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Tokayev calls for efforts to promote the dombra internationally
In his message marking National Dombra Day, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the dombra is an inseparable part of Kazakh identity and must be promoted internationally. He also stressed that the new Constitution, which took effect on July 1, enshrines the protection of cultural heritage as a fundamental principle.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev issued a message on the occasion of National Dombra Day, celebrated on the first Sunday of July each year. Tokayev described the dombra as a "sacred instrument" and "an inseparable part of Kazakh identity."
According to a statement from the presidential press service, Tokayev said, "The dombra has nourished the high moral ideals of the Kazakh people for centuries and preserved the bond between eras and generations. The dombra is the voice of the nation; it strengthens the spirit and unity in both joy and times of trial."
Tokayev stressed that at a time of increasing global challenges and eroding traditional values, the dombra and the rich heritage of the Great Steppe must remain the unshakable foundation of Kazakh culture. "We draw inspiration from dombra melodies and find spiritual guidance to move forward with confident steps," he said.
The president stated that it is a national duty for Kazakhstan to introduce the dombra's magnificent melodies to the international community. Recalling the famous poet Kadyr Myrza Ali's words, "A true Kazakh is the dombra," he said this understanding should guide efforts to widely popularize the instrument.
In his message, Tokayev also touched on the new Constitution of Kazakhstan, which entered into force on July 1. "For the first time, the preservation of historical and cultural heritage and the support of national culture have been truly established as fundamental principles of the People's Constitution. This fully aligns with the existence, goals, and interests of our people, who look to the future with hope," he said.
The president thanked dombra performers, teachers, and everyone who contributes to developing this unique art in Kazakhstan and abroad. "Kazakh küys and songs will continue to warm the hearts of all our citizens and inspire us to new achievements on the path to building a Strong and Just Kazakhstan," he added.
National Dombra Day
National Dombra Day was established by a decree signed in 2018 by Kazakhstan's first President Nursultan Nazarbayev, with the aim of uniting society around national culture. It is celebrated on the first Sunday of July each year.
The dombra is considered one of Kazakhstan's seven national treasures. The list, determined in 2007, also includes the Tamgaly petroglyphs, the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, the Mangystau rock mosques, the Kazakh yurt, the Bayterek Monument, and the Issyk Golden Man. The dombra entered the Guinness Book of Records in 2010.
Two types of dombra are commonly used in Kazakhstan: the teardrop-shaped dombra in western Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan; and the scoop-shaped dombra in the Altai-Tarbagatai, Zhetysu, Saryarka, and Karatau regions.
More than 300 dombras in the museum
The collection of the Ihlas Museum of Folk Musical Instruments currently houses more than 300 dombras. The collection includes commemorative instruments belonging to prominent figures of Kazakh culture, original works by famous masters, and dombras from different performance schools.
One of the museum's oldest and most valuable pieces is a dombra that belonged to the poet and warrior Makhambet Otemisuly. This instrument holds a special place in the collection as a unique monument to the history and culture of the Kazakh people.
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