Reviving Ancestral Traditions: QazaqGeography’s Meeting Dedicated to the Ancient Kumyzmuryndyk Ritual

On the eve of Nauryz, QazaqGeography continues its series of events exploring the historical and cultural heritage of Kazakhstan. The latest meeting in the “Historical and Cultural Heritage of Kazakhstan” series was dedicated to one of the most ancient and significant traditions of the Kazakh nomadic culture – Kumyzmuryndyk.

Kumyzmuryndyk is more than just a celebration of the first kumys of the season. It symbolizes renewal, unity, and respect for the customs passed down from our ancestors. Since ancient times, this ritual has gathered neighbors, families, and travelers around a shared dastarkhan, offering the first refreshing kumys of the season as a sign of gratitude and community bonding.

During the meeting, Bakhtiyar Kozhakhmetov – public figure, traveler, local historian, and active member of QazaqGeography – spoke about the origins of Kumyzmuryndyk, its historical significance for the Kazakh people, and fascinating facts about the traditional preparation of kumys, passed down through generations.

Participants also enjoyed a virtual tour of the historical sites in the Ulytau region, where, since 2012, Kumyzmuryndyk has been celebrated on a grand scale, attracting guests from across Kazakhstan and abroad. Today, Ulytau is considered a center for the revival of Kazakh traditions and the promotion of kumys as part of the country’s gastronomic and cultural heritage.

Special guests and experts added to the unique atmosphere:
Nurgali Tokabayev, head of the renowned “Zholaman” farm, famous for its horse breeding and high-quality kumys. In 2023, kumys from this farm represented Kazakhstan at the international Slow Food festival in Italy.
Yerzhanat Akhmet, an expert in gastronomic tourism and the organizer of Kazakhstan’s first gastronomic festival dedicated to kumys.

This event not only reminded us of the richness of our national heritage but also became a bright occasion that unites traditions, culture, and modernity.