Bulletin of the Karaganda university History. Philosophy series
Academician Ye.A. Buketov Karaganda University
The problem of consciousness: cognitive naturalism and mysterianism
The article explores the philosophical problem of consciousness and discusses the question: “Why doesconsciousness exist?” Two opposing positions are considered cognitive naturalism and New Mysterianism inthe context of contemporary debates on the hard problem of consciousness. The purpose of the study is toclarify the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and to outline ways of their possible reconciliation. Toachieve this goal, I use a set of methods: the analytical method (analysis of key concepts and arguments), thephenomenological method (taking subjective experience as a given), the historical-philosophical method(tracing the development of views from dualism to contemporary theories), the comparative method(comparing the positions of naturalists and mysterians), the critical method (assessing the soundness ofarguments), and the reflexive method (reflecting on the limits of knowledge). The results show that cognitivenaturalism, based on evolutionary biology and neuroscience, offers scientific explanations for the emergenceof consciousness, whereas mysterianism asserts the fundamental unknowability of the phenomenon ofconsciousness to the human intellect. Alternative approaches are discussed (dualism, panpsychism,information theories, eliminativism, phenomenology), as well as recent research efforts aimed at bridging thegap between objective reality and subjective experience. The conclusions indicate that although neither campprovides a final answer to the question of the nature of consciousness, their dialogue contributes to a deeperunderstanding of the problem. Recognizing the complexity of consciousness requires a combination ofempirical optimism and epistemological humility. It is likely that the key to solving the mystery ofconsciousness will require new scientific paradigms that integrate both objective and subjective aspects ofexperience
Ethics and Responsibility in Digital Humanities: A Philosophical Analysis
This article examines the key ethical and philosophical issues in digital humanities. The authors analyze the philosophical foundations of responsibility and ethical principles underlying human activity, emphasizing the importance of a critical approach in the use of digital data. The discussed examples and methodological ap- proaches illustrate both positive and negative effects of digitizing humanities research. The article highlights the necessity of establishing ethical standards and norms in the digital era and provides recommendations for ensuring the sustainable and secure development of digital humanities. The research aims to identify the fun- damental ethical principles applied in digital humanities and explore their philosophical foundations, includ- ing theoretical paradigms, ethical norms, and approaches to justifying practices. A critical analysis of existing practices is conducted to determine shortcomings and development directions in this field. The authors inves- tigate global strategies for enhancing ethics and responsibility in contemporary research initiatives and offer specific recommendations. This article serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and practitioners in digital humanities, as well as for anyone interested in the emerging questions at the intersection of technol- ogy and the humanities.
The Homeland as a Moral Horizon: Philosophical Reflections on Return Migration and Identity Among Repatriated Kazakhs
This article explores ethnic return migration to Kazakhstan through a moral-philosophical lens, focusing onthe lived experiences of Qandas — ethnic Kazakhs returning from China, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan. Whileprevious research has examined policy frameworks and integration challenges, this study reinterprets returnas an ethical and existential process. Drawing on Heidegger’s concepts of dwelling and being-at-home, andthe notion of moral geography, we argue that repatriation is experienced as a striving toward a moral horizonrather than a mere relocation. Through narrative interviews with returnees, we reveal how ancestral land isimagined not only as a birthplace but as a space of obligation, memory, and identity reconstruction. Yet re-turnees often face exclusion and dissonance, complicating state narratives of national restoration. By bridgingmigration studies, moral philosophy, and phenomenology, this paper illuminates how return becomes an on-going ethical negotiation of belonging, recognition, and self-becoming in post-Soviet Kazakhstan.
