The role of bais in the socio-political life of Kazakh society

Abstract

The introduction of the “Temporary Regulations on Management in the Steppe Regions of the Orenburg and West Siberian General Governments” of 1868 and the penetration of foreign capital into the territory of Kazakhstan marked the beginning of profound changes in traditional Kazakh society. At the end of the 19th century, capitalist relations intensified on the scale of not only the Kazakh steppe, but throughout Russia, the wave of production intensified, and at the beginning of the 20th century, rich Kazakhs began to pay more attention to trade, as well as production. In this regard, this article examines the role of Kazakh bais in the socio-political life of Kazakh society. The article, based on archival materials from the Orenburg region and the South Kazakhstan regional archive, analyzes the place and role of the Kazakh bais in Kazakh society and examines the process of liquidation of the bais.