What does a dombra sound like? What is behind Kazakh tea culture? And what is it like to paint a traditional yurt or test your skills at the game of Assyk? Answers to these and many other questions will be provided on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, at Hof University of Applied Sciences. The university’s International Office invites you to a cultural evening starting at 6:00 p.m., where Kazakh students will introduce their home country and bring Kazakhstan to life through all the senses.
Kazakhstan combines modern cities with centuries-old traditions and a culture deeply shaped by the history of nomadic peoples. During the cultural evening, Kazakh students and staff will share personal insights into their home country and discuss cultural peculiarities and their daily lives. Following a welcome address by the president of Hof University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Jürgen Lehmann, the students will present various facets of Kazakhstan in short talks in German. These talks will focus not only on facts and traditions, but above all on personal experiences and impressions.
Experience Kazakhstan with All Your Senses
Starting at 7:00 p.m., visitors can get hands-on and learn about Kazakh culture through various workshops. Those who wish can paint a traditional yurt—the typical nomadic tent—immerse themselves in the unique world of Kazakh tea culture, or test their skills at the classic game of Assyk. There’s also plenty to discover on the culinary front: Kazakh specialties invite you to experience the country’s diversity through taste. International and Kazakh students will guide the activities in German and English and will be available to answer questions and engage in conversation.
Traditional Sounds of the Steppe
A special highlight of the evening begins at 8:30 p.m., when the traditional dombra takes center stage. This distinctive Kazakh string instrument is closely tied to the country’s culture. Authentic Kazakh songs will be performed to accompany the music. The music tells stories of history, tradition, and life in Kazakhstan, offering a direct window into a culture that is likely still largely unknown to many visitors.
Invitation to Hof and the Region
The cultural evening is open to anyone interested from Hof and the surrounding area. Among those welcome are students, alumni, business representatives, and anyone who would like to get to know Kazakhstan from a personal and cultural perspective.
The event is organized and funded as part of the FIT project “International Students Successfully Entering the German Labor Market.”
Admission is free.
