The History of Administrative-Territorial Changes in Karaganda Region (1932–2022)

Abstract

This article examines the administrative-territorial changes of Karaganda Region, which is the second largest region by area in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Based on archival materials and official legal documents, the study covers the period from the establishment of Karaganda Region up to the most recent major territorial change — the separation of Ulytau Region. The relevance of the research lies in the systematic analysis of territorial changes that have occurred in Karaganda Region from its formation during the Soviet period to the transformations during Kazakhstan’s independence. The authors conclude that the stages of formation of the modern territory of Karaganda Region and the causes of administrative-territorial transformations were largely influenced by Soviet principles of territorial delimitation, which were implemented without considering the historically established traditional economic practices, economic opportunities, and the specific features of clan-tribal migration routes. This process continued after Kazakhstan gained independence, when territorial reforms were also primarily based on the Soviet administrative-territorial system. It has been established that administrative-territorial changes in Karaganda Region were carried out within the framework of nationwide initiatives and were mostly decided at the central level.