In this interview, Paul Sardar Babcock, a Kazakh-American adoptee, shares his deeply personal journey from being adopted as an infant in Kazakhstan to growing up in the United States and rediscovering his roots. Raised in a loving family in Utah, Paul opens up about his evolving sense of identity, his search for biological relatives, and his newfound appreciation for Kazakh culture, cuisine, and people. His story highlights themes of belonging, resilience, and cultural reconnection in an increasingly global world.
– Tell us about your adoption story. How old were you when you were adopted?
– I was adopted in 2000 when I was 11 months old — a baby.
– Tell us about your adoptive family.
– My adoptive family is amazing. My parents have five biological children and adopted five more, including three from Kazakhstan and two from Taiwan. We grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. My father is a lawyer who retired recently.
– At what age and how did you find out about your adoption?
– I don't remember the exact age when I found out I was adopted, but it was easy to tell because my parents are white Americans and I am not. They told us adopted kids about our adoption at a very young age. I understood I was adopted from Kazakhstan from a super young age.
– What motivated you to start searching for your biological relatives from Kazakhstan?
– I became interested in looking for my biological parents in 2020. Before that, I wasn't curious about my Kazakh roots at all. I wasn't proud to be Kazakh because I didn't understand what it meant. I would lie to my friends and say I was Chinese, Hawaiian, or anything else. But in 2020, I felt complied to start looking for my biological family.
– How did your search for your biological relatives in Kazakhstan go? Were you able to find anyone?
– So far, the results have been very slow. I have adoption records including the names of my biological parents: Elmira Kalmakhanbetzy and Beknur Baimakhanov. When I went to Taraz in 2023 and again in March 2025, I looked for my parents and visited the record office for my own records and those of my biological family. The government denied me access both times, which was frustrating. Anyway, I'm still looking. However, this last week, I may have found a cousin. He said he was from Taraz, his last name is Baimakhanov, and his uncle's name was Beknur.
– What surprised you the most during your first visit to Kazakhstan?
– I think just being in Kazakhstan and being surrounded by Kazakhs surprised me the most. I had never experienced that before. Being able to walk on the street and look like everyone else was so cool.
– How do you feel about Kazakh cuisine? What is your favorite dish?
– I love Kazakh food a lot. My favorite is beshbarmak, of course — I could eat it all day. I've noticed that Kazakh food is very hearty and filling, with lots of meat and dough dishes. Right now, I live in New York City and I often go to Kazakh restaurants here because I miss it so much. Also, the first time I ate horse meat, it was interesting; I had a feeling that this food was familiar despite never having it before.
– In your opinion, how are people in Kazakhstan different from people in America?
– Kazakhs are more straightforward and tell you what they think, unlike Americans. I think that's the biggest difference. Also, Kazakhs are real meaning — they don't act fake, and I like that a lot. Kazakhs may look depressed or angry in public, but once you get to know them, they treat you very well, like family. Americans are a lot more friendly at first.
– What do you like most about Kazakh culture?
– I like everything about Kazakh culture. But I love how friendly Kazakhs are once you get to know them. I love the culture around horses and the nomadic lifestyle. Even in America I grew up around the mountains; hiking, moving around them camping etc. I like how proud Kazakhs are of their deep history. I also love the music and the language—it's amazing.
– What challenges do you face while learning the Kazakh language?
– I think the Kazakh language is very tough for a native English speaker to learn. For me, the biggest issue is that you need to be surrounded by Kazakhs to learn it properly. There aren't many resources to learn Kazakh from English. When I was in Kazakhstan, I tried to buy a book for the language, but it was from Russian to Kazakh. My Russian is also bad. Both languages are difficult, but I really hope to become fluent if possible.
– Do you have a favorite Kazakh actor, singer, or athlete? If yes, who is it?
– I love Shavkat Rakhmonov—he is super amazing to watch. I love Mona Songz, the music artist—his voice is so good. I love Dastan Satpayev, the footballer. I think he will be pretty good playing for Chelsea. I'm not a Chelsea fan, but next year when he goes there, I'll buy his kit. Also, GGG—I've watched a bunch of his fights, and he is amazing. Anyway, I've always supported all Kazakhs in sports, music, and other endeavors.
Paul Sardar's story is a testament to the enduring pull of one's heritage and the complexities of building a multifaceted identity. From overcoming initial disconnection to embracing Kazakh traditions, food, and icons like Shavkat Rakhmonov and Mona Songz, his experiences underscore the value of perseverance in personal quests. As he continues his search for family ties, Ilnur's journey inspires reflection on the bonds that shape us, bridging continents and cultures in profound ways.