On April 10, 2024, several thousand people gathered in the central mosque of Almaty, the largest metropolitan city of the republic, to pray at one of the most important holidays of the Muslims, Oraza Ait.
Early morning of April 10, the Muslims of Almaty gathered in front of the central mosque to celebrate the Oraza Ait, one of the important holidays of Muslims that marks the end of fasting in Ramadan.
The festive prayer (ait namaz) was going to begin at 6.30 am, i.e. half an hour after the sunrise, but some believers came long before the prayer to reserve seats for the prayer.
The central mosque of Almaty, the largest in the city, was built in the 1990s. It was erected to replace the old Tatar mosque, which managed to stand out during the Almaty earthquakes, but was destroyed by the fire in 1986.
It was impossible to take photos of the interior decoration of the mosque even despite the desire: there were so many worshippers that it was impossible to get inside.
According to regional ethnographers, the central mosque of Almaty can hold about three thousand people. The mosque could not hold all those wishing to on the day of ait namaz, the space around the building was all occupied. People were praying even on sidewalks, parking lots, small areas in front of neighbouring offices. 
According to Islam, ait namaz may not be prayed at home, only in a mosque. The rule does not apply to women: they may pray at home, but there are women who attend mosques for a festive prayer. 
Foreign Muslims also attended the prayer. They were mainly students from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and there were also residents of Saudi Arabia, Arab Emirates, Algeria, Kuwait, and Malaysia. 
There were many police officers around the mosque as they maintained order and security. Some were praying together with the worshippers without leaving their station. 
Sellers of religious items kept away from the mosque and from the police. They waited patiently for the end of the festive prayer and for people heading towards their stalls. 
Oraza Ait is generally celebrated by good deeds, so charity is one of the main customs of the celebration. Before the Oraza Ait comes, Muslims must donate a certain amount of money to those in need so that the latter could celebrate the holiday properly.
Every year the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan prescribes the amount of the donation (sadaqah). In 2024, the sadaqah is 640 Kazakh tenge (1.4 dollars) or the average cost of two kilogrammes of flour.
Many people who begged for money gathered in front of the mosque on the holiday morning. Some tried to keep up with the trend and had sign plates on their chest having the phone number for a bank transfer.
After the end of the morning prayer, people kept on gathering: some met their old friends, some discussed their visit to friends, and others take selfies in front of the mosque with their families, and then go to have a breakfast to one of many nearest halal cafés. 
Oraza Ait is the time of happiness, gratefulness and communication. This day must be spent in good spirits, sitting at a rich table, surrounded by the family and loved ones, and one should try one’s best to make it festive not only for oneself, but also for those who are near.
All photos made by the author