ASTANA — In Kazakh culture, grief has traditionally been a collective experience, shaped by shared rituals and community support. But do these practices continue to define how people cope with loss today? Despite changes in daily life, many of these traditions remain visible, particularly in how communities gather around families during times of loss.
The doors of the bereaved family’s home remain open, with a steady flow of visitors coming to offer condolences, share memories and take part in remembrance. Bibiziya Kalshabayeva, a professor of archaeology, ethnology and museology at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.
Photo credit: Kazinform According to Bibiziya Kalshabayeva, a professor of archaeology, ethnology and museology at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, these practices reflect long-standing social structures where communities functioned as closely connected groups.
“Historically, each household had its own seasonal pastures. People lived in tightly connected communities, and thus joys and sorrows, victories and hardships were perceived as shared. If hardship came to one family, the entire clan carried that burden,” said Kalshabayeva.
This is reflected in the expression ‘zhumyla kotergen zhuk zhenil,’ a burden is lighter when lifted together. “Even those with modest means contributed, bringing livestock, flour, or food. The absence of such support was considered a disgrace for the whole clan,” Kalshabayeva added.
Kalshabayeva said the idea of shared loss continues to shape mourning practices today. During the first seven and 40 days after a death, which are important periods in Kazakh remembrance traditions, families are rarely left alone. “Death is perceived as a collective loss for all those close to the person.
In fact, being present during times of grief is often considered more important than gathering for celebrations,” she said. This sustained presence is reflected in the tradition known as konil shai, literally “tea of condolence,” in which visitors gather to express sympathy, share conversation and provide comfort.
“Expressing condolences is seen as a duty. It is a support for a family. Communication helps people endure loss more easily,” she said. Rituals of expression and emotional support