April 9, 2024 – The first “Meeting under the Shanyrak” took place in Berlin, dedicated to the history of horse domestication.
The Embassy of Kazakhstan brought together leading German archaeologists and researchers to discuss the role of the horse in the development of ancient societies and cultures. Participants heard presentations about the excavations of Botai and Berel, the significance of kumis, and modern programs for the reintroduction of Przewalski’s horses to Kazakhstan. Guests also became acquainted with a traditional Kazakh yurt and national cuisine, which gave the event the atmosphere of a living steppe culture.
Details are available in the official release:
https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-berlin/press/news/details/746088?lang=de
May 28, 2024 – The second “Meeting under the Shanyrak” was held in Berlin, devoted to the origin of tulips and the cultural and natural heritage of Kazakhstan.
Experts, scientists, botanists, and representatives of the tourism sector discussed the origin of tulips, their role in Kazakh culture, and Kazakhstan’s unique biodiversity. Participants heard presentations about the 39 tulip species growing in Kazakhstan, the natural landscapes of their habitats, and the symbolism of the flower in the history and traditions of the Kazakh people.
Guests noted that the meeting provided a deeper understanding of Kazakhstan’s cultural roots and inspired further exploration of its natural treasures.
Details are available in the official release:
https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-berlin/press/news/details/780457?lang=de
November 7, 2024 – The third “Meeting under the Shanyrak” took place in Berlin, dedicated to the origin of the first apples.
Experts, scholars, authors, and representatives of creative professions discussed the cultural heritage of apples, the origin of the wild apple tree Malus sieversii, and Kazakhstan’s role as the homeland of all modern cultivated apple varieties. Participants were shown excerpts from the film “The Freedom of Apples,” learned about the biodiversity of apple forests and the importance of their preservation, as well as the prospects for ecotourism connected with this unique natural phenomenon.
Guests emphasized the value of the discussion and expressed interest in further developing this format. The event concluded with a tasting of genuine Kazakh Aport apples – a symbol of the country’s rich nature.
Details are available in the official release:
https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-berlin/press/news/details/879397?lang=de
April 29, 2025 – The fourth “Meeting under the Shanyrak” was held in Berlin, dedicated to Alexander von Humboldt’s 1829 journey across the territory of present-day Kazakhstan.
Scientists, researchers, and experts discussed the significance of the 1829 expedition for European science and for shaping perceptions of the region’s natural and cultural wealth. Presentations explored philosophical, geographical, climatological, and cultural aspects of Humboldt’s legacy, as well as his deep interest in Kazakh lands and respect for local traditions.
Participants noted the relevance of revisiting Humboldt’s figure in the context of modern scientific and intercultural dialogue. The meeting concluded with a lively discussion and exchange of views on prospects for further research.
Details are available in the official release:
https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-berlin/press/news/details/986482?lang=de
November 5, 2025 – The fifth “Meeting under the Shanyrak” took place in Berlin, dedicated to German history in Kazakhstan and the role of the German diaspora in the country’s cultural and social development.
Scholars, public figures, and representatives of the German community discussed the historical path of Germans in Kazakhstan, their contribution to the economy, education, and culture, as well as humanitarian cooperation between Kazakhstan and Germany. The presentations addressed topics such as preserving language and traditions, personal stories of migration, the development of youth and educational programs, and the importance of intercultural dialogue.
The meeting concluded with a lively discussion on the influence of German heritage on modern Kazakh identity and the strengthening of bilateral relations.
Details are available in the official release:
https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-berlin/press/news/details/1099716?lang=de
29 April 2026 – The sixth “Meeting under the Shanyrak” series took place in Berlin, dedicated to the theme “Saiga Antelopes – Pride and Beauty of the Kazakh Steppe.”
The event brought together experts in nature conservation, representatives of the scientific community, and civil society organizations. In his opening remarks, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Germany, Nurlan Onzhanov, emphasized the importance of biodiversity conservation and international cooperation in the face of global environmental challenges. German experts addressed issues related to the recovery of the species’ population and underlined the importance of international conservation initiatives, including the work of the Frankfurt Zoological Society and NABU.
The meeting concluded with a lively discussion and exchange of views on current environmental challenges and future prospects for preserving natural heritage.
Saiga Antelopes – Pride and a Living Legend of the Kazakh Steppe
10 September 2026 – The seventh “Meeting under the Shanyrak” was held in Berlin, dedicated to the theme “The Great Kazakh Steppe – the Splendour of Scythian Gold and the Early History of the Nomadic Cultures of Eurasia.”
The event brought together representatives of the academic community, museums and cultural organisations. Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Germany Nurlan Onzhanov highlighted the importance of the Great Steppe as one of the key centres in the formation of ancient civilisations in Eurasia and emphasised the role of archaeological research in studying Kazakhstan’s historical and cultural heritage.
German experts presented the results of archaeological research in Kazakhstan, spoke about the study of archaeological sites in the Tarbagatai and Zhetysu regions, and shared their experience of participating in excavations in 2025. Particular attention was paid to finds from the Saka period and their significance for understanding the early nomadic cultures of Eurasia.
The meeting concluded with a lively discussion on the role of nomadic civilisations in the history of Eurasia, contemporary archaeological research, and prospects for further Kazakhstan-Germany cooperation in the fields of science and culture.
Further details are available in the official press release
https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-berlin/press/news/details/1289618?lang=de