Samruk

Samruk is a term in Kazakh folklore referring to a colossal mythical bird. In traditional stories, the Samruk is a celestial creature tied to creation and the order of the cosmos, and it figures in legends as a powerful guardian of life and fate.

In some versions of Kazakh myth, the bird is associated with the origins of the world and the protection of a sacred egg from which existence unfolds. The Samruk is often depicted as vast and awe-inspiring, symbolizing endurance, transformation, and the connection between sky and earth.

Modern usage: The name Samruk is used by several Kazakh institutions and companies to evoke cultural heritage and national assets. The most prominent example is Samruk-Kazyna JSC, the national welfare fund established by the government in 2008 to manage state-owned assets and oversee a portfolio of strategic companies.

Beyond finance, Samruk appears in literature, film, and public discourse as a symbol of resilience and national identity, illustrating how myth shapes contemporary national branding.