Karaganda RURL

On the third of June English speaking club participants discussed the topic

"Мемлекеттік рәміздер - ұлттық мақтаныш". "Символы независимости Казахстана". "State Symbols of Kazakhstan"  English Language Fellow - Ben Taylor was the moderator of the event.

June 4th has been celebrated as the Day of state symbols of the Republic of Kazakhstan since 2007 in accordance with the decree of the first President Nursultan Nazarbayev. In 1992, the new state symbols of independent Kazakhstan were first approved. These symbols have great significance in the country as tokens of nationhood and independence.

The blue flag, designed by Shaken Niyazbekov, reflects the pure sky and represents peace and prosperity. The sun on the flag is a representation of life, energy and openness; the soaring steppe eagle illustrates the power and sovereignty of the state and its high aspirations. The vertical band with the national ornamental patterns and the national ornaments along the flagstaff represent the art and cultural traditions of the Kazakh people.

The authors of the state emblem are famous Kazakh architects Zhandarbek Malibekov and Shot-Aman Ualikhanov. The state emblem has the shape of a circle or wheel, a symbol of life and eternity that was especially valued among the nomads of the Great Steppes.

The image of shanyrak, the round closure at the top of a yurt, in the centre of the state emblem symbolises the peoples' common homeland. The horse stands for bravery; the wings, the dream of the multinational people of Kazakhstan to build a strong and prosperous nation. The star reflects the dream of building a state open to all countries of the world for cooperation and partnership. Its primary colour, gold, serves as a symbol of wealth, justice and magnanimity.

In the history of independent Kazakhstan, a national anthem as been adopted twice, in 1992 and in 2006. The latest version of the anthem, based on the patriotic song "Menyn Kazakhstanym" (My Kazakhstan) written in 1956 by Shamshi Kaldayakov and Zhumeken Nazhimedenov, is popular among the people. President Nursultan Nazarbayev has contributed to modifying the original lyrics of the song.

In 2012, President Nazarbayev signed the law, "On Amendments and Additions to Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the Issues of State Symbols." The purpose of the law is to strengthen responsibility for adhering to the legislation on state symbols.