Kazakhstan's 'sarkyt' tradition sparks online debate

A common practice in Kazakhstan, known as 'sarkyt,' which involves hosts giving guests leftover food and even remaining items from a table, has become the subject of a lively online discussion. The debate was ignited by a social media post from a woman who questioned the tradition, particularly when hosts have young children and limited resources.

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Maybe it’s time to gradually move away from this tradition? The hostess has four children, including a newborn. If there is food left over that could easily sit in the fridge for another day or two, why not leave it for the family?

She observed a hostess preparing bags of leftovers for guests after a meal for 12, including a newborn. The author wondered why food that could be saved for the family's consumption wasn't kept, suggesting the tradition might be taken to an extreme. "Guests are given everything – down to the last candy and raisin. And the next day, the hosts are shopping again for the next set of guests," she wrote, emphasizing that hospitality should primarily focus on welcoming guests warmly.

Opinions were sharply divided among Kazakh internet users. Many supported the author's view, citing rising food prices and the pressure to give away everything, which can turn a gesture of generosity into an obligation. "In the past, our mothers would bring home a couple of candies from a visit – and that was it. Now it’s reaching the point of absurdity: everything has to be put in bags. If you don't give it, they get offended, and some even ask for more," one user commented.

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Guests are given everything – down to the last candy and raisin. And the next day, the hosts are shopping again for the next set of guests.

Conversely, defenders of the tradition argued that 'sarkyt' should be preserved to prevent its disappearance. Some suggested differentiating between large celebrations ('toi') and regular family dinners. Others pointed out that the original meaning of 'sarkyt' differed from its modern interpretation. Ethnographer Oralbek Karim explained that 'sarkyt' originally meant sharing a meal with those who could not attend a feast, allowing them to symbolically partake. It also involved passing on treats from elders or respected individuals, such as bringing sweets home for children.

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In the past, our mothers would bring home a couple of candies from a visit – and that was it. Now it’s reaching the point of absurdity: everything has to be put in bags. If you don't give it, they get offended, and some even ask for more.

Karim also noted an older form of 'sarkyt' related to the distribution of meat from a communal dish, the 'tabak,' where specific portions could be offered to family members. This historical context suggests that the contemporary practice of giving away all leftovers may have evolved significantly from its initial purpose of sharing and symbolic inclusion.

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The main point of the tradition was to share the meal, allowing an absent person to symbolically join the feast, and to pass them a treat from an elder or a respected person.