"Why Kazakh Poles Distinguish Themselves from Other Polish Communities"
Living Harmoniously: The Kazakh Polish Connection in North Kazakhstan's Heartland
Stepping into north Kazakhstan's frontier, you'll find a vibrant blend of cultures, most notably the unique Kazakh Poles. boasting over 11,000 proud residents, this dynamic community embodies unity and shared history.
As Valentina Korneva, director of the Polish cultural center "Copernicus," asserts, Kazakhstan has consistently thrived as a haven of unity and camaraderie, prompting an instant bond when meeting different nationalities abroad.
Korneva believes that Kazakh Poles are particularly special due to their upbringing within the Kazakh steppes, fostering a profound affection for their adopted homeland's culture. Music, in particular, holds a cherished place in their hearts.
Recalling her conversations with the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, Korneva praises the works of Polish composer Ivan Kozhik, who lived amongst nomadic Kazakhs in the 1920s, collecting and merging their folklore into his melodies. In Petropavlovsk, Korneva organized an exhibition honoring the legacy of Kozhik, showcasing his enduring contributions to Kazakh music and culture.
One such enthusiast is Olga Vekherle from Akkayin district, who learned Kazakh folk songs as a child while living in the Kazakh aul. Her melodious voice still resonates with the rich tones of traditional Kazakh music, evoking warmth and a sense of home.
The Polish Cultural Center, supported by the regional historical and local lore museum, serves as the beating heart of this cultural exchange, fostering a school of friendship. This haven not only cultivates language, culture, and traditions among Poles but also welcomes everyone eager to learn about these customs.
From educational circles for children to excursions, exhibitions, and competitions, the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan promotes cross-cultural understanding and acts as a beacon for Kazakhstan's freedom and independence. Korneva passionately believes that the youth must be guided towards embracing the values of unity and respect as essential instruments for shaping a harmonious society.
Her Italian grandson, inspired by his grandmother's love for Abai's writings, even learned a poem by heart—a testament to the timeless harmony between Kazakh and Polish cultures. With a smile, Korneva admits her fondness for the dombra, a traditional Kazakh instrument, adding that there's something intrinsic within all of us that resonates with its enchanting sounds.
"Home is where the heart is," Korneva asserts, "Regardless of where life takes us, Kazakhstan will always call us back."
- Valentina Korneva, the director of the Polish cultural center "Copernicus," praises Kazakhstan as a haven of unity and camaraderie, particularly for the Kazakh Poles who have chosen it as their home.
- The Polish Cultural Center, supported by the regional historical and local lore museum, is the beating heart of the cultural exchange between Kazakh Poles and locals, welcoming everyone eager to learn about these customs.
- Olga Vekherle from Akkayin district, an enthusiast of Kazakh folk songs, still resonates with the rich tones of traditional Kazakh music, evoking warmth and a sense of home.
- The Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, through educational circles for children, excursions, exhibitions, and competitions, promotes cross-cultural understanding and acts as a beacon for Kazakhstan's freedom and independence.
- Korneva's Italian grandson, inspired by his grandmother's love for Abai's writings, even learned a poem by heart—a testament to the timeless harmony between Kazakh and Polish cultures, echoing the sentiment, "Home is where the heart is."
