Republic of Kazakhstan the 35th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Declaration on State Sovereignty

Factsheet on the Republic Day and the

35th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Declaration on State Sovereignty

Date of Celebration: October 25
Status: National Holiday of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Foundation: Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic (KazSSR), adopted on October 25, 1990
Established: By the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Kazakhstan on October 18, 1995
Reinstated: By the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Holidays in the Republic of Kazakhstan” dated September 29, 2022

1. Historical Background

In the late 1980s, the Soviet Union underwent large-scale transformation known as perestroika, which led to the rise of national consciousness in the union republics. Many republics aspired to political and economic independence as well as the recognition of their cultural and linguistic identity.
Amidst this political environment, the Supreme Council of the Kazakh SSR decided to draft a document that would legally affirm the Kazakh people’s right to sovereignty, self-governance, and an independent legal system.
Thus, on October 25, 1990, the Declaration “On the State Sovereignty of the Kazakh SSR” was adopted – marking a crucial milestone in Kazakhstan’s path toward independence.

2. Historical Significance of the Declaration

This year, Kazakhstan celebrates the 35th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on State Sovereignty.
The Declaration opened new horizons for the republic, granting it the status of an independent participant in international relations. It allowed the state to determine its foreign policy course based on its own national interests and to independently regulate issues related to foreign economic activities.
This document became a foundational act that established Kazakhstan’s political, economic, and cultural independence within the framework of the USSR.
The Declaration on State Sovereignty stipulated that the Constitution of the Kazakh SSR and local laws held supreme authority within the territory of Kazakhstan. It also affirmed the right to suspend the application of acts of the USSR that violated the sovereign rights of the republic.
The Declaration of October 25, 1990, proclaimed the indivisibility and inviolability of Kazakhstan’s territory, and recognized the country as a subject of international law.
The Declaration affirmed the republic’s exclusive ownership of all natural resources, economic, and scientific-technical potential, which opened the way for Kazakhstan to pursue an independent economic policy.
For the first time in Kazakhstan’s history, this document rejected the class-based approach to defining the social foundation of the state. Instead, it proclaimed the national character of statehood.
The Declaration became a key legislative act that laid the foundation for the development of the country’s state and legal system toward full national independence.
Its historical significance lies in the fact that it gave real meaning to the concept of state sovereignty of the Republic, reminded the nation of Kazakhstan’s centuries-old tradition of statehood, emphasized the principle of territorial integrity, and proclaimed the separation of powers as the cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s functioning as a democratic and rule-of-law state.

3. Key Provisions of the Declaration

People and Power
For the first time, the people of Kazakhstan were declared the sole source of state power.
The nation determines its political structure, system of governance, economy, and social development independently.
Supremacy of Law
The laws of the Kazakh SSR were declared the highest legal authority within the republic.
Union laws and decisions were to take effect only after approval by the Supreme Council of the Kazakh SSR.
This represented a key legal step toward political autonomy.
State Territory
The territory of the Kazakh SSR was declared indivisible and inalienable.
Any encroachment on the territorial integrity of the republic was considered a violation of its sovereignty.
Economic Independence
The republic obtained full ownership of natural resources (land, subsoil, water, air, flora, and fauna).
The right to establish its own budget, tax system, and financial institutions was guaranteed.
The concept of “property of the Kazakh SSR” was introduced, encompassing state, cooperative, and private ownership.
Citizenship
The Declaration introduced citizenship of the Kazakh SSR, while maintaining union citizenship – marking the birth of the concept of Kazakhstani citizenship.
National Culture and Language
The revival of the Kazakh language, culture, and spiritual heritage was proclaimed a national priority.
The Kazakh language was designated as the state language, while Russian retained the status of a language of interethnic communication.
International Relations
The republic gained the right to establish foreign economic and cultural relations, participate in international organizations, and sign agreements with other countries.
Army and Security
The Kazakh SSR declared its right to establish its own armed forces to protect sovereignty and maintain public order.
Thus, the Declaration became a fundamental political and legal document that laid the foundation for modern independent Kazakhstan.

