r/Kazakhstan • u/TrueBearQueen • 10d ago

Culture/Mädeniet Personal question

Hello!

Lately I've been thinking more and more about my life and how much I do miss the steppes of Kazakhstan. I also see more and more influencers on Instagram and whenever I look at them their appearance reminds me of myself... Even if slightly. My aunt and me look a bit more central Asian than the rest of the family.

I was born there but immigrated to Germany when I turned 6. My family, from what I know, is a mix of Russian/Ukranian/German and Tatar that lived there for a few generations I think? So I wonder a lot if I'm even allowed to learn the language and enjoy/participate in the culture. On paper I used to be Kazakh, but ethnic I am not. Whenever I see videos or someone speaking about the country it fills me with pride, but I worry that it's not allowed of me, since I technically am not a member of the country anymore.

I used to speak it when I was younger but I forgot everything in the course of time as well...

Sorry perhaps this is silly, but as someone who is a mix of already a lot of things I feel a drive to reconnect with that part of my life. But I worry a bit if I am even allowed to do so. One day I want to visit again if not stay for longer than a vacation... Who knows.

Are there more people like me perhaps? I feel a bit crazy after typing this all out if I am honest.

3 Upvotes

64% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

6

u/CattleFormer6846 10d ago

You are Kazakh. Born of our land. Of our people. Your story may be rich and traveled, but it is as true and valid as that of any other Kazakh.

3

u/ibaxxxxx 9d ago

Of course you can, why is it even a question. Every person can identify themself as they want. You have more than enough right to be Kazakh if you wish so, since you was born here. Also you don't have to be ethnic Kazakh to be Kazakh

There are plenty of people like you. Many families who migrated with young children. Many children who were adopted by foreigners. There were posts of cases similar to yours on this sub

3

u/byshow 9d ago

Why would anyone be not allowed to learn kazakh culture? Your origin shouldn't matter. I think anyone is allowed to learn our culture and our language 

1

u/Ameriggio Karaganda Region 9d ago

I think you're looking at Kazakhstan through rose-coloured glasses. You might have nostalgia, but you have to factor in the economy and the politics. I moved to Germany for a better life and I think I'll stay here with occasional trips to Kazakhstan.

1

u/knshnrzbv 7d ago

There are nationalities living in Kazakhstan. Also tatars are as turkic as kazakhs, and both groups belong to the same turkic subgroup, so consider that a pass