Philosophy of Education in the Digital Age: Transformation of Meanings and Values
The current stage of development of society is characterized by intensive digitalization of all spheres of life,including education. In the context of rapid digital transformation, there is a need for a deep philosophicalunderstanding of the changes taking place. This article is devoted to the analysis of the transformation of themeanings and values of education in the context of the digital era. The purpose of this study is to identify andanalyze key philosophical concepts that define the modern understanding of education in the context of thepenetration of digital technologies into the educational environment, as well as to assess their impact on theformation of new ethical, axiological and ontological foundations of the educational system. The study pro-vides a systematic analysis of the fundamental philosophical categories of subjectivity, knowledge, truth,freedom and education through the prism of digital reality. Particular attention is paid to the phenomena ofvirtualization, algorithmization and automation, which transform traditional models of educational interactionand redefine the goals of education. Drawing on the practice of NJSC “Toraighyrov University”, the shift inemphasis from the humanistic paradigm to technocratic logic is considered, within which personal develop-ment is increasingly giving way to competence indicators and digital efficiency. The authors substantiate theneed to preserve the humanitarian and existential dimensions of education in the context of technologicalpressure and offer conceptual guidelines to form a new philosophy of education capable of integrating theachievements of the digital era with the enduring values of humanity, dialogue and critical thinking. The re-sults obtained are of interest both for the development of theoretical discourse in the field of philosophy ofeducation and for the design of educational policy strategies in the digital era
Phenomena of influence in modern mass culture: spiritual practices and esotericism
The article examines the complex multifaceted phenomenon of mass culture in the focus of its cross-culturalmanifestations. The emphasis is focused on the interdisciplinary scientific and critical study of esotericism asone of the most popular mass forms of culture in modern modernized societies. The research interest of theauthors of the article is focused on the analysis of the philosophical and anthropological foundations of theaxiology of mass culture in the digital world of information and communication systems and otherculturogenic achievements of modernization. The methodological discourse of esotericism is considered inthe perspective of the process of formation of a global metaculture associated with a multidimensional dia-logue of cultures in the context of information globalization. A general conclusion is made that the moderncultural and historical process is associated with the formation of a new global world order, which will de-termine the further prospects for the existence of mankind. Moreover, globalization should become an opti-mizing link in ensuring the unity of cultural diversity and the genuine integration of mankind as aculturogenic subject.
The Phenomenon of Volunteerism in al-Farabi’s Philosophy: The Spiritual Path to Happiness and Virtue
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the spiritual essence of volunteerism and its role in achiev-ing happiness within the framework of al-Farabi’s ethical philosophy. Al-Farabi interprets the concept ofsa‘āda (happiness) as the highest good attainable through reason, willpower, and the pursuit of virtue. Volun-teering is viewed as a conscious moral choice and an expression of one’s inner world and ethical responsibil-ity, carried out through actions that benefit society. The study examines the philosophical parallels betweenal-Farabi’s views on human spiritual perfection and the ethical foundations of modern volunteer work. Usingtextual and comparative-philosophical analysis, the article explores how virtuous voluntary acts serve as apathway to happiness. In Farabi’s thought, happiness is not merely a subjective state but an ontological condi-tion attained through the pursuit of truth, absolute good, and ultimate purpose. This perspective allows for ameaningful re-evaluation of volunteerism as a form of spiritual self-realization and civic contribution. Thepaper aims to demonstrate the relevance of al-Farabi’s philosophical legacy in addressing contemporary is-sues of morality, social responsibility, and active citizenship.
The problem of humanism in Kazakh philosophy
In this article, the problem of humanism in Kazakh philosophy is considered in detail from a theoretical andhistorical point of view. In the course of the study, based on the works of foreign (M. Scheler, T. Parsons, R.Inglhart, E. Durkheim, K. Klakhon) and domestic (Abai Kunanbaiuly, Shakarim Kudaiberdiuly, A.Baitursynuly, M. Dulatov, M. Auezov, S. Toraigyrov) thinkers, the essence of humanistic values, their placein the philosophical system and modern forms of expression were analyzed. The article reveals the historicalbasis and continuity of such humanistic principles as morality, conscience, inner freedom, charity in the tradi-tional worldview of the Kazakh people. At the same time, in the context of modern globalization, urbaniza-tion and value transformation, the relevance of the ideas of humanism and the need for their reproduction insociety are substantiated. As a result of the study, the place of humanism in the Kazakh philosophicalthought, its importance in the spiritual development of the individual, as well as its role in the modernizationof national consciousness were scientifically proved. The article contributes to the humanistic search withinthe framework of Kazakh philosophy and provides relevance for today’s social and humanitarian sciences.Humanism in Kazakh philosophy is not just a system of ideas remaining in the historical consciousness, but aset of life orientations that guide modern society. Humanistic views in the works of Kazakh thinkers reflectthe path of human and spiritual improvement. Therefore, in modern socio-cultural conditions, the revival ofhumanistic thought in national philosophy is of strategic importance for the spiritual development of ourcountry.
