Today Kazakhstan is celebrating its national holiday – Republic Day. Thirty-six years ago, the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Kazakh SSR was adopted. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.

That document opened the way for the country to independently determine its domestic and foreign policy, form government bodies and the legislative system, and, most importantly, to independence.

From sovereignty to independence

The draft Declaration, adopted on October 25, 1990, was prepared by a group of Kazakh legal scholars led by Salyk Zimanov. It outlined the foundations of independent statehood, the revival and development of the country's own culture, traditions and language, and the strengthening of national dignity.

For example, Article 8 of the Declaration for the first time established the supremacy of the Constitution and laws of the Kazakh SSR on the territory of the republic. This meant that if union acts contradicted the republic's Constitution or infringed on its sovereign rights, the Republic had the right to suspend their application. Thus, a legal mechanism was created to protect national legislation from external interference.

The Declaration of Sovereignty is considered an important document that paved the way for Kazakhstan's independence. On its basis, independence was proclaimed.

Why Republic Day stopped being celebrated

After Kazakhstan became an independent state, Republic Day was celebrated annually on October 25. Although it was first declared a "national holiday" on October 18, 1995, greater priority was given to Independence Day. Then, in 2001, Republic Day lost its national status and moved into the category of "public holidays." And in April 2009, it was removed from the list of holidays altogether.

In 2022, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed restoring Republic Day. An initiative was put forward not only to give it the status of a "national holiday" but also to celebrate it as Kazakhstan's main holiday. Thus, Republic Day, which had not been celebrated for more than ten years, was revived. In 2022, the people of Kazakhstan celebrated Republic Day on a grand scale for the first time in many years. Today, Republic Day is the only national holiday in the country.

Tokayev's position

Currently, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev always holds a ceremonial meeting on the eve of Republic Day. This time too, the president particularly emphasized the importance of the holiday.

"This is a holiday of special significance and sacred for our entire people! On October 25, a fateful document was adopted – the Declaration of Sovereignty of Kazakhstan. That very day began a new stage in the chronicle of the nation. Historical justice was restored, and the golden stake of Independence was driven into the sacred Kazakh land. Therefore, it would not be an exaggeration to say that this day is the day when the tradition of statehood in the Great Steppe was revived," Tokayev said.

According to the president, Republic Day is a unique holiday that unites our entire people and has a nationwide character.

"Sovereignty and Independence are our most precious treasure, our noblest value! Therefore, strengthening our statehood and consolidating the foundation of our country is the sacred duty of each of us. We achieved sovereignty thanks to the strong will and unyielding spirit of our ancestors. Our people will always keep in memory the names of the heroes who fell for Independence and the individuals who selflessly fought for freedom," the head of state emphasized.

This year, according to tradition, a group of citizens was awarded state decorations at the Akorda in honor of Republic Day.

How the national holiday is celebrated

Various festive events are organized across the republic. Concert programs, festivals, flash mobs, and competitions in national sports are held in the regions. This year the national holiday falls on Sunday. In this regard, an additional day off is granted on Monday.