areas of cooperation and provide a clear roadmap for future initiatives.
Music, art and national traditions
Following the meeting, the heads of the delegations attended a festive gala concert by masters of Kazakh art. The program featured works from Kazakhstan’s classical musical heritage, traditional folk kuys and songs, modern compositions in symphonic arrangements, as well as Arabic songs, symbolizing a cultural dialogue through music.
The delegations also visited the Darb Al Saqi cultural and historical center, which hosts the main events of the Days of Culture. The program brings together thematic concerts, exhibitions of decorative and applied arts, and works by designers who reinterpret national motifs in a contemporary style. A special place is occupied by the exhibition of the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Particular attention is given to promoting traditions and national sports, including traditional archery, falconry and hunting with tazy dogs, offering visitors a deeper insight into Kazakhstan’s cultural identity.
Strengthening cultural ties
The four-day program of the Days of Culture of Kazakhstan is aimed at further strengthening Kazakh-Qatari cultural and humanitarian cooperation and promoting Kazakhstan’s national culture on the international stage. In the near future, Kazakhstan is also expected to host the Days of Culture of the State of Qatar in a reciprocal format, continuing this cultural exchange.
