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Cultural Etiquette
Cultural Dos and Taboos
• Among Muslims, the traditional Muslim greeting is "A-salaam a-laykum" ("Peace be upon you"), to which the reply is "w-laykum o a-salaam" ("And upon you be peace"). Be sure to exchange greetings whenever meeting friends or strangers. For greetings in rural areas, it is polite to first ask about the health of the host's livestock and then ask about the host's health.
• Note that titles are preferable to first names, especially in the case of elders or superiors. Although Western culture tends to utilize more casual modalities of communication, adhering to a traditional and formal style of interaction, especially among elders, is advisable.
• One should be sure to stand up when a Kazakh elder enters the room. Elders always receive the utmost respect. It is important that the visitor to Kazakhstan show elders the same respect that their own countrymen give them. During dinner the most honored guest is usually the eldest and will be presented a boiled mutton's head.
• If one is invited to dinner, guest's whose parents are still alive must never carve into any meat dish. According to their traditions, an elder will slice meat for those who are too young, even if the "youngster" is sixty.
• Animal husbandry as well as nomadic customs and practices are key aspects of traditional Kazakh life, and in fact, are influenced by one another. For example, traditional curses and blessings may invoked disease or fecundity among animals, and good manners require that a person ask first about the health of a man's livestock when greeting him and only afterward inquire about the human aspects of his life.
• The traditional Kazak dwelling is the yurt, a tent consisting of a flexible framework of willow wood covered with felt. Yurts, when properly constructed, can be climate controlled for optimal coolness in the summer and maximized warmth in the winter. Generally, men enter the yurt from the right side while women enter from the left. Although they are used less frequently these days as a primary dwelling place, they are still considered to be a symbol of Kazakh identity. In this regard, demonstrators and hunger strikers erected yurts in front of the government building in Almaty during he demonstrations of 1993. Yurts are also frequently used for decorative purposes in restaurants and other public buildings.
• Because Islam was introduced to Kazakh culture in the 17th and 18th centuries, the religion was not fully assimilated until later, and along the way, it was integrated with indigenous shamanistic and animistic beliefs which prevail today. For example, tradition holds that separate spirits inhabit the earth, sky, water, and fire, as well as domestic animals. As such, honored guests in rural parts of the country are treated to a feast of freshly killed lamb. These guests are sometimes asked to bless the lamb and to ask its spirit for permission to partake of its flesh.
• Unlike other countries in the region, Kazakhstan's government does not mix religion with politics, and as a result, women's lifestyles are not as restricted as those found in other predominately Muslim countries. Nevertheless, one should respect the Muslim traditions inside mosques, including the removal of shoes. In addition, women are expected to cover their hair, shoulders and legs before entering a mosque.
• Normally, one should be prepared to remove one's shoes before entering a building or a home. Be sure not to walk on prayer mats, which will likely be present in Muslim households.
• One should use the right hand in preference to the left as the left hand is considered unclean among Muslims. Never take or give anything with the left hand. In particular, one should never eat with the left hand. This is a particularly important rule when people are eating from a common bowl or when eating with one's hands. In such cases, especially among Muslims, be sure to use the right hand, in keeping with Islamic protocol. Likewise, one should avoid gesturing with the left hand while making sure that gifts are received with the right hand. Of course, it is acceptable to use both hands when one is insufficient. One should also avoid pointing at another person, and one should never use the North American "thumbs up" gesture as is considered to be vulgar throughout the Muslim world.
• There are also a number of prohibitions and customs involving food that one should adhere to when dealing with Muslims. For example, one should note that the consumption of alcohol or pork is not allowed. Any gifts made using these substances are inappropriate.
• Generally, visitors are urged to acquaint themselves with the calendar and traditions of Islam, such as the fasting, daily prayer and practices. Praying five times daily, for example, is customary and affects the schedule of all events and practices in Muslim countries. During the period of Ramadan, for instance, fasting and prayer is mandatory for Muslims during this holy time.
• In the realm of protocol, one should not enter a room or home without knocking or coughing to announce one's presence. One should also not shout, laugh too loudly or sing during meal times. Note that it is appropriate to cover the mouth when laughing.
• In conversation, good topic choices include history, current or modern achievements, sports and culture. Generally, any controversial discussions about politics or religion should be avoided. Before embarking upon any kind of business discussion, one should ask after one's counterpart's health and life.
• If one is invited into a Kazakh home, it is customary to take a gift to the host or hostess. Baked goods, chocolates, or a bag of sweets, are good choices. More elaborate offerings, such as a beautiful ornament, possibly from one's own country, would constitute an acceptable gift between business associates.
• One should be aware that despite the fact that Kazakhstan is home to a large Muslim population, this is not a particularly conservative culture. Kazakhs are increasingly aware of popular culture on global scale and enjoy participating in popular cosmopolitan offerings such as international business, "Hollywood" entertainment, rock and pop music, and more Westernized dress. Indeed, Kazakhs appear to have developed a taste for American, Chinese and Turkish action movies, as well as old Soviet movies and Mexican soap operas on television.
• In rural areas, one's self-presentation should be restrained. Likewise, in Muslim circles, clothing should be appropriately discreet. In urban centers, business wear is typically more conventional; suits are the norm for both men and women, although some industries may allow more casual attire to be worn. Western women should try to be dignified in regard to makeup and jewelry. Tight, revealing clothing is not acceptable, while shorts, bikinis and short hems are objectionable. The rules for men's attire are not as strict, but men must keep their chest covered in public and should never wear shorts in public. Both men and women should dress modestly. There are, however, exceptions among the youthful, non-Muslim populations.
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