Redmond—On April 20, 2025, the North American Kazakh Association hosted a vibrant celebration of Nauryz, the Turkic New Year, at Ella Baker Elementary School. The gathering brought together more than 250 guests for an afternoon of music, dance, cultural exchange, and traditional food.

One of the event’s highlights included a performance by youth dancers from the Azerbaijani community, who presented the festive “Bayram Rəqsi,” a traditional dance.

Also taking the stage was Azad Sesh, a Turkmen musician. His performance offered guests a melodic journey through the musical landscape of Turkmenistan.

In attendance were Nazira Nurbayeva, Consul General of Kazakhstan in San Francisco, and Gabit Seidulla, First Secretary of the Consulate General. Their presence underscored the significance of the event for the Kazakh diaspora and its role in fostering cultural diplomacy and community ties.

Another highlight was a performance by Anadolu Turkish Folk dancers, who energized the audience with their spirited renditions of traditional Turkish folkloric dances, showcasing the shared roots and rhythms of Turkic cultures.

Guests also enjoyed a rich spread of regional cuisine from Turkistan—commonly referred to as Central Asia—and participated in games like tug of war, which added to the celebratory and family-friendly atmosphere of the day.

The North American Kazakh Association’s Nauryz event served as a meaningful reminder of the cultural diversity and unity among Turkic communities in the Pacific Northwest.