Astana, December 16, 2025 – The Europe Today: Kazakhstan celebrates its Independence Day on December 16, marking one of the nation’s most significant national holidays, media reports said. The day commemorates the adoption of the Law “On the Independence and Sovereignty of the State,” which enshrined Kazakhstan’s right to pursue independent political, economic, and cultural development.
The law’s preamble emphasizes the priority of human rights and freedoms, as recognized by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other universally accepted norms of international law. It confirms the Kazakh nation’s right to self-determination and underscores the country’s commitment to building a rule-of-law state, pursuing a peaceful foreign policy, and adhering to nuclear nonproliferation principles.
The proclamation of independence marked the beginning of Kazakhstan’s modern history, enabling the country to independently shape its state institutions, develop its economy and culture, and conduct foreign policy on the international stage.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has repeatedly highlighted that independence is a fundamental value requiring constant strengthening and shared responsibility between the state and society, noting that its preservation is closely linked to national unity and institutional resilience.
December 16 is also a day of remembrance for the tragic events of December 1986 in Almaty, when Kazakh youth protested against decisions of the Soviet leadership—events that have since become a symbol of the nation’s aspiration for dignity and independence.
In honor of Independence Day, the Astana akimat has announced a series of cultural, educational, and sports events. These include the Astana Open Archery Cup hosted by the Archer Club and the staging of the play “Saigulik” at the State Drama and Comedy Theatre named after Azerbaijan Mambetov.
