Birlik bolmay tirlik bolmas

On December 16 Kazakhstan celebrated its national day, and due attention has been given to the bilateral relations between Hungary and the Central Asian country.

In an attempt to cull the most recent information on the longstanding friendship and the diplomatic ties connecting the two countries, Dr Andras Zsolt Biro comments on the findings of what should be regarded as a pioneering field of research. Human biologist and anthropologist, Dr Biro occupies an instrumental role as the main organizer of the Kurultay, and has held the presidency of the Advisory Board of the Hungarian-Turan Foundation.

Dr Biro is pleased to observe the rapidly growing developments in a variety of areas. On account of the common historical, cultural and linguistic roots, Kazakhstan has been among Hungary’s most important partners in Central Asia with respect to economic relations, politics, culture and science. “Tourism has been the most steadily developing industry in Kazakhstan. As a strong middle class is on the rise, Kazakh people have started evincing an interest in Hungary as a well-liked tourist destination,” says Dr Biro, who is glad to witness that there has been a revival in tourism since the mid-90s, a period that gave rise to intensive cultural dialogue and a significant economic co-operation.

To the question as to what kind of diplomatic relationship exists between Hungary and Kazakhstan, Dr Biro explains that “the Hungarian-Kazakh friendship has been traditionally very good, dating back to earlier times.” In March 1992, Hungary was among the first nations in the world that recognised the newly gained independence of Kazakhstan and established a diplomatic relationship with it. Biro emphasises “that the Kazakhs and the Hungarians have shared several traits in history and culture, and besides the cultural and ethnical links, an interesting genetic affinity can also be proved scientifically.”

In 2006, a landmark scientific expedition took place in the Torgay region. “If we look at the question from a scientific point of view, the most important result is that with the examination of the Y chromosome, it has been proved that the Madjar tribe from Kazakhstan is linked both by name genetically with the Hungarians originating from the Carpathian Basin. It can also be said that a small tribe has managed to rediscover its own values, and has come to respect its own traditions,” explains Dr Biro. “Also, a major wave of self-organisation has emerged: the most typical example is the Madjar-Hungarian Kurultay (meaning a powwow), organised in 2007. Several thousands of people travelled home from far away in order to participate in the event and to receive the Hungarian guests. In Kazakhstan the feast has gained considerable publicity, and this has been a cornerstone of our gradually strengthening relationship,” says Dr Biro, who believes that despite all the progress that has been made so far, a lot more can be done in the field.

Apart from the Kurultay, the Foundation also offers a variety of programmes, such as scientific conferences, educational events, and it publishes scientific brochures. “Next summer we will organise the Day of the Ancestors, and, even earlier, on 21 December 21, we will be celebrating the Karacsun. This event can best be likened to our Christmas in Hungary, and it also marks the midwinter season. The feasts connected with the solstices (an astronomical event happening twice a year) also play an important part in the culture of the Kazakhs, so we are expecting our Kazakh friends living in Hungary to attend it,” mentions Dr Biro.

Despite the manic lifestyle of modern man, the presentation of Kazakhstan’s national history still has a dominant role in keeping together the peoples of a nation. “By presenting the past of our ancestors, we urge everyone to try to live in peace and develop trust in the future of a nation that has its roots, morals and glorious moments in history. The knowledge gathered by our ancestors can help find the solutions to many problems in modern life. I believe that the Kazakh proverb, “birlik bolmay tirlik bolmas” expresses the desire of a whole nation: without unity there is no union,” concludes Dr Biro, who continues to be a fervent advocate of the Hungarian-Kazakh friendship, claiming that the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries will produce visible and enduring results for the future of Hungary and its generations to come.