By John Dunkelgrün
When I was invited to cover the Eighth Congress of World and Traditional Religious Leaders in Astana, my initial reaction was, “Where?”
Like many in the West, my understanding of Kazakhstan was hazy at best; I had mistakenly believed that its capital was Almaty. Upon reviewing the Congress’s impressive mission statement, my next thought was, “Why there?”
If this event were truly significant, attracting leaders from numerous major religions, why was it taking place in such a remote location?
Kazakhstan’s ambassador, the affable Mr. Kairat Abdrakhmanov, offered clarity on this matter.
He explained that Kazakhstan is a melting pot of over 120 ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture and beliefs. While approximately 70% of the population is Muslim, the country prides itself on a spirit of tolerance and respects all religions. “
This philosophy not only promotes peaceful coexistence among diverse faiths but also sets the stage for meaningful dialogue at the Congress, reinforcing the importance of interfaith understanding in today’s world. Our government is secular. If you want to build a church or a synagogue, go ahead. We have learned to accept and respect the many cultures and religions within our borders. So, in the storm of Islamophobia following 9/11, it seemed the right thing to do to try to convince the world of our brand of tolerance.
I was surprised to discover that Astana is a remarkably modern city. What was once a sleepy outpost transformed dramatically when Nursultan Abishuly Nazarbayev, the first president of independent Kazakhstan, decided to move the capital there, citing Almaty’s vulnerability to earthquakes. He was president from 1991 to 2009 and named his new capital after himself, Nursultan Nazarbayev. Following his 28-year presidency, his successor, Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, later reverted the name to Astana.
Astana boasts many beautiful mosques, with the Grand Mosque standing out as the largest and most impressive. It is one of the largest in the world. The purposely designed capital features wide boulevards, meticulously landscaped parks, and a striking array of monumental buildings, as well as modern high-rises in a bewildering variety of styles. This thoughtful urban planning not only enhances the city’s aesthetic appeal but also reflects its aspirations as a symbol of modern Kazakhstan.
The people here are genuinely friendly and welcoming. On my first day, I was recovering from a long night flight, and the hotel kindly arranged a taxi for me to visit the local bazaar. I was captivated by the vibrant displays of fruits and vegetables, and I couldn’t believe the vast sections dedicated to smartphones and accessories. After enjoying the bazaar, I wanted to return to the hotel, but when I called the number the concierge had provided for a taxi, it didn’t work.
Not seeing any taxis nearby and feeling reluctant to hail one off the street anyway, I approached a policeman for assistance. He immediately called a colleague, who kindly drove me all the way back to the hotel. Before leaving, he even gave me his phone number in case I encountered any difficulties.
My first visit to Kazakhstan couldn’t have started in a more delightful way, thanks to the kindness of the people I encountered.
