Kazakhstan celebrates national holiday – Republic Day
Astana, The Gulf Observer: Today, October 25, Kazakhstan celebrate one of the most important dates in the history of the country. Namely on this day in 1990, the Declaration on State Sovereignty of the Kazakh SSR was adopted, which became the country’s first step towards its Independence, according to media reports.
The Declaration proclaimed the sovereignty of the Kazakh SSR and declared the political and legal foundation of Kazakhstan as an independent state. For the first time, it enshrined such principles of statehood as integrity, indivisibility and inviolability of territory, strengthening of national identity, development of the culture of peoples and their languages.
The document consisted of 17 paragraphs and almost all of them underlaw the current Constitution of Kazakhstan. The document also proclaimed the principle of independent resolving political, economic and social issues. The Kazakh SSR gained the right to establish its own internal forces, state security and law enforcement agencies, with the President recognized as the leader of the country, head of the administrative-executive supreme power.
Republic Day was included in the list of state holidays in 2001. However, in 2009, by the decree of the first President of the country, it was excluded from the list of state holidays.
In 2022, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed to revive the celebration of the Republic Day at the first meeting of the National Kurultay.
In September 2022, the Senate of the Kazakh Parliament adopted amendments to the law “On amendments to some legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on issues of cinematography, culture and holidays.”
As per the law, national holidays in the Republic of Kazakhstan are the holidays commemorating the events of special historical importance which had a significant impact on the development of Kazakhstan’s statehood. The celebration of national holidays is accompanied by official events in central and local government agencies. Thus, Republic Day is the country’s only national holiday.
On the eve of the holiday, at a solemn ceremony of presenting state awards, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated the people of Kazakhstan.
“This is the day of revival of our centuries-long statehood, dating back to the period of Turkic khaganates, Golden Horde and Kazakh Khanate. On this day the idea of freedom sought by Alash leaders turned into reality. 33 years ago, historical justice triumphed with the adoption of the Declaration on State Sovereignty. This important document opened the way for Independent Kazakhstan,” the President said.
On the occasion of the Republic Day, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev personally awarded the titles of “Kazakhstannyn Enbek Eri”, “Kazakhstannyn Enbek Sinirgen Ustazy” to outstanding persons who made a huge contribution to the development of the country.
A festive concert was held at the Astana Opera Theatre with the participation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Large-scale events dedicated to the Republic Day are being held across the country and will last until October 26. The regions will host festive concerts, car rallies, exhibitions, excursions for children, round table meetings, national sport competitions, distribution of food to socially vulnerable groups etc.
More than 200 cultural, educational, sports and social events are planned to be held in Astana. Concerts, exhibitions, round table meetings, agricultural fairs, sports festivals and tournaments will be held in Almaty.
