Kazakh Yel - Eternal Nation

ASTANA. KAZINFORM The initiative of President Nursultan Nazarbayev to rename Kazakhstan as Kazakh Yel caused a heated discussion the countrywide. This issue sparked a lively discussion in social networks and among the rural people. They debate, voice diverse judgments and put forward proposals. Though, the greater part of the country's population shares the President's view.

"There's 'stan' at the end of our country's name as in other Central Asian states. At the same time, foreigners are showing interest in Mongolia with a two million population. We must consider such a name as Kazakh Yel (the Country of the Kazakhs) but we should discuss this with the people of Kazakhstan," Nursultan Nazarbayev stated at the meeting held in Atyrau.

According to some mass media, the proposal voiced in Atyrau was the first step to further development of the New Kazakhstan's Patriotism.

Back to our question "What will renaming give the country?" Renaming of the country is a widespread phenomenon in the contemporary world. For example, in the 20th century Persia became Iran, Siam turned into Thailand, Abyssinia changed its name to Ethiopia, Ceylon to Sir-Lanka, and Birma is known now as Myanmar. And the Romanians, for the reason that they are constantly confounded with the Gypsies and the Romans want to their country to be rendered as Dacia. The Czechs tend to maintain its ethnic name Bohemia. Until 2012 Hungary was originally known as the Republic of Hungary.

The Kazakh Yel is a historic name of Kazakhstan. As is known the name "Kazakhstan" appeared during the reign of Stalin. In other words, suffix "stan" was dictated to the country unwillingly. Besides, it is debatable that "stan" suffix will help break stereotypes reminding of the Soviet period. There has long been a stereotype in the outside world about Central Asia as a region of seven "stans" - Afghanistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan. However, all seven countries are seriously distinct from one another. It means that the renaming will benefit Kazakhstan. Some experts believe that the Kazakh Yel name will increase the global interest in our country. Probably, it will also boost inflow of tourists. It is crucial in the light of hosting the international specialized exhibition EXPO 2017 in Astana. Along with "stan" suffix we may get of rid of some negative moments at once.

Kazakh Yel is an integral part of the Mangilik Yel national idea, outlined by President Nazarbayev in his State-of-the-Nation Address. Therefore, the Mangilik Yel concept implies that the Kazakh people aspire to remain in history forever.