Linguistic and semantic problems in the philosophy of translation
The philosophy of translation faces several linguistic and semantic problems related to the transfer ofmeaning between different languages. One of the key tasks of translation is to ensure equivalence, that is, topreserve the meaning of the original when using the means of another language. However, this is not alwayspossible due to differences in vocabulary, grammar, and cultural contexts. The study’s purpose is to identifyand analyze the main difficulties associated with the transfer of meaning between different languages, with anemphasis on the philosophical aspects of equivalence and untranslatability. The methodology includes acomparative analysis of linguistic structures and semantic fields, and a review of philosophical approaches totranslation. Some researchers believe that some linguistic elements cannot be adequately translated intoanother language due to the uniqueness of cultural and semantic contexts. This applies, for example, toidioms, metaphors, and specific terms deeply ingrained in a particular culture. In such cases, the translatorfaces a choice: use tracing paper, adapt the expression, or resort to explanatory translation. The possibility offully conveying the original text’s meaning in another language is the subject of philosophical debate. Somephilosophers believe that since each language represents a unique worldview, translation inevitably entails theloss or change of meaning. Others argue that despite the differences, it is possible to achieve functionalequivalence, in which the translation causes the reader to have similar reactions and understanding as theoriginal. Therefore, translation is not just a technical process of replacing words from one language withwords from another, but a deep philosophical and linguistic action that requires considering many factors topreserve and accurately convey meaning. The study identified key factors affecting the accuracy andadequacy of translation, such as cultural context, semantic features of languages and their grammaticalstructures. The research results can be applied both in theoretical translation studies and the practicaltranslation of philosophical and artistic texts. The conclusions emphasize the need to consider cultural andsemantic nuances to achieve equivalence and adequacy in translation.
Socio-humanitarian knowledge in the context of the triumph of technocratic thinking (social and philosophical analysis)
This article analyzes the fate of socio-humanitarian knowledge in the context of the overly rationalized, tech-nocratic understanding of the world, society, and man having become a priority. The author critically analyz-es the situation in the higher education system in Kazakhstan. The situation is determined by the fact that thesocio-humanitarian component of higher education has found itself on the margins of the higher educationsystem. There is a tendency to cut these educational programs. In this regard, the author draws attention to thesituation in this space. Particular attention is paid to the issues of socio-humanitarian support for moderntransformational and globalization processes taking place in Kazakhstan in particular and in the world in gen-eral. History has already proven that ignoring the socio-humanitarian aspects of social and personal develop-ment leads to irreversible consequences. And these consequences are associated, first of all, with lack of spir-ituality, immorality, and criminal indifference. Such a society, as a rule, exists either in stagnation or degrada-tion. The ambitious tasks that are set before Kazakhstan today, of course, require a more nuanced, more de-tailed attitude to the values of the ideological order in general and in the education system in particular. Thisarticle is an attempt at a constructive analysis of this problem. Some of the data from the Internet survey pre-sented in the article largely confirm the author's hypothesis.
National Interest as a Philosophical Category: G7 Ideals and the Strategic Identity of Kazakhstan
This article proposes a new definition of the philosophical concept of national interest, considering its onto-logical, epistemological, and moral aspects. It moves beyond the realist view, where interest is reduced topower and survival, and instead highlights how identity, recognition, and narrative shape the strategic behav-ior of states. The case of Kazakhstan is taken as an example: a post-Soviet, culturally diverse, and geopoliti-cally uncertain country seeking its role in a liberal international order led by the G7. The study argues thatKazakhstan’s foreign policy is not only practical but also expressive. It reflects principles such as justice, plu-ralism, and civilization dialogue. Using insights from hermeneutics, phenomenology, and political ethics, Ka-zakhstan can be seen as a conceptual actor that reinterprets national interest through ethical engagement inglobal debates. This role is evident in initiatives like the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Reli-gions, multilateral diplomacy, and the “multi-vector” strategy. In doing so, the article contributes to ongoingdiscussions of international norms and legitimacy, showing the value of a plural and culturally informed un-derstanding of state activity in global politics.
