About Qazaq Center
Founded in 2021, the Qazaq Community Center in Chicago is dedicated to preserving and promoting Qazaq culture among the younger generation of Qazaqs living in the United States. Recognizing the challenge that children face in learning about their heritage due to the absence of Qazaq language education in American schools, our center is committed to teaching the Qazaq language, history, and cultural traditions.
Our mission extends beyond classroom education; we aim to unite the Kazakh community in Chicago and the surrounding metropolitan area, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural pride. Since our inception, we have organized a variety of significant events, including the celebration of Nauryz, the Independence Day of the Qazaq Republic, picnics, movie screenings, language and chess classes, among other community gatherings.
The Nauryz celebration in 2023 marked a significant achievement for our center, as we brought together nearly 600 individuals under the traditional nomadic structure of a yurt, specially delivered for the occasion. This event featured a variety of performances, including a Dombyra show, that showcased the rich traditions of Nauryz.
Looking ahead, our dream is to secure a dedicated building for the Qazaq Community Center. This will allow us to expand our offerings, providing space for more simultaneous classes and enabling parents to entrust their children to us for extended periods. Join us in our journey to keep the Qazaq culture alive and thriving in the heart of Chicago.
Birindi, qazaq, birin dos,
Kormesen istin bari bos.
Our Mission
The mission of the Qazaq Community Center in Chicago is to preserve and promote the rich heritage of the Qazaq culture among Kazakh families living in the United States. Through dedicated efforts in education and community building, we aim to offer comprehensive learning opportunities in the Qazaq language, history, and traditions, ensuring the younger generation grows up with a strong connection to their cultural roots. Our commitment extends to uniting the Kazakh community in Chicago and its metropolitan area, fostering a sense of identity and communal support through a variety of cultural events and educational programs.
Our Vision
Our vision is to establish a vibrant, thriving Qazaq Community Center that serves as the heart of the Kazakh community in Chicago, offering a welcoming space for cultural exchange, learning, and celebration. We envision a future where every Kazakh individual in the region has access to the resources and support needed to explore and embrace their heritage. By securing a dedicated building for our center, we aim to expand our educational offerings, host more cultural events, and provide a nurturing environment where children and adults alike can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Qazaq culture. Through unity and shared purpose, we strive to keep our traditions alive for generations to come, ensuring a lasting legacy of cultural pride and communal solidarity.