A roundtable discussion was held in Samarkand: «Nauryznama – a new format for celebrating Nauryz in Kazakhstan.»

On March 20, 2026, a roundtable discussion was held in Samarkand at the Abai Scientific and Cultural Center, located in the Institute of Languages and Cultures of the Peoples of Central Asia at Samarkand State University named after Sh. Rashidov. The discussion focused on a new format for celebrating one of the country's main holidays, Nauryz, which is rooted in the national traditions and customs of the Kazakh people, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the beginning of the new year.

The event was organized by the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Samarkand with the support of the Institute of Languages and Cultures of the Peoples of Central Asia at Samarkand State University named after Sh. Rashidov.

The roundtable was attended by Serdar Deniz, Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Samarkand; Evren Rutbil, Director of the International Institute for Central Asian Studies (IICAS); Farmon Toshev, Editor-in-Chief of the joint editorial board of the Zarafshon and Samarkandsky Vestnik newspapers; Chidem Janbay Turkyilmaz, Rector of the Samarkand State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering; Akmal Akhadov, Vice-Rector of the Sh. Rashidov Samarkand State University; and professors and researchers from the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, the Samarkand State Pedagogical Institute, the Institute of Turkology, and the Department of Uzbek Language and Literature.

Talgat Sharipov, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Samarkand, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech, emphasizing the special significance of the holiday in the context of contemporary public policy. It was noted that in Kazakhstan, the holiday «Nauryz Meiramy» is celebrated for ten days – from March 14 to 23 – in accordance with the «Nauryzname» concept proposed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Moreover, "the main goal of Nauryz is to strengthen peace and friendship, preserve national identity, promote family values, and foster respect for the environment," Talgat Sharipov quoted the Head of State as saying.

As part of the event, graduate students of the International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage «Silk Road» from among the Kazakh youth - Ayaulim Makhal, Mәlіk Әdіlbek, Diana Galymzhanqyzy, Moldir Beisenbek, Aiymtory Aidarova, Almakhan Aruai, Meruert Takibayeva and Togzhan Sagintai - presented detailed presentations dedicated to the decade of «Nauryznama», including the celebration of such days as «Көрісу күні» (day of long-awaited meetings and greetings), «Қайырымдылық күні» (day of mercy and charity), «Мәдениет және ұлттық салт-дәстүр күні» (day of culture and national traditions), «Shanyraq kunі» (Family Values Day), «Ulttyq kiіm kunі» (National Clothing Day), «Zhaңaru kunі» (Spring Renewal Day), «Ulttyq sport kunі» (Folk Games Popularization Day), «Ынтымақ күні» (Solidarity and Unity Day), «Жыл бары» (New Year's Day), and «Тазару күні» (Nature Purification and Care Day).

During the event, participants discussed the specifics of Nauryz celebrations in Kazakh culture. Renowned politician, poet, and writer Farmon Toshev, Vice-Rector for International Relations at SamSU Akmal Akhadov, and SamSU Professor Anargul Salkinbay delivered presentations. They noted the dynamic development of fraternal and partner relations between the Turkic countries of Central Asia and emphasized the centuries-old friendship between the Kazakh and Uzbek peoples, who share common cultural roots and the values of Nauryz.

Following the roundtable discussion, participants were invited to a festive dastarkhan (table) decorated in Kazakh national style, where they were able to sample Kazakh cuisine and traditional sweets.