A growing number of prominent Kazakh bloggers, singers and public figures have recently abandoned the hijab and returned to a more secular public image, fueling heated online debate about religion, identity and social pressure.
Several well-known personalities have removed their headscarves over the past year, with reactions on social media ranging from support and admiration to criticism and accusations of seeking publicity.
Social media personalities embrace new image
Kazakh blogger Symbat Kassimova, better known online as Sajol, announced what she called a «new era» on May 5, posting a video without a headscarf alongside a message about wanting to «shine brightly in a world of gossip and envy.»
The post quickly attracted emotional responses from followers. While some praised her appearance and confidence, others criticized what they described as a gradual transition away from religious dress.
Erke Niyazkulova, the eldest daughter of singer Abai Begei, also drew attention after appearing without a headscarf in a family music video for the song «Ainalaiyn.» Footage filmed in Almaty showed her and her sisters in secular-style outfits, prompting mixed reactions online.
Some users praised the family’s appearance, while others accused them of changing their image for attention and online engagement.
Celebrities discuss personal struggles
Former Ayumi member Assel Zhamakayeva publicly addressed her decision in an April 3 post, asking followers not to overpraise or harshly judge her transformation.
Singer Aidana Medenova, formerly of the pop group KeshYOU, also commented on the emotional difficulty surrounding such decisions.
She wrote that wearing a headscarf is not easy and urged followers not to judge others, noting that both public pressure and internal struggles can make such choices deeply stressful.
Influencer Moldir Zhiyenbayeva removed her headscarf in September 2025 and said at the time that she remained a believer despite changing her outward appearance.
Debate over religion and identity
The trend has revived broader discussions in Kazakhstan about religion, modernity and cultural traditions.
In 2023, television presenter Dinara Satzhan questioned the sincerity of some influencers who adopted religious dress after previously maintaining secular lifestyles. She also spoke in favor of preserving what she described as «traditional Kazakh Islam,» including customs such as Friday shelpek (ritual flatbread) offerings and the tusau keser ceremony.
Online reactions to the recent wave of image changes remain sharply divided. Critics argue that religious symbols should not be treated as fashion trends, while supporters say clothing choices and expressions of faith should remain personal decisions.
