ALMATY – Moldavians’ Culture and Traditions Day "My Homeland - Kazakhstan!" was held under the auspices of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan.

The event was attended by the Zhanseit Tuimebayev, Deputy Chairman - Head of APK's Secretariat of Executive Office of the President of Kazakhstan, deputies of Almaty maslikhat, heads and members of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan, republican and city ethnocultural associations, representatives of government agencies, scientific and creative intellectuals, branches of the republican public association "Moldavian ethnocultural center 'Strugurash', youth organizations, faculty and students of higher education institutions of Almaty and others.

Opening the event, Zhanseit Tuimebayev noted that the festival of Moldovan culture is symbolic in the light of al Farabi's 1150th anniversary, Abai’s 175th anniversary, 25th anniversary of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan and the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

"President Tokayev said that these dates will be marked at the state level, so I think that the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan will take an active part.

Moldova is a small, unique state that was formed in XIV-XVI centuries. It is located in the south-east of Europe. Picturesque hills covered with forests, orchards and vineyards on this land. Walnuts are growing everywhere. Moldova is rightfully called "Sunny" as here 200 sunny days a year. The first Moldavians in Kazakhstan appeared in the early 20s of the XX century, fleeing from famine in Bessarabia and Kherson, then during the mass deportation of the peoples of the USSR. Thus, on May 1, 1942, 481 people were forcibly moved from Moldova to Aktobe region, to the former Guryev region (now Atyrau region) and to West-Kazakhstan region, in total 2460 people were moved. Presently, 2 Moldovan villages Bessarabca and Moldovka have been preserved in Aktobe region" Deputy Chairman of the Assembly said.

Moldavian is not the largest ethnic group in Kazakhstan, Moldavians have taken their rightful place in Kazakhstan's diverse population and are actively participating in social and cultural life, Tuimebayev said.

In 2006, Strugurash Moldavian Cultural Centre was established. The common historical destiny with the ethnic groups of Kazakhstan has had a positive impact on the mentality of Kazakh Moldavians, their life ideas, values and ideals. During all activity ethnocultural association makes the big contribution to strengthening of the interethnic consent, public stability, realization of the state national policy.

The activities of its members contribute to the preservation of friendship and mutual understanding between people of different nationalities, to raising the level of cooperation between the association and State and public organizations in the implementation of strategic tasks to strengthen national unity and to improve moral and patriotic education of the younger generation. The public association is the initiator and organizer of round tables on propaganda and explanation of basic provisions of the President’s annual State of the Nation Address, republican and city events - festivals of national cultures, seminars, conferences" said Zhanseit Tuimebayev.

Concluding his speech, Zhanseit Tuimebayev expressed gratitude to the organizers for the opportunity to get to know the culture and traditions of the Moldavians closer.

"Each ethnos of our country has its own history, culture, language, customs and traditions. But in general, we are all one nation of Kazakhstan, inextricably connected with each other. The experience gained by generations is necessary to increase, develop and transfer to the young generation for further consolidation of the Kazakh society. Today we have visited a holiday of culture of the Moldavians, learned something new about customs and traditions of this cheerful, hospitable people" said Deputy Chairman of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan.

Within the framework of the festive event there was a round table on the theme "My Homeland - Kazakhstan!", exhibitions of books "The Literary World: People, Events, Facts" and national decorative and applied creativity of the Honoured Art Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mikhail Groza, and a concert of creative groups.

Reference: At present 19,5 thousand Moldavians live in Kazakhstan. There are 3000 people living in Almaty city. In 2006 the public association "Moldavian Cultural Center "Strugurash" was created. The Moldavian ethno-cultural association brings the contribution to strengthening of the interethnic consent, public stability, realization of the state national policy.

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