Kazakh Student Association Debuts at ASU’s 1001 Nights
The Kazakh Student Association showcased Kazakhstan’s rich culture and student-led spirit at Arizona State University’s largest cultural event.
Members of the Kazakh Student Association, wearing custom-designed KSA t-shirts pose in front of their cultural booth at the 1001 Nights Festival on April 11, 2025, at Arizona State University’s East Field.
On April 11, 2025, Arizona State University’s East Field came alive with color, music and tradition as over 4,000 attendees gathered for 1001 Nights, the university’s largest student-led cultural event. Hosted by The MENA Students Union, also known as SADIK, the celebration featured live performances, food vendors, cultural exhibits and a dazzling drone show. More than 30 student organizations participated, showcasing the diverse cultures of the Middle East, North Africa and neighboring regions.
For the first time in the festival’s four-year history, Kazakhstan had a presence at the festival. The newly founded Kazakh Student Association (KSA), representing more than 100 Kazakh students on campus, made its official debut, offering a cultural table that highlighted national traditions, history and student pride.
The booth included traditional clothing, handcrafted jewelry, a dombyra (two-stringed instrument) and large visual panels featuring Kazakh cuisine, yurts and the national flag. Local Kazakh families in Arizona contributed many of the items.
“We owe a huge thank you to our elders who assisted us in gathering items,” said Asanali Serikbekov, a sophomore and KSA’s co-founder and vice president. “Thanks to their guidance, we were able to bring elements displaying aspects of our culture that are not as readily found here in the USA.”
Participants of KSA’s “Nomad Mind” trivia night gather for a group photo earlier this month. The event brought together 40 students for an evening of Kazakh-themed questions, snacks and prizes in a fun and welcoming atmosphere.
The event also marked the launch of KSA’s first-ever student-designed merchandise, which included T-shirts and other apparel featuring Kazakh motifs and language. The designs aimed to inspire cultural pride and invite curiosity from festivalgoers.
“We are particularly happy about this!” said Asker Dursunov, a senior and president of KSA.
Preparation for the event took weeks of planning and coordination. KSA secured $1,500 in funding from ASU’s student support system and collaborated with other clubs, receiving design assistance from peers to bring their booth to life.
Since registering as a group in January, KSA has organized five cultural and community events. These included a February welcome gathering that drew 55 attendees, an interfaith Iftar in March, a Nowruz celebration with Central Asian, Turkish and American students, a cultural trivia night, and collaborations with other international organizations.
During 1001 Nights, many international students expressed interest in Kazakhstan, though awareness remains limited among the wider student body.
“A lot of people, especially from the Middle East, are interested in visiting Kazakhstan and praise our culture,” Dursunov said, before adding how many students at “ASU still don’t know much about our country. They know it exists somewhere in Central Asia—and that’s pretty much it. This shows there’s still a lot of room for cultural exchange and awareness.”
For KSA members, the organization has become more than just a student club—it’s a cultural anchor and support network.
“Second home away from home,” said Zhamilya Batrymbet, a freshman and KSA executive board member. “I can celebrate my roots, speak my language and share laughs with people who understand without needing an explanation.”
Batrymbet hopes others will look beyond the surface to understand the depth of Kazakh culture.
“It’s not just about traditional clothes or food,” she said. “It’s about deep values like respect for elders, hospitality, and connection with nature and history.”
The buzz surrounding KSA’s booth reflected a growing curiosity. Students stopped to try on garments, ask questions and learn about customs from a country they had only vaguely heard of.
“It’s not just about traditional clothes or food,” she said. “It’s about deep values like respect for elders, hospitality, and connection with nature and history.”Zhamilya Batrymbet, KSA executive board member
Looking ahead, KSA plans to expand its efforts through more cultural events open to the broader campus, partnerships with international student clubs, and outreach to local high schools and student networks.
From traditional instruments and student-designed merchandise to community dinners and festivals, the Kazakh Student Association has already made its mark at ASU. Their participation in 1001 Nights proved to be more than just a debut—it demonstrated a confident step toward ongoing cultural exchange and visibility.