{"id":156258,"date":"2025-03-29T10:54:25","date_gmt":"2025-03-29T09:54:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/efecomunica.efe.com\/?p=156258"},"modified":"2025-03-29T11:14:10","modified_gmt":"2025-03-29T10:14:10","slug":"kazakhstan-revives-and-refreshes-its-traditional-dress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/efecomunica.efe.com\/en\/kazakhstan-revives-and-refreshes-its-traditional-dress\/","title":{"rendered":"Kazakhstan revives traditional dress with a modern twist"},"content":{"rendered":"

Astana, Mar 29 (EFE).\u2014<\/strong> Kazakhs\u2014especially the younger generation\u2014are showing renewed interest in their traditional clothing<\/strong>, which they are adapting to modern times. This growing trend was clearly on display during a dance held in Astana to celebrate Nowruz<\/strong><\/a>, the Persian New Year.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019m wearing a shapan<\/em>, which is a garment for both men and women. It\u2019s very comfortable, very beautiful, and lately, you can see young people returning to traditional clothing,\u201d said Beatriz Mu\u00f1oz Gonz\u00e1lez, cultural affairs officer at the Embassy of Spain in Kazakhstan.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

She was among those who joined in the Nowruz celebration, where elegant tunics, shapans (Kazakhstan\u2019s national coat), and traditional accessories adorned with ethnic motifs<\/strong> were prominently featured. Designers are increasingly weaving these cultural elements into their latest collections.<\/p>\n

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\"Kazakhs,
Kazakhs, especially young people, are showing increasing interest in their traditional clothing, which they are adapting to modern times\u2014a trend clearly visible during the Nowruz celebration, the Persian New Year. EFE\/Kulpash Konyrova<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kazakh Youth Embrace Heritage with Style<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Mu\u00f1oz noted that today\u2019s youth \u201cnot only wear these garments like before, but also in a more contemporary way<\/strong>,\u201d adding that she bought her own shapan<\/em> from a well-known Kazakh fashion designer.<\/p>\n

Aliya Aizakhmetova, a young woman from the capital, echoed that sentiment. She told EFE she enjoys wearing traditional clothing without fear of ridicule<\/strong>, something she said was common three decades ago.<\/p>\n

A Post-Independence Cultural Revival<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In the 30 years since Kazakhstan\u2019s independence from the Soviet Union, interest in national history and culture has surged<\/strong>. Fashion experts attribute this trend to a growing national identity and pride on the global stage.<\/p>\n

Local brands are responding with high-quality traditional garments<\/strong> and accessories. Many young people mix these items with jeans or white shirts, creating a fusion of ethnic and modern styles<\/strong>. Silver ornaments, like bracelets and rings, add cultural flair, while embroidered belts accentuate dresses and jackets.<\/p>\n

\"Kazakhs,
Kazakhs, especially young people, are showing increasing interest in their traditional clothing, which they are adapting to modern times\u2014a trend clearly visible during the Nowruz celebration, the Persian New Year. EFE\/Kulpash Konyrova<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Government Encouragement of National Identity<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev<\/strong> has supported this revival. In a recent speech, he called on citizens to wear traditional clothing more widely<\/strong>, noting its increasing presence in schools, public institutions, and even major companies.<\/p>\n

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\u201cTraditional dress is gradually becoming an everyday phenomenon. It\u2019s a very good trend. It\u2019s better to wear traditional clothing than black garments that cover the face. Our national dress underscores ethnic identity, so it must be promoted,\u201d Tokayev said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

From Fashion Statement to Cultural Movement<\/strong><\/h3>\n

What once may have seemed like a passing fashion trend is now becoming a conscious cultural movement<\/strong>. Kazakh national garments and ornaments are not only preserving heritage but also redefining modern Kazakh identity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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As Kazakhstan strides into the future, its youth are looking to the past\u2014wearing it with pride.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

EFE<\/p>\n