Dombra Day Celebrated in the Heart of Europe

03 July 2026 00:39

Brussels, 3 July 2026. On the eve of National Dombra Day, the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Kingdom of Belgium hosted a special musical performance by the DOMBRAssadors ensemble, bringing together Embassy staff, members of the Kazakh diaspora, students, and Belgian friends of Kazakhstan.

The ensemble performed some of the most celebrated works of the Kazakh musical heritage, including Erke Sylkym, Alqissa, Ata Tolgauy, Balbyrauyn, and Sulu Kyz. A highlight of the concert was the captivating fusion of traditional Kazakh instruments—the dombra, zhetigen, sazsyrnai, shankobyz, kobyz, and dauylpaz—with European instruments such as the oboe, violin, and accordion. The performance offered a compelling demonstration of music's unique ability to transcend borders and bring together people of different cultures and generations.

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belgium Roman Vassilenko stated: "The dombra is the soul of our nation, carrying within it our history, identity, and the memory of generations. It is especially meaningful that, on the eve of National Dombra Day, its melodies resonate in the heart of Europe. Music speaks a universal language, and through the dombra we are honoured to share the richness of Kazakhstan's cultural heritage while strengthening the bonds of friendship between our peoples."

Earlier this year, two Kazakh Cultural Centres were established in Belgium, providing children and members of the Kazakh diaspora with opportunities to study the Kazakh language, learn to play the dombra, and discover Kazakhstan's traditional dances, customs, and cultural heritage. The centres play an important role in preserving national identity among the diaspora while promoting Kazakhstan's rich cultural legacy and fostering greater cultural understanding in Belgium.