Qazakhs

The Qazakhs, also spelled Kazakhs, are a Turkic ethnic group native to Central Asia, primarily residing in modern-day Kazakhstan. They are a nomadic people with a rich history and distinct cultural traditions. Their origins are traced back to various Turkic tribes and Mongol groups that inhabited the region over centuries. Historically, Qazakh society was organized around tribal structures, with a strong emphasis on horsemanship, herding of livestock such as sheep, goats, and horses, and a deep connection to the vast steppes of their homeland.

The Qazakh language, belonging to the Kipchak branch of the Turkic language family, is spoken by the vast majority of the Qazakh people. Their traditional religion is Islam, primarily Sunni Islam, which has significantly influenced their customs and social practices. However, pre-Islamic animistic and shamanistic beliefs also left their mark on Qazakh culture. Their traditional lifestyle, deeply intertwined with nomadic herding, faced significant disruption during the Soviet era, which promoted sedentary living and collectivized agriculture.

Despite these historical challenges, Qazakh culture has endured. Traditional arts include intricate carpet weaving, felt-making, and a rich oral tradition of epic poetry and songs, often performed with traditional instruments like the dombra. Qazakh cuisine is characterized by its meat-centric dishes, reflecting their pastoral heritage. Today, the Qazakh people form the titular nation of Kazakhstan and are a significant population in neighboring countries like China, Uzbekistan, Russia, and Mongolia.