Kazakhstan and Oman: Two nations inspired to greatness by their cultural heritage
The Sultanate of Oman, in the Arabian Gulf, and the Central Asian nation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, have much more in common than one would think, being so far apart. Both are majority Islamic nations, proud of, and intensely protective of their religion. Both have two official languages, here Arabic and English are the two languages, while there Kazakh and Russian are the two, though only Kazakh may be spoken in cabinet, thus paving the way for total change eventually.
Kazakhstan, in many ways is a nation whose progress also mirrors that of Oman, in that, inspired by one man’s leadership it has embarked on a program of modernization personally instigated by that leader. In Oman, of course, it was the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who for almost fifty years relentlessly drove the renaissance of this jewel of Arabia. In Kazakhstan, it has been its former first President Nursultan Nazarbayev, a leading political light in Kazakhstan since 1984 who has ceaselessly promoted independence, identity, and progress, only relinquishing a post he first assumed in 1990, leading his nation to independence in 1991, in March 2019.
The Embassy of the Republic of
Kazakhstan in the Sultanate of Oman recently announced that Nazarbayev’s blueprint for the future ‘Rukhani Jangyru,’ has been further developed following an established vision of strategic objectives aimed at establishing his country’s global identity, clear pathways for his nation’s youth in commerce, science, academic and artistic development and achievement, again, in much the same manner as Oman has sought to develop its youth.
Ideological, political and economic compromises may have been forced upon both nations by global events, and certainly both are heavily reliant upon their oil and gas resources. Again though, similarities have emerged in sports and activity tourism, and the Kazakh Astana Cycling Team for many years dominating cycling globally, much as Oman Sail has dominated the Extreme Yacht Racing.
Educational reform is a key element of both nation’s futures, with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq adamant that the future of the Sultanate lies with its youth, saying, “The youth are our nation’s wealth, they are our present and future, …… and the government will focus on modernizing the education system,” and Nazarbayev writing, “For many years we have been mothballed in the framework of one way of teaching, and one world view,” so will focus on bringing the world’s best textbooks to Kazakhstan’s education systems.
Kazakhstan then, it appears, apart from its winter snows, skifields, massive grain industry, and apple trees, shares the very hot summer temperatures, amazing geographical features, simple, friendly natures, and an enhanced global profile across the last half century. But best of all, both nations strongly value their cultural heritage, and will work to continue to develop a custodial responsibility of these for future generations.
The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Oman, HE Mr Najmedin Muhametali, emphasized their diplomatic ties, saying that “Kazakhstan and Oman are two friendly countries, which are gradually developing their relationship on the base of mutual interests and principles of prosperity and respect. This year on the 27th of April, Kazakhstan and Oman will celebrate the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations with the promising perspective for the development of cooperation in various political, economic as well as cultural spheres.”
Mind you, what more should be expected of two nations who share the history and deep philosophical ideals of the ancient, much revered scholar and polymath, Abu Nasr Muhammad Ibn Muhammad al Farabi, usually known simply as ‘Al Farabi,’ who had this pearl of wisdom attributed to him: “In order to love each other humans should learn and respect each other’s language, religions, traditions and thinking.” It appears both nations seek little more of others.