4. From Sovereignty to Independence

In December 1991, Kazakhstan witnessed events of great significance for the country’s future development. On December 1, the first nationwide presidential election was held, and on December 10, the Law “On Amending the Name of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic” was adopted, officially approving the new name – the Republic of Kazakhstan.
On December 16 of the same year, the Law “On the State Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan” proclaimed the country an independent state with its own system of government bodies, independent economic system, armed forces, and single citizenship.
The proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan became a turning point in the history of the Kazakh people. Kazakhstan became a full-fledged member of the international community.
From that moment, a new era began in Kazakhstan’s history — an era of independent development, which made it possible to fully realize the interests of the peoples inhabiting our country.

5. Establishment and Development of the Holiday

1995 – By the decree of the First President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, the Republic Day was established as a national holiday.
2001 – The holiday received the status of a state holiday and became an official day off.
2009 – As part of the holiday calendar reform, Republic Day was removed from the list of official state holidays, but remained a commemorative date.
September 29, 2022 – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed amendments to the Law “On Holidays in the Republic of Kazakhstan”, by which Republic Day was reinstated and once again declared a national holiday.
The President emphasized that this holiday should symbolize the origins of Kazakhstan’s statehood and independence, and strengthen the spirit of patriotism and national unity.

6. The Contemporary Significance of the Holiday

After its reinstatement in 2022, the Republic Day of Kazakhstan has become one of the key symbols of statehood. It marks not merely a date, but a milestone in the historical self-determination of the nation, reminding citizens of the beginning of a new national identity.
Three and a half decades after the adoption of the Declaration on State Sovereignty, the principles enshrined in its seventeen provisions have not lost their relevance – they continue to serve as the fundamental principles for the ongoing development of the state and society.
Among these principles are:
• Affirmation of the values of independence, unity, and civic responsibility;
• Fostering patriotism among the younger generation;
• Recognizing the contribution of public figures, scholars, writers, and politicians who played a role in strengthening sovereignty;
• Consolidating society around the ideals of stability and prosperity.
Nation-building in Kazakhstan continues, reflected in comprehensive reforms and modernization processes that encompass all spheres of public life.
The modern embodiment of the spirit and letter of the Declaration on State Sovereignty is Kazakhstan’s steadfast commitment to building a just, strong, and secure state.

7. Forms of Celebration

In Kazakhstan and abroad, the celebrations include:
• Official ceremonies and concerts attended by government officials;
• Patriotic campaigns and flash mobs promoting national pride and unity;
• Cultural festivals and exhibitions dedicated to national history, Kazakh culture, and state symbols;
• Scientific conferences and lectures highlighting the history of the Declaration and its legal significance;
• Receptions at Kazakh embassies abroad, featuring presentations on the country’s modern achievements, cultural programs, and national traditions;
• Award ceremonies honoring public servants, community leaders, and philanthropists who have contributed to the nation’s development.

8. Quotations

“The Declaration of State Sovereignty of Kazakhstan opened the way to our sacred Independence. Therefore, this document is of historic significance. Since this year, we are celebrating the Republic Day in a new way, this day has received the status of a national holiday. I am confident that this endeavor will be widely supported in our society and will become a good tradition.”
– Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
From the congratulatory speech by the Head of State, published on the official website akorda.kz, October 25, 2022, Astana. (unofficial translation)

“Republic Day stands as a majestic symbol of the fulfillment of our people’s centuries-old dream of Independence. This holiday reminds us that through unity and solidarity, our nation has always overcome any challenges and trials. Following the legacy of our ancestors, we continue to preserve and strengthen national unity, honoring and safeguarding our sovereignty with deep reverence.”
– Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan»
From the congratulatory speech by the Head of State, published on the official website akorda.kz, October 25, 2023, Astana. (unofficial translation)