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Tengrinews.kz - Every year on April 15, Kazakhstan celebrates one of its most romantic and symbolic holidays – the national Day of Love, inspired by the epic of Kozy-Korpesh and Bayan-Sulu. While it is often seen as a Kazakhstani counterpart to Valentine’s Day, the cultural and historical significance of this holiday runs much deeper.
The legend of Kozy-Korpesh and Bayan-Sulu
The love story of Kozy-Korpesh and Bayan-Sulu originates from the centuries-old Kazakh oral epic tradition. More than just a beautiful tale, it is a tragedy reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, reflecting national ideals of loyalty, honor, and devotion.
According to legend, two friends, Sarybai and Karabai, vowed that if one had a son and the other a daughter, their children would marry. That’s exactly what happened – Sarybai had a son named Kozy, and Karabai had a daughter named Bayan. However, Karabai later broke his promise and decided to marry Bayan off to another man – the warrior Kodar. This betrayal marked the beginning of a tragic chain of events. Despite the obstacles and dangers, Bayan remained loyal to Kozy and ultimately died rather than accept separation. Kodar, in turn, faced a brutal end for his betrayal.
This tragic love story became a symbol of pure, sincere, and true feelings. Since 2011, Kazakhstan has celebrated Kozy-Korpesh and Bayan-Sulu Day as its own national Day of Love.
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Why the holiday matters today
Kozy-Korpesh and Bayan-Sulu Day is more than just a celebration of love – it is a reminder of timeless values that have been cherished for generations: love, loyalty, honor, and moral responsibility.
In recent years, the holiday has grown in popularity among young people. It is now marked not only by romantic gestures but also through cultural events, poetry readings, theater performances, and social media flash mobs. It also serves as an opportunity to reconnect with national folklore and values.
Historian Saltanat Asanova previously told Tengrinews.kz that this is not a traditional Kazakh holiday.
"In Kazakh traditional culture, more emphasis was placed on the idea of marital love – the long-term sharing of hardships, overcoming obstacles, raising children, and supporting the older generation," she explained.
To find out how people across Kazakhstan perceive April 15, Tengrinews.kz spoke with residents of various cities. Opinions varied, but many found personal meaning in the day.
Sabina from Astana said the day would pass quietly for her.
"My husband will give me flowers before dinner after work, and that’ll be it. It’s a regular weekday, we’ll both be tired, so there won’t be any big celebration. Maybe we’ll plan something special for the weekend," she said.
Erkebulan from Shymkent reflected on the holiday in the context of reviving national traditions.
"We don’t really celebrate it, but interest in Kazakh holidays is definitely growing. Back in Soviet times, dates like this weren’t observed. I think April 15 could become a popular national Day of Love – maybe even replace Valentine’s Day. But really, love doesn’t need a specific day. You should make your wife happy regularly. That’s how I see it," he said.
Aiganym from Atyrau said now wasn’t the time for celebrations.
"We’re saving money right now, getting ready for our wedding and renovating our new apartment. So we’ll mark the day in a simple way – go on a date and exchange small gifts," she shared.
Diana, a third-year university student from Almaty, shared her personal perspective.
"For me, April 15 is a chance to remind my boyfriend how much he means to me. We always try to watch a short video or read a passage about Kozy-Korpesh and Bayan-Sulu on this day. It’s part of our culture, not just a holiday with hearts," she said.
Ruslan from Kostanay said he only learned about the holiday a few years ago.
"To be honest, I only heard about it recently. But I really like the idea – we have our own love story that’s just as powerful as any European one. The main thing is not to let it turn into just another commercial event, or it’ll lose its meaning," he noted.
Though relatively new, the holiday is gradually developing its own traditions and becoming a source of inspiration for young people. More and more couples now choose this date for marriage proposals, engagements, or even weddings. This gives the celebration a special sense of sincerity and warmth, especially within the context of national traditions.
