Kaz Traditions/Customs

During our time in Kazakhstan we have learned about some interesting customsthat we wanted to share. The info below may not be 100% correct, but this is what we understand from our translators. If you know of something not correct – let us know…we’d love to know the true customs!


Name Meanings –In the US, we tend to pick cute, trendy names that we like for first names and typically middle names are family names passed down somehow or in memory of. In Kazakhstan, they choose names based on the name meaning. It doesn’t matter if it’s a cute name or a family name, what matters is what the name means/represents.

First/Middle Names - A person’s second name/middle name in Kazakhstan is always from their father’s name. For example, my name would be Cortney Franklin Stone. In the US, middle names are typically family names or names that represent something special. In Kaz, when addressing someone with respect, it is proper to say their first and second names. If I were a teacher here, the students would call me Cortney Franklin; not Mrs. Stone like we would do in the US.

Weddings/Memorial Park – Here in Pavlodar there is a Memorial Park that was created to remember World War II. On the day of your wedding, you would go to this Memorial Park and lay flowers and pay your respect to all those that sacrificed.

Cemeteries – There is an old cemetery near our apartment and this is what we have learned about it so far. The headstones in it are metal, not stone. Also, on most headstones there is a framed portrait of the person who is laid to rest there; eerie and interesting all at the same time. Also, several of the graves are fenced off individually with small gates. For a few days after people are laid to rest, the gates to these fences are left open so that their souls can still leave the grave. After a few days, it is time for the soul to rest with the body, so the family will close the gate. Also, Kazakh women do not attend funerals but they go to the cemetery the next day. Kazakh funerals are only attended by men.

Dress Code – I’ve always thought this, but I realize it more than ever here. America is casual. Most people here are dressed up when out in public. There are no Juicy velour suits and slippers at the supermarket. Most women wear high heeled boots with skirts, dresses and pants; all the time.

Smaller Portion Sizes – At restaurants, portion size is much smaller than in America. We’ve also noticed that on some menus it gives the price and weight of each item.

Transportation – People walk everywhere and take the stairs everywhere. There are some buildings with elevators, but for the most part everyone takes the stairs. There is public transportation in the cities, buses, trams and trains. Most women do not drive and men constantly complain about those women that do. Need groceries? Walk to the market. Need to go to work? Walk to work. Need to go shopping? Walk to the store. Get the picture??

Credit Cards – Most places take credit cards, but most people do not have them. They pay for everything in cash. If you’d like to get a TV, you save up until you have the money and then go to the store and buy it with cash. This is something that is so foreign to me. I can’t even imagine someone walking into Best Buy trying to buy a $2000 TV with cash. It would look fishy! Our translator told us that she doesn’t even know anyone that has a credit card! On the other hand, if this were the norm in the US, there would be so much less credit card debt…what would happen to the economy then?!?!

Tips – Tips in Kazakhstan are included in the price. This goes for restaurants and taxi rides.