“Risk society” as a factor of transformation of the Kazakh society
The article is devoted to the analysis of the phenomenon of “risk society” as one of the key factors in thetransformation of Kazakh society. In the context of globalization, technological progress and environmentalthreats, risk becomes systemic, covering all spheres of public life from individual choice to institutional poli-cy. Based on the concepts of various authors, various theoretical approaches to understanding risk as a socialconstruct influencing behavioral patterns, the structure of social relations and the general orientation of socialdevelopment are considered. Special attention is paid to the adaptation of these theories to the realities of Ka-zakhstan, including through the prism of cultural, political and economic characteristics of the country. It isdemonstrated that modern Kazakhstan is increasingly approaching the model of a “society of universal risk”,in which security and threat prevention are becoming the dominant guidelines of social policy and publicconsciousness. As a result of the transformation, there are changes in value priorities, forms of social adapta-tion, and mechanisms of institutional regulation. The article highlights the need to form risk-based thinkingand strengthen social trust as conditions for the sustainable development of Kazakhstani society in an era ofinstability and uncertainty.
A Socio-Philosophical Analysis of the The Family Ritual through the Categories of “Holiday” and “Morality”
The article is a socio-philosophical study of family ritual through the categories of “holiday” and “morality”.According to the authors, family rituals have existential, cultural and socio-ethical significance. The authorsrely on the concepts of M. Eliade, M. Heidegger, W. Turner, T. Adorno and D. Cook, as well as the Kazakhphilosophical tradition of Al-Farabi, A. Kunanbayev, M.S. Shaikemelev, to show the dual nature of familyleisure: its potential as a space of authenticity and care, and its vulnerability to the forces of commercializa-tion and cultural conformism. The analysis covers key aspects: the cyclicality and liminality of holidays, theirrole in the formation of family and cultural identity, the intersubjective dimension of shared time, as well asthe influence of social inequality and global crises on the structure and content of leisure. An important placeis occupied by the Kazakh context, where family holidays are associated with the traditions of nomadic herit-age, the moral ideal of “adam bol” and the ethics of care. The authors argue that the authenticity of a familyholiday is possible only with a shift in emphasis from consumption to presence, from external images to in-ternal meaning. Family recreation is presented as an act of ethical presence and cultural memory, capable ofresisting alienation and preserving the connection between generations. Thus, it acts as a practice of moralimprovement and the embodiment of virtue in the Aristotelian sense, where leisure becomes a space foreudaimonia and moral self-realization of a person
Conservatism’s Paradox: How Popular Culture Transforms the Identity of Conservative Women
This article investigates the paradox of conservative chic, whereby popular culture mediates the (re)construction of the self of religious women, specifically as practitioners of modest fashion in Turkey. Bor- rowing from ethnocultural and feminist literatures, it explores the impact of veiling, virtual communication and world fashion on the self and social roles of both devout women. The analysis emphasizes the contradic- tion faced by the Muslim community between upholding traditional religious values and the pursuit of con- temporary aesthetic ideals, manifested in the emergence of hijab fashion and influencer culture. Articulating Turkish practices in relation to the global modest fashion phenomenon, the thesis elucidates how the culture of consumption and digital systems serve women's empowerment and their commoditisation. It maintains that religious women negotiate this paradox by blending tradition with modernity, but are in fact caught be- tween secular and conservative censures. This research suggests how cultural authenticity can be preserved despite globalization.
The Existenza of Cultures in the Age of Globalization: Dialectics of Unity and Disintegration
This article explores the conflicting nature of globalization, focusing on how global integration impacts thepreservation of cultural identities. It looks at the push and pull between cultural unification and local tradi-tions in today’s fast-changing world shaped by technology and shifting geopolitics. The analysis draws on thework of S. Huntington “Clash of Civilizations,” F. Fukuyama “The End of History?,” and D. Held’s ideas onglobal integration. It also brings in perspectives from Russian scholars L.I. Fedorova and P.I. Kasatkin tohighlight regional and cultural angles. The study combines theory with real-world examples from China, Rus-sia, and several Islamic countries. These cases show how states may welcome modernization and global cul-tural influences, yet still reject liberal democratic norms and hold on to traditional values. The findings sug-gest that globalization doesn’t always result in cultural blending. Instead, it often leads to hybrid forms —where global and local forces collide, coexist, or adapt to each other. The article highlights how cultural re-sistance and selective adaptation can help societies maintain their uniqueness under global pressure. It alsolooks closely at the role of identity, memory, and cultural symbols in this process. Overall, the piece arguesthat globalization isn’t just about dominance or uniformity. It’s a much messier process of negotiation, wherecultures reshape themselves, resist certain aspects, and find ways to adapt. In doing so, globalization becomesboth a challenge and a chance for deeper intercultural exchange.
