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1UDC 636.087.25
SARKYT: A TRADITIONAL KAZAKH PRACTICE FOR REDUCING FOOD
WASTE
BAIZAKOVA AIGANYM SERIKOVNA
Ph.D student of the Department of Tourism, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University,
Astana, Kazakhstan
YERYOMENKO TATYANA YURYEVNA
Teacher of the Department of Design, Service and Tourism; «Turan-Astana» University,
Astana, Kazakhstan
Annotation. In the context of the global food waste crisis, the relevance of studying traditional practices aimed at reducing food losses is increasing. The article is devoted to the study of the Kazakh tradition "sarkyt" as one of such examples.The authors analyze the historical roots of the tradition, its cultural significance and the potential for creating more sustainable food systems in the modern world. Based on the conducted research, specific recommendations are proposed for adapting the principles of "sarkyt" to modern conditions, which can be useful for developing effective strategies for combating food waste at various levels.
Keywords. sarkyt, Kazakh tradition, food waste, sustainable consumption, cultural heritage, food history.
The Turkic peoples, especially the Kazakhs, are distinguished by their hospitality and special respect for guests. Sarkyt - gifts distributed after the feast is one of the most popular and stable traditions of Kazakh hospitality. All Kazakhs remember sarkyt as a childhood holiday. This custom has deep roots in nomadic societies, when a traveler who was accepted for a stay was given treats for a long journey. The wisdom of steppe life is that you help others because you can find yourself in the same situation, a kind of cycle in which people help each other and share resources.
Sarkyt is a way to express gratitude and respect for the guests. After the feast, a sarkyt is held - the distribution of products from the table - most often sweets, for children and grandchildren. Sometimes in the southern regions of Kazakhstan sweets are not served at all, they completely go to sarkyt [1].
To this day, no festive event is complete without the subsequent distribution of gifts. The people love sarkyt, as well as many other traditions. They are always happy to give someone a nice gift (figure 1).
Figure 1. Sarkyt for guests
The Kazakh custom of as beru referred to the traditional form of exchange, where on the one hand services and offerings were performed, on the other - arranging reusable funeral treats by the family, the family of the deceased, accompanied by games, competitions and the presentation of zhyrtys and sarkyt [2].
In addition to the kind words addressed to the assembled guests, they usually collected a sarkyt, or korzhyn - "travel bag" / zholin - "on (his) way". Today it is a package that is filled with viands from the festive table. The guests take it home or give it to other people so that they can eat from the generous table and join the common share, according to the covenant of the ancestors of the connecting people into a single whole [3].
The tradition of "sarkyt" among the Kazakhs can really be considered as a way to combat food waste, despite the fact that its roots are associated with respect, hospitality and the transfer of well-being. Sarkyt is leftover food or treats that a guest takes home with him after an event, holiday or celebration.
Although sarkyt was not originally created for the purpose of waste management, it is relevant in the modern world. This tradition can be interpreted as an ethnocultural way of increasing environmental responsibility, which maintains a balance between abundance and rationality. The tradition of sarkyt has taken root in Kazakh culture as an expression of respect and hospitality.
Widespread implementation of the concept of "sarkyt" can minimize food waste, because it has not only traditional, but also socio-ecological aspects (Table 1).
Table 1
Whole uses of "sarkyt"
Purpose Characteristics
Rational use of food On Kazakh holidays, a lot of food is usually prepared, as redundancy is considered a symbol of hospitality. Thanks to the sarkyt, the leftovers are not thrown away, but handed over to the guests. This allows you to effectively distribute food and avoid spoilage.
Maintaining a tradition of generosity The host shows his concern for the guests and their families, giving them the opportunity to take a piece of the holiday with them. The guests, in turn, respect the work of the hostess, accepting Sarkyt, which eliminates waste.
Social benefits Often, sarkyt was passed on to those who could not attend the holiday (for example, elderly or sick relatives). This strengthened community ties and ensured that food would not be wasted.
The environmental aspect Today, in an era of growing global food waste, sarkyt can be considered as a practice in harmony with modern approaches to sustainable consumption.
* compiled by the authors
Sarkyt is a unique Kazakh tradition that combines cultural, social and environmental aspects. It not only promotes the rational use of food, but also strengthens the bonds between people through generosity and care. In the modern world, sarkyt can become an inspiring example for sustainable consumption and food waste management.
Kazakhs, who lead a nomadic lifestyle, valued every resource, including food, so food could never be thrown away. The surplus food was passed on to guests, relatives, or those in need. This approach was formed on the basis of saving resources and collectivism. In the conditions of the steppe climate, the rational use of food was vital. Food was considered a common good, and its redistribution strengthened social ties.
Today, about 30% of all food produced in the world is thrown away. The sarkyt tradition shows that food can be redistributed within a community, minimizing waste. In the past, sarkyt was given
to those in need, so food became available even for those who could not afford luxury. This created a kind of social protection system.
In the context of global environmental challenges, the Sarkyt tradition can be adapted to solve various problems (figure 2).
compiled by the authors
Figure 2. adaptation of the "Sarkyt" tradition to solving global problems with food waste
Sarkyt also has analogies in other cultures:
- "Doggy bag" in Western countries. Today, many restaurants offer customers to pick up leftovers. However, unlike Sarkyt, this is more related to individualism than to collective redistribution [4].
- The Japanese practice of "mottainai". This philosophy, expressing regret for the waste of resources, echoes the Kazakh approach to food conservation.
Today, the tradition of sarkyt is facing several problems. In some sectors of society, food transfer may be perceived as an outdated practice. With the transition to an urban lifestyle, the frequency of home holidays decreases, where it is possible to implement sarqyt. However, its revival may become part of a global movement for sustainable consumption and the fight against food waste. For example, the organization of events with the redistribution of food and the popularization of tradition in schools and universities as an example of environmental responsibility.
Sarkyt is not just a cultural tradition, but also a practical solution relevant to the modern world. Its revival can contribute to reducing food waste, strengthening social ties and popularizing the idea of caring for resources.
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