Abstract
This article examines the extent to which wedding-related traditions and customs have been preserved among Kazakhs in Iran living in a diaspora. The study aims to ethnographically analyse contemporary pre-wedding rituals among Kazakhs in Iran, their preservation, and transmission to future generations. The study examines the functions and cultural significance of traditional practices such as partner selection, betrothal, matchmaking, establishment of affinal ties, bridewealth, and the bride’s farewell ceremony. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and a multimodal approach. Interviews were conducted as part of the fieldwork. The primary sources included video materials depicting the everyday life of Iranian Kazakhs, published ethnographic works, and comparative scholarly literature.The findings show that pre-wedding rituals among Kazakhs in Iran remain important for maintaining ethnic identity. Despite greater freedom in partner choice, parental consent, matchmaking, and kinship ties remain significant in marriage. The findings also indicate that the principal social and symbolic functions of certain rituals have been preserved.The study examines the pre-wedding rituals of Kazakhs in Iran as intangible cultural heritage and identifies features of their preservation and practice in a diasporic context. The findings contribute to understanding cultural continuity in the Kazakh diaspora and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage.