Kazakhstan is set to introduce new state awards for cultural figures, following a decision by President Qasym-Jomart Toqaev, as reported by infohub.kz.
The head of state has added the medal "Shamshi Kaldayakov" and the honorary title "Honored Artist of Kazakhstan" to the list of state awards. This was announced by Aibek Smadiyarov, adviser and press secretary to the president, on his Telegram channel.
"Culture and art are the unshakable foundation of our national identity," Smadiyarov wrote.
He also noted that the new Constitution enshrines support for national culture at the highest legal level. "Therefore, in the new Constitution, comprehensive support for national culture is enshrined at the highest legal level as a fundamental principle of the state," the press secretary's post reads.
The new awards are intended for Kazakh citizens who have made significant contributions to the development of national culture. "These honorary awards will be presented to citizens who have made a great contribution to the development of national culture, including in the fields of music and fine arts," Smadiyarov emphasized.