The Kazakh wedding ritual of Betashar has been officially recognized by UNESCO as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This inclusion highlights the enduring beauty and cultural significance of Kazakhstan’s ancient traditions. In this article, we explore the Betashar ritual, other celebrated customs, and the challenges posed by certain archaic practices in modern times.

Betashar: Revealing the Bride’s Face

During the UNESCO Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage meeting in Asunción, Paraguay, Betashar was officially added to the list of intangible cultural heritage. State Counselor Yerlan Karin announced the decision, which underscores Kazakhstan’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural legacy.

Kazakhstan ratified UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011, pledging to protect and promote cultural traditions. Today, 13 Kazakh practices are on UNESCO’s list, including kiiz үi (yurt), kүi (instrumental music), aitys (improvised poetry duels), Nauryz (spring festival), kүres (wrestling), and togyzkymalak (a traditional board game).

Betashar—literally “revealing the face”—is a wedding rite introducing the bride to her husband’s family. Historically, the bride spent three days secluded with the women of her community before being ceremonially presented to her new family. Her face, hidden under a large cloth, was uncovered in front of the gathered relatives while a zhirshy (singer-improviser) performed the betashar zhyry, a song introducing the family members. In return, they pledged gifts to the couple. The ritual concluded with the bride serving tea to her in-laws. While modern weddings often simplify Betashar, its symbolic meaning remains deeply cherished.

Preserving Other Traditions

Another ritual presented to UNESCO is Salburyn, an ancient hunting custom. Hunters once gathered on horseback for multi-day expeditions, accompanied by falcons and hounds. These hunts began with feasts and competitions, emphasizing camaraderie and skill. Today, while hunting is less necessary, Salburyn is celebrated as part of cultural events, such as during the Nauryz festivities in Kyzylorda region.

The custom of Tusau Kesu—cutting a child’s “fetters”—is a joyous milestone in Kazakh culture. When a child begins to walk, their legs are symbolically tied with a colorful string, which is then cut by a respected relative. The ceremony includes laying out a symbolic “white path” (ak zhol), representing a prosperous future. Items such as money, a whip, a dombra, or a book are placed along the path to hint at the child’s potential destiny.

Addressing Harmful Practices

Not all traditions are compatible with contemporary values or legal norms. Bride kidnapping, an archaic practice still occurring in some regions, has drawn criticism and calls for stricter legal measures.

Mazhilis deputy Murat Abenov recently urged tougher penalties for bride abduction, highlighting gaps in the Criminal Code that leave many cases unresolved. “Many victims are coerced into claiming they went voluntarily,” Abenov explained, citing examples where cultural products like songs and videos romanticize the practice. Despite its criminalization after the October Revolution, the issue persists.

In 2023, there were 13 officially recorded cases of bride abduction, though Abenov believes the real figure is higher due to underreporting. He called for a dedicated Criminal Code article addressing the issue, a proposal supported by Mazhilis Speaker Yerlan Koshanov.