"Belarus honors the Kazakh Sashka with great reverence!" The cultural essence of the Kazakh people was unveiled in Almaty.

The Assembly of People of Kazakhstan (APK) plays a crucial role in shaping a unique model of Kazakhstani unity. The collaborative efforts of its members aid in the development and effective implementation of state policies aimed at fostering social harmony, ensuring socio-political stability, and enhancing the cooperation between government and civil institutions in the field of interethnic relations.

Established on March 1, 1995, the APK regularly organizes events at city, regional, national, and international levels throughout the republic. The main objectives of the Assembly include creating favorable conditions for further strengthening interethnic harmony and national unity based on common patriotic ideas, enhancing tolerance within society, assisting government bodies in countering manifestations of extremism and radicalism, participating in the formation of the political and legal culture of citizens, ensuring the integration of efforts among ethnic-cultural associations to achieve common goals, and reviving, preserving, and developing the national cultures, languages, and traditions of the people.

In their work, APK members consistently adhere to the principles of prioritizing human and civil rights and freedoms, the interests of the people and the state, advocating for equality of rights and freedoms for every citizen of the republic regardless of nationality, language, religious beliefs, convictions, and gender. The Assembly actively participates in and initiates projects aimed at assisting in the development and implementation of state policies in the areas of social harmony and national unity, fostering Kazakhstani patriotism, promoting the state language and other languages of the people of Kazakhstan, improving regional policies in the interethnic sphere, and implementing plans and activities in the fields of demography and migration.

Special attention is given to promoting the Kazakhstani model of interethnic and interfaith harmony both domestically and abroad, engaging in educational and publishing activities, raising the status of poets and writers, and supporting the Kazakh diaspora in foreign countries in matters of preserving and developing their native language, culture, and national traditions, as well as strengthening their ties with their historical homeland. There is a particular focus on educating the younger generation in the traditions of respecting culture and folk customs based on shared values. The APK's priorities are "We are different, but we are equal" and "Unity in Diversity." The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, annually praises the achievements of the APK and its contribution to the country's prosperity.

Recently, an international round table titled "The Cultural Code of the People of Kazakhstan – the Main Value of the Country" took place in Almaty. The event was held in a warm, truly family-like atmosphere, featuring presentations from academicians, writers, poets, historians, publicists, prominent public figures, scientists, doctoral candidates, master's students, and youth. The moderator was Svetlana Ananyeva, a candidate of philological sciences and associate professor.

Journalists from the El.kz news agency were also personally invited to the round table.

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“We did not choose the National Library for our meeting by accident. The unique cultural code of the people of Kazakhstan is primarily preserved in the works of masters of literature and art, representatives of various ethnic groups, who continue the dialogue of generations. Our people have created an entire treasure trove of spiritual values, and we have a vast heritage. The cultural code of our people is reflected in prose and poetry, sculpture and visual arts, and is evident in the works of craftsmen, enhancing ethnic identity, incorporating a set of artistic images, and fully revealing their uniqueness. It includes responsiveness, kindness, hospitality, compassion, and the willingness to extend a helping hand in difficult times. Kazakhstan has become a homeland for many who were exiled from their native lands during the years of repression. It is our duty to pass on our unique cultural code to all future generations!” - highlighted Svetlana Ananyeva.

All participants unanimously recognized the necessity of continuing to work together towards achieving new goals and expanding the horizons of activities aimed at fostering patriotism among Kazakhstani youth. The speakers did not limit themselves to reading reports; they actively debated, presented interesting proposals, exchanged opinions, and agreed on fruitful cooperation.

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“Kazakhstani people celebrate holidays together as a united family; our women prepare dishes from various national cuisines and share recipes. Children of different nationalities visit cultural centers together, dance kamazhai and lezginka, enjoy pancakes during Maslenitsa, and learn the languages of the people of Kazakhstan, as well as their dances, songs, and poetry. We cannot forget the holidays from the Soviet period, as they have also become part of our cultural code and are cherished in many families. For example, older men celebrate February 23, but congratulate the youth on May 7, Defender of the Fatherland Day, which I think is good; it reflects the continuity of generations. It is unacceptable to forget history and erase it. The foundation of our cultural code lies in respect for one another, understanding, loyalty to ideals, and striving for new things without abandoning traditions!” - noted Nazar Balghimbaev, head of the interethnic relations development department of the APK Secretariat in Almaty, Public Development Administration.

Speaking about the importance of honoring our glorious ancestors, the speakers proudly recalled the participants of the Great Patriotic War who went to the front from Kazakh soil. Young representatives were surprised to learn how Aidi Sharipov, a fearless partisan known as "Sashka-Kazakh," is honored in fraternal Belarus. Sharipov actively participated in the partisan movement, leading detachments that inflicted significant damage on the German army in the Smolensk and Oryol regions. He trained young partisans in military skills, personally engaged in battles with the enemy, conducted reconnaissance, established communications with underground movements, and led sabotage groups. Aidi Sharipov was involved in the destruction of tank convoys, seizing ammunition, and eliminating Wehrmacht soldiers. The Germans offered a substantial monetary reward for the capture of Sashka-Kazakh.

Sharipov worked as a simple teacher in a rural school in the town of Kaskelen, Almaty region, before being drafted into the Red Army, where he served in Western Belarus, where he was caught up in the war. After several days of bloody battles, Sharipov and other fighters managed to reach the Bryansk forests to avoid capture. He created one of the first partisan detachments in Belarus. After the war, Aidi Sharipov held various positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Kazakh SSR, First Secretary of the Union of Writers of Kazakhstan, and headed the Mukhatar Auezov Institute of Literature and Art. His novels "Daughter of the Steppes," "The Secret of a Friend," and stories like "Partisan's Daughter," "Fire in the Forest," and "Stars Behind Bars" address themes that remain relevant to this day. In Minsk, in honor of Aidi Sharipov, a street is named after him as a sign of respect and memory for the brave Sashka-Kazakh.

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“Belarusians have not forgotten the heroism of Aidi Sharipov; they tell stories about him from generation to generation, not only on the eve of Victory Day. The memory of heroes must live on through the ages, destined for immortality. Soon, our family name will turn 100 years old in Kazakhstan. Our family has many international marriages, and we have ten Kazakh-Belarusians growing up!” - said Alexey Tsekhovoy, head of the Ethnocultural Center "Belarus" and member of the APK, with a smile amidst the applause of those present.

Notably, in Belarus, there is a good familiarity with the works of Kazakhstani writers. In the capital, on Auezov Street, there is a school named after Mukhatar Auezov. Its students write essays based on the works of the talented master of literary art, and during a meeting with representatives of the APK, the students expressed their interest in the novel "The Path of Abai," which they consider essential reading.

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“The cultural code is instilled in early childhood, so it is essential to nurture a love for reading in children from their earliest years. Through folk tales, children learn about traditions and customs. The heroes of “The Turnip” introduce youngsters to the importance of agriculture in Russian life, while the winged tulpars symbolize the Kazakhs' love for horses and celebrate the bravery of the dzhigit who can tame any steed. Fairy tales teach children kindness and promote the closeness and unity of the people of Kazakhstan. A child accustomed to reading at home will inevitably love books and will pass that love on to their own children in the future!” - emphasized Vasily Shupeikin, a distinguished figure of Kazakhstan, chairman of the Council on Russian Literature and Literary Relations of the Union of Writers of Kazakhstan, writer, and journalist.

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