Socio-philosophical foundations of cultural studies of national holidays
In this article, the views related to the history, stages of development, ideological and artistic foundations ofnational holidays are evaluated on the basis of general philosophical principles and general theoretical criteriaof aesthetics. In particular, the first information about the ancient holidays of our people is contained in thebook “Avesta”, the written heritage of the Ancient East, and the uniqueness of our national holidays has beenstudied in the works of Russian scientists. Diaries and scientific studies of foreign travelers who have studiedCentral Asia for centuries have described our national holidays, their celebration, and customs related to oureveryday life from a historical and ethnographic point of view. Currently, when studying the scientific andphilosophical aspects of national holidays in Central Asian countries, special attention is paid to the connec-tion of national holidays with many traditions and their positive impact on the upbringing of young people.Also, in the article, when explaining the specific aesthetic features of holidays, it is argued that holidays are ameans of determining the spiritual and cultural level of nations and peoples, as well as a mass event that leadsto the unification of nations around aesthetic ideas aimed at a noble goal.
Features of the Collectivization and Confiscation Campaign in the Districts of the Syr Darya Region
The Syr Darya District, which existed from 1928 to 1930 as part of the Kazakh ASSR, was an agrarian district specializing in agriculture. During this period, the district was formed from parts of the Akmola, Semipalatinsk, and Syr Darya provinces, with its center in the city of Shymkent. The main economic activities in the district were agriculture and livestock breeding, which is confirmed by the presence of numerous areas focused on agricultural production. Thus, the Syrdarya District played an important role in the transformations of the late 1920s and 1930s, with the region serving as a model for the country's agricultural production. The Syrdarya District, like the rest of Kazakhstan, was subject to collectivization. Collectivization in the Syr Darya District, as in other parts of Kazakhstan, took place under conditions of severe coercion and was accompanied by the violent seizure of livestock and land from the population, which led to mass starvation and death. The article examines the process of developing a policy of continuous collectivization at the level of central and regional party and state bodies, as well as the specifics of collectivization in the Syr Darya district. Based on archival documents, the authors of this article show the specifics of collectivization in this district, examine a set of measures for confiscation, and describe forms of resistance by the peasantry.
Hasan Oraltay and the Construction of a Kazakh Counter-Narrative (1956–1991)
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the life and work of Hasan Oraltay, a central figure in the twentieth-century Kazakh diaspora and the foundational historian of its anti-Soviet, anti-communist intellectual tradition. This study addresses the key question of how, under the rigid ideological control and censorship of the Soviet regime, an alternative historical narrative for the Kazakh people was constructed and effectively disseminated. The key issues investigated include the systematic distortion of Kazakh history by official Soviet historiography, the suppression of the history of Kazakhs outside the USSR, and the role of the diaspora in preserving national consciousness. This research conducts a systematic analysis of H. Oraltay’s major published works, declassified archival documents from his personal collection, and the broadcast records of Radio Azattyq (RFE/RL). The central thesis argues that Hasan Oraltay was not merely a publicist, but the principal architect of the Kazakh diaspora’s historiography. His work is presented as a deliberate, strategic project to build a counter-narrative founded on three pillars: first, the transformation of the collective trauma of the Great Kazakh Exodus into a heroic epic of a struggle for freedom; second, the restoration of historical continuity by linking the mid-century national liberation struggle to the state-building legacy of the Alash movement; and third, the masterful use of Cold War media, specifically Radio Azattyq, to broadcast this narrative into Soviet Kazakhstan. The article concludes that H. Oraltay, acting as an “intellectual warrior”, successfully forged and propagated a coherent alternative vision of the Kazakh past, which played a crucial role in preserving historical memory for the diaspora and nurturing the national consciousness that underpinned Kazakhstan’s post-1991 intellectual revival.
