Celebration of Qurban ayt in Shymkent

Shymkent, November 28, 2009 (Khabar) - Mosques of Southern Kazakhstan have gathered all believers for the festive praying. In the mosques of South Kazakhstan, different ethnic groups following the Islamic faith were praying in different languages following a traditional sacrifice. People of different nationalities made the sacrifice in Turkestan.

Khamzat Khabuyev, chairman, South Kazakhstan Regional Chechen-Ingush Culture Centre:
- May our Kazakhstan always be a prosperous country. May we always have a clear sky above our heads. May we be united with our inter-ethnic and inter-religious accord. I think that is what we are all going to ask the Almighty for today.

Qurban ayt is a bright holiday which embodies care for relatives and mercy for the needy. Four years ago, Qurban ayt and Orthodox Christmas were declared holidays in Kazakhstan so followers of others beliefs in Kazakhstan can celebrate it alongside the Muslims.

Liza Bayankulova, chairperson, “Intymak” Inter-ethnic culture centre:
- I would like to congratulate all the people of Kazakhstan on this wonderful holiday. Kazakhstan unites all nations into one. It proves we have mutual understanding and friendship so we can work for the good of our Kazakhstan.