Since 2023, the Association of Kazakh Women in France — QazElles, a name blending “Kazakhstan” with the French word elles (meaning “women”) — has gained international recognition for its impactful initiatives well beyond the borders of France.
Today, QazElles unites 40 accomplished women living in cities across France, all of whom have personal or professional ties to Kazakhstan. Its diverse membership includes students from leading Parisian universities, engineers at prominent French companies, entrepreneurs, and professionals in the creative industries.
The association was established a few years ago in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in France.
“QazElles represents bright, strong, and accomplished daughters of their homeland who dedicate their free time to promoting Kazakh identity in France, building a supportive community of like-minded women,” says Madina Kulmanova, president of QazElles, who has lived in France for over 20 years. “Many of us have no close family here in France. This association became our family.”
Despite its relatively recent founding, QazElles has already organized several high-profile cultural events, all carried out on a fully volunteer basis by Kazakh women living in Paris.
In 2023, the group operated a chalet at La Défense, the largest Christmas market in the Paris region, for over a month. Showcasing Kazakh artisans, it quickly became a crowd favorite. Long queues formed for traditional manti (steamed dumplings filled with meat, pumpkin, and dough) and handmade felt slippers.
For two consecutive years, a miniature Kazakh aul (village) has come to life during Nauryz (March 21–22) on Place des Ternes, just steps from the Arc de Triomphe. Much like in Kazakhstan, the celebration features a yurt, traditional games, folk music, and festive cuisine.
This year, several thousand visitors, mostly local Parisians, many encountering Kazakh culture for the first time, explored the aul. Inside the yurt, guests experienced a guided audio tour written and narrated by Aliya Syzdykova. Outside, dancers from the Kazakh city of Shymkent performed in the square, while artisans sold out of tyubeteikas (traditional embroidered caps). Among the exhibitors was QazElles member Kamila Florenti, a jeweler who creates a distinctive line of delicate silver pieces inspired by Kazakh motifs.
“We love this project because it brings people together. There was so much kindness, warmth, and friendship. I think we truly gave Parisians a little journey into a real Kazakh celebration,” shares Madina Kulmanova, her emotion clearly visible.
QazElles quickly discovered that the way to a Parisian’s heart is through culinary exploration. One of the association’s most celebrated initiatives was a “four-hands” dinner featuring two renowned chefs: Artem Kantsev from Astana and Frédéric Simonin from Paris. The event was held at Simonin’s Michelin-starred restaurant, where the two chefs collaborated on a unique menu that blended the bold flavors of Kazakh cuisine with the finesse of French culinary tradition.
Among the standout dishes was camel meat manti wrapped in coffee-infused dough, served with a sauce made from kurt (a salty, dried fermented dairy product popular in Central Asia) and French cheeses.
The success of the event marked the beginning of what would become known as “gastronomic diplomacy,” a budding culinary partnership between Kazakhstan and France.
“We are equally enthusiastic about our social projects, both those supporting the development of the Kazakh diaspora in France and those that contribute back home, to our beloved country. We’ve taken part in projects big and small. One of our members, Maya Khanna, recently created a miniature yurt complete with interior furnishings. A true museum piece!”
At its heart, QazElles is about unity and shared purpose. The association has succeeded in bringing together compatriots to collaborate for the common good. As its membership continues to grow, so does its impact, strengthening community ties and raising the profile of Kazakh culture far beyond national borders.