Language Policy in the Context of Indigenization in the Early Soviet Period (Based on the Materials of the State Archives of Pavlodar Region)
Based on an analysis of bibliographic sources as well as factual materials from the State Archives of Pavlodar Region (hereafter SAPR), this article describes the contradictions in language legislation within the framework of indigenization, both in its ideological and practical aspects. The authors examine how the theoretical inconsistencies underlying the policy affected its practical implementation. In particular, the article addresses the discrepancy between the declared principles of equality and respect for the cultural traditions of national minorities and the actual measures aimed at “Sovietization” and integration into a unified Soviet identity. The study of this policy is aimed at comprehending the historical experience of building national statehood under the Soviet system and the interaction of ethnic groups in a multiethnic state. This will help to fill in the “blank spots” of history and assess its significance for modern Kazakhstan, in the context of shaping a multiethnic society into a single political nation. During the research work conducted at GAPO, materials on the topic of language legislation were studied and systematized. Based on the collected materials, the article investigates regional features of the implementation and management of recordkeeping in the Kazakh language, examines the course activities on Kazakh literacy and language training for both Kazakhs and Europeans living in the region, and analyzes issues of personnel recruitment and training.
State-Confessional Relations in Kazakhstan (1940–1990): a Historiographical Review
Based on a critical analysis of previously published studies by domestic and foreign authors, the article identifies and summarizes the degree of study of the problem of state-confessional relations in Kazakhstan in the 1940–1990. The beginning of research on these issues dates back to Soviet times. In the post-Soviet period, due to the processes of spiritual revival and the formation of historical consciousness, as well as a result of the introduction of previously classified materials and sources into scientific circulation, interest in this issue has increased. The proposed historiographical review is organized according to the chronological method. The works of domestic and foreign researchers actualize the problems of the legal status of religious denominations, consider various aspects of the practical implementation of Soviet religious legislation, analyze the consequences of errors and miscalculations made in the course of the struggle against the activities of religious organizations, show the causality of excessive anti-religious policy in Kazakhstan, assess the role of religion in the daily life of the population. Such research gaps as forms and methods of anti-religious struggle, mass persecution and repressive policies against the Islamic and Orthodox clergy, the processes of formation and functioning of Muslim religious institutions in Kazakhstan, church diplomacy during the Cold War, religious daily life and other related issues have been highlighted in the works of scientists. At the same time, the urgent tasks of regional analysis and the controversial nature of the problem of relations between the state and religious organizations leave room for new research.
History of Soviet Architecture in the Kazakh SSR
The article is dedicated to the Soviet architectural style in the Kazakh SSR. Architecture became one of the key areas in Soviet ideology, in which national elements in urban planning were designed and controlled by the party to form an international Soviet society. A brief overview of Soviet architecture's history reveals that it played a significant role in shaping the collective life of the Soviet people. Several stages and directions in the development of Soviet architecture in Kazakhstan were highlighted: 1st stage from the early 1920s to the early 1930s; 2nd stage from the mid-1930s to the mid-1950s; 3rd stage from the mid-1950s to the early 1990s. In turn, the party's urban planning decisions were divided into two directions: on the one hand, it was the standardization of construction; on the other hand, it was the erection of monumental buildings, which included elements of national culture. The brief history of architecture allows us to grasp the Soviet ideological transformation through the material organization of space. The results of the article allow us to conclude that the construction of buildings reflecting a unique national/ethnic style was aimed at «stabilizing» the emotional/psychic state of the indigenous population, creating the illusion of preserving their cultural and national identity despite the state policy of unification and construction of a new Soviet community.
