On November 13, the National Museum of History of Azerbaijan hosted the opening ceremony of the international exhibition “Traditional Culture of the Kazakhs,” organized on the basis of collections from the National Central Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The exhibition was organized to promote Kazakhstan’s rich historical and cultural heritage in Azerbaijan, strengthen cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries, and further develop international cooperation between museums.

The exhibition features 69 ethnographic objects from the collections of the National Central Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, reflecting the traditional way of life, everyday culture, economic activities, and craftsmanship of the Kazakh people.

The exhibition highlights the distinctive features of the Kazakh people’s centuries-old nomadic culture and the rich ethnocultural heritage of the Great Steppe. Visitors can explore traditional household and everyday objects, horse equipment, jewellery, feltwork and woven textiles, national costumes, and decorative accessories.

The exhibition is divided into five thematic sections. The objects on display illustrate the everyday life of the Kazakh people, their material and spiritual values, aesthetic traditions, and craftsmanship passed down through generations. These artefacts are also of considerable historical and ethnographic significance for understanding the cultural characteristics and traditions shaped by the nomadic way of life.

The opening ceremony featured speeches by Saadat Yusifova, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Askar Akhmanov, Acting Deputy Director for General Affairs of the National Central Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Edil Myrzakhanov, Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Azerbaijan; Elmira Akhundova, People's Writer of Azerbaijan; and Leyla Hasanova, representative of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation.

The speakers highlighted the longstanding friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, and the importance of international exhibitions in promoting mutual understanding of the two nations’ cultural heritage. Particular emphasis was placed on expanding cooperation between museums, implementing joint cultural projects, and preserving historical and cultural heritage for future generations.

During the event, Askar Akhmanov, Acting Deputy Director for General Affairs of the National Central Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, presented letters of appreciation to employees of the National Museum of History of Azerbaijan in recognition of their support in organizing the exhibition and their contribution to the development of cooperation between the two museums.

Following the official ceremony, guests toured the exhibition and learned about the historical and ethnographic significance of the objects on display.

The international exhibition “Traditional Culture of the Kazakhs” contributes to strengthening cultural cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, expanding cultural exchange, and introducing the Azerbaijani public to the rich ethnographic heritage of the Kazakh people.

The exhibition will remain open to visitors until December 12, 2026.