Kazakhstan - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Culture Smart / Cultuur Bewust

by Dina Zhansagimova

Kazakhstan, one of the largest countries on earth, was long hidden from the rest of the world behind the Iron Curtain, and continued to remain unnoticed among the "stans" of Central Asia that gained independence from the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. Now, twenty years later, it has emerged as a modern state with far-reaching ambitions. It has developed rapidly over the last decade, raising a brand-new capital in the middle of its vast, empty grasslands, and stepping up to take the leading position in the region. Blessed with great reserves of oil, gas, and mineral resources, it is politically and economically stable, and the richest country in Central Asia. The seemingly endless expanse of the Kazakh Steppe takes visitors by surprise. In the east and southeast the terrain eventually changes to picturesque highlands and mountains, providing natural habitats for a number of rare animal and bird species. Once home to ancient civilizations, this immense land has yielded a wealth of archaeological artefacts. The modern Kazakh people emerged from the rise and fall of a succession of medieval Turkic states before being absorbed into the Russian Empire. They were pastoral nomads, self-sufficient, free, and famously adaptable. Their openness and generosity of spirit have survived against all the odds of a grim history. Today Kazakhstan is open for business, and receptive again to outside cultural influences. Culture Smart! Kazakhstan introduces Western readers to this complex, unknown people. It guides you through their traditions, customs, and social values. It describes how they behave at work, at home, at leisure, and on the street, and what they eat and drink. There are vital tips on communicating, and invaluable insights into Kazakhstan's dynamic business culture and economy.

Genres: Travel

172 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Danish Prakash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of visiting Kazakhstan to attend a wedding. Normally when I read a book in the culture smart series, I'm left to my imagination when it comes to topics such as local interaction, marriages, etc. But this time it was different, I experienced most of it firsthand and it was nothing short of amazing. It was quite surreal to be reading about a ritual and then recalling that that's what we did last night.

Kazakhstan—in the tourist circles—is known for its massive and breathtaking landscapes, and all the accounts were true. I personally enjoyed the cities more, Almaty and Astana, are amazing places, to live and to roam around. The weather was favorable, and the fusion of modern Kazakh and old Soviet culture was seamless. There's a focus on economic growth, and it can be seen in the rampant private construction in Almaty and mostly government, in Astana. The people are particularly delightful, so hospitable and helpful. There were so many locals that were genuinely interested in talking to us which made the whole trip slightly more enjoyable and memorable.

The book is well organized, it covers the history of Kazakhstan, the pre-Soviet, Soviet and post-Soviet eras, and how it affected the public's psyche, both positively and negatively. Slightly outdated, as with all other culture smart books, with some sections that feel irrelevant, it does a decent job giving you a cultural and geographical outline of the country, which is what I generally look for in these books. Another solid addition to the culture smart series, a good read!

[Kristina Moses · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had a lot of information, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the Culture Shock series I read before this. It felt like the Culture Shock was more personable and included a lot of conversations with real people. It was written like the author was a friend talking to you, while this one reads more like a textbook.q

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of daily life, culture and mores in Kazakhstan - best for expats and people doing business there. I’m trying to find specific info on Kazakh spirituality and remaining traditional in remote areas and this is not that.

[Kelland · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good as an intro if u know nothing about Kazakhstan like me.
But yeah no immersion, and the author tells it like we're seeing Kazakhstan in a microscope, judging the people and culture.

Also I hope the author knows not everyone who reads this book is western minded islam hating.

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this useful, insightful, and interesting.

[Alyssa Jahnigen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful! It gets a 4 out of 5 because it definitely needs to be updated. It is just a taste, however, and doesn't go into much detail. Perfect for an introduction to this area.