Military cadets explore ancient war instruments at Kazakhstan's Arts Museum

Military cadets explore ancient war instruments at Kazakhstan's Arts Museum

Alex Duffy
Alex Duffy
2 Min.
Group of people in military uniforms playing brass and woodwind instruments with sheet music stands in front of them, set against a curtained wall.

Military cadets explore ancient war instruments at Kazakhstan's Arts Museum

Cadets from the Sagadat Nurmagambetov Military College recently attended an educational event at the capital’s Museum of Arts. The programme was designed to deepen their understanding of military history through music and cultural traditions. The exhibition showcased rare and reconstructed musical instruments, some of which had been used in past military campaigns. Among the highlights was the kernay, an ancient wind instrument with roots in Turkic culture. This instrument once played a key role in battle, relaying commands, rallying soldiers, and marking important ceremonies.

Also on display were *zhorytty*, instruments tied to historical warfare. Experts demonstrated how these tools functioned and explained their cultural importance. Performances on the instruments brought the past to life, illustrating their place in both military and musical heritage. The event aimed to strengthen the cadets’ sense of patriotism while broadening their knowledge of history. By linking military traditions with cultural practices, organisers hoped to instil a deeper respect for the nation’s values and legacy.

The experience gave the young cadets a clearer picture of how music and warfare have long been intertwined. Through hands-on learning and expert guidance, they gained insight into traditions that shaped their country’s identity. The programme reinforced the idea that history and culture remain vital to modern military service.