Traditional Games and Competitions, Gaieties and Holidays of Kazakhs as Cultural Phenomena in the Period of Domination by the Russian Empire

Abstrakt

The text is presenting the traditional Kazakh folk games and competitions which have been an integral part of social, family and other celebrations and were very popular among the people. Games and public holidays at all times had a great public importance. Their origin dates back to ancient times and in their development they underwent a number of successive forms, corresponded to the public relations and business activity of the people. Th e festivities and games described in concise form, had a long tradition, reflected reality, directly connected with the nomadic or settled agricultural economic lifestyle and environment. Games and entertainment are always served the public duties as well; these are educational, military, sport, ritual, entertaining and aesthetic, communicational, etc. They supported the also national identity amongst Kazakhs.