Shymkent, December 16, 2025. In Shymkent, Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan was marked through official and socially oriented events held to commemorate the 34th anniversary of the adoption of the law on state independence in 1991. The date was declared a public holiday, and most government institutions and organizations in the city operated on a duty or shortened schedule, allowing residents to spend the day with their families and take part in holiday-related activities.
The central event of the day in Shymkent was a social initiative in the housing sector: Mayor Gabit Syzdykbekov presented keys to new apartments to 20 families who had previously lived in the “Zelyonaya Balka” area and were relocated to modern, well-equipped residential buildings as part of the city’s urban modernization program. The new housing units were provided with full engineering utilities and essential social infrastructure, which, according to the city administration, aims to improve residents’ quality of life and systematically address the issue of outdated housing.
In the days leading up to Independence Day, Shymkent hosted thematic cultural events and concert programs involving creative groups, youth organizations, and cultural institutions, with a particular focus on patriotic education and reflecting on the historical significance of the country’s independence. At the national level, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed citizens with an official congratulatory message, emphasizing the fundamental role of independence in shaping modern Kazakh statehood, underlining the importance of social unity, and outlining key priorities for the country’s socio-economic development. An additional symbolic fact of the holiday was reported by medical institutions, which announced that 725 children were born across Kazakhstan on December 16, 2025, a figure widely perceived by the public as a sign of the country’s continuity and stable future. Overall, the 2025 celebration of Independence Day in Shymkent took place in a restrained, official, and socially focused format, reflecting the state significance of the date and an emphasis on practical measures aimed at improving public welfare.
