Kazakhstan and Hungary are linked by longstanding historical ties and common roots. In the historical scholarship of the two countries, it is generally considered that the ancestors of modern Hungarians began their journey towards the Conquest of the Homeland from the territory of Central Asia. The ties between the two regions were further strengthened during the Middle Ages due to the nomadic Huns and Kipchaks. In this context, Kazakh and Hungarian scholars demonstrate mutual interest in studying their common historical roots. Joint archaeological research is being conducted into the history of the settlement of the Kipchaks in Hungary and the Magyars in Kazakhstan, as well as the history of Hungarian prisoners of war in Kazakhstan.
As part of efforts to strengthen cultural and humanitarian cooperation, since 2012 one of the streets in Astana has borne the name “Budapest”, while on 2-3 June 2014 the official opening of “Astana” Street and a bust of Abai Kunanbayev took place in Budapest’s Central Park.
Continuing the practice of deepening cooperation in the cultural sphere, on 2 November 2023, a street named after Sándor Petőfi, the renowned Hungarian poet, cultural figure and fighter for Independence, was opened in Astana.
On 8 November 2024, the “Dombra” sculpture dedicated to the Kazakh musical instrument was unveiled in the Hungarian city of Karcag.
Kazakh and Hungarian scholars demonstrate mutual interest in studying their common historical roots. Joint archaeological research is being conducted into the history of the settlement of the Kipchaks in Hungary and the Magyars in Kazakhstan.
Cooperation in the field of education is implemented within the framework of the Agreement between the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Human Capacities of Hungary “On Cooperation in the Field of Education and Science” dated 19 November 2013. In November 2023, the Memorandum “On Understanding between the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary on Cooperation within the Stipendium Hungaricum Programme for 2023-2026” was signed. Thus, every year 250 citizens of Kazakhstan receive grants to study at Hungarian higher education institutions under the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship programme. In addition, cooperation agreements are in place between Óbuda University (Budapest) and E.A.Buketov Karaganda State University (Karaganda); the University of Debrecen (Debrecen) and the Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University (Almaty).
Today, artists, scholars and athletes from the two countries actively participate in various cultural and sporting events held in Kazakhstan and Hungary.
On 2-3 June 2014, “Astana” Street and a bust of Abai Kunanbayuly were opened in Budapest, and on 26 August 2021, as part of the 30th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a bust of the Kazakh poet and educator Abai Kunanbayuly was unveiled at the Lakitelek Folk High School.
On 26 January 2025, Dimash Qudaibergen participated in Budapest as a member of the jury of the 10th anniversary season of “Virtuosos”, a classical music project for children and young people. The unique competition for young talents, which introduces the world of classical music to a large television audience, offered viewers an unforgettable experience. The programme featured talented young musicians from Hungary, Austria, Slovenia, Serbia and Montenegro.
On 18 October 2025, a concert by the Kazakh ethno-folk ensemble “Turan” was held at the cultural centre of the city of Debrecen, organised with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the “Turan” ethno-folk ensemble of the Roza Baglanova Kazakhconcert State Academic Concert Organisation, and dedicated to the celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Republic Day of Kazakhstan.
On 18 April 2026, a concert by Dimash Qudaibergen was held in Budapest as part of the unique “Three Icons” show – the Kazakh singer performed on the same stage with the legendary Plácido Domingo.
On 22 April 2026, a cultural event was held in Budapest. Bagzhan Oktyabr, a Kazakh musician and author of the “Soul Therapy” concert programme, presented the audience with a high-level musical programme. The concert programme included both works from world-famous films and television series and Kazakh folk songs.
On 16 June 2026, the “Akzharma” folk ensemble and the “Zhorga” dance ensemble of the Murat Oskinbayev Mangystau Regional Philharmonic organised the concert “Kazakhstan - Voice of the Great Steppe” in Budapest, dedicated to the 800th anniversary of the legendary kui “Aksak Kulan” and presenting the rich musical and dance heritage of the Kazakh people to the Hungarian public.
Overall, cultural and humanitarian relations are developing actively. This is facilitated by the historical affinity of the two peoples and their aspiration to revive national culture and traditions.