The Intellectual Biography of a Scientist: Fragments of the Life and Creation of Istvan Mandoki
The study of the creative path and scientific legacy of scientists occupies a special place in the subject field of intellectual history — one of the most dynamically developing areas of contemporary historical science. Thus, the need to study this topic is conditioned by the growing interest of the scientific community in the biographies of scientists as carriers of scientific and cultural knowledge. At the present stage, researchers are increasingly focusing on issues such as the role of the historian’s personality in the development of scientific problems, the social functions and role of the historian in modern society. In this context, the biography and work of István Mandoki are of particular interest. The article is devoted to the intellectual biography of the renowned Hungarian scholar, Turkologist, and European Kipchak expert István Konyár Mandoki, author of a fundamental work on the remnants of the Kipchak language in Hungarian and many other works on the history, culture, and language of the Turkic peoples, born in the city of Karcag. The scientific novelty of this article lies in the historical understanding and interpretation of István Mandoki’s rich legacy in terms of the interdisciplinary methodology of new biographical history. The article examines the life and scientific activity, the main directions of creativity and scientific research of István Mandoki, and analyzes his contribution to Turkology and Kipchak studies. The aim of the study is to reveal the mechanisms of exchange, dissemination, and influence of the scientist’s ideas on the professional historical community by referring to the intellectual phenomenon of I. Mandoki, his professional biography, and his work.
The History of Administrative-Territorial Changes in Karaganda Region (1932–2022)
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.
History of Relations between the USA and Egypt in the 50s of the XX Century
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the history of United States policy toward Egypt. Particular attention is given to the nature of bilateral relations within the broader context of the geopolitical transformation of the Middle East in the postwar period. Within this historical framework, American strategy in the region is defined by its pursuit of control over energy resources, while Egypt’s role is interpreted through the lens of its geoeconomic and geostrategic position, largely shaped by the significance of the Suez Canal. Due to its advantageous geographical location and its increasing political activism in the Arab world during the postwar years, Egypt came to be viewed in Washington as a key strategic partner in the Middle Eastern regional security system. In this context, the United States and its principal Western allies undertook efforts to integrate Egypt into the structures of collective security — particularly through the “Middle East Command” project, which had a pronounced anti-communist orientation. The article examines both the institutional and politico-strategic dimensions of this initiative, as well as the response of the Egyptian leadership to these developments. It analyzes the nature of the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union for influence in the Middle East, which emerged as a result of the Yalta-Potsdam postwar international system. Specific actions taken by the U.S. to strengthen its military-strategic position in the region are explored in detail. The study draws upon archival materials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, including official documents related to the Egyptian dimension of U.S. foreign policy
The History of the Formation and Development of the Higher Education System in the Republic of Kazakhstan: Main Problems and Prospects
Globalization processes at the present stage have a significant impact not only on the development of the material, technical, scientific, and theoretical foundations of social progress, but also on socio-political and ideological processes and the formation of progressive social consciousness. Over the past decade, Kazakhstan has seen significant changes in the organization of education management, the formation of a regulatory and legal framework, the overcoming of a departmental approach to the management of educational institutions, and the growing role of associations of educational institutions. Kazakh society has developed a new approach to understanding modern education, based on its quality and the introduction of the latest innovative technologies. In this regard, research into the management of the higher education system requires consideration of the experience of educational reforms and, above all, an understanding of the historical experience of its development. The article identifies the problems of managing the Kazakhstani higher education system in the process of reform at various stages of its development. The authors of this article justify the need to develop the management of Kazakhstan’s higher education system at the present stage, examine problematic issues, and explore promising areas for the development of Kazakhstan’s higher education system. An analysis of the history of development and reform processes in the higher education system of the Republic of Kazakhstan has allowed the authors to identify the main positive characteristics that meet international requirements. The article examines the changes taking place in the higher education system under the influence of globalization processes and identifies its main characteristics at the present stage.
The confiscation campaign in Central Kazakhstan in the late 1920s: the impact of the role of local government and the specifics of traditional society
This article examines the characteristics and consequences of the confiscation campaign carried out in central Kazakhstan in the late 1920s, as well as the changes related to the local situation and the influence of family ties on the confiscation process. These themes are identified using archival data, confirmed and analysed through oral materials. The article deals with the causes and consequences of the unrest during the confiscation process and the influence of propaganda on the course of the confiscation campaign. For various reasons, the confiscation was not carried out in accordance with the instructions of the higher state and executive authorities. Identifying and specifying these reasons helps researchers to understand the consequences of the political and social situation in society at the time. The consequences of these circumstances could also be observed in later events that influenced the way of life and daily life conditions during the Soviet period.In such difficult times, it was crucial for the Kazakhs to seek help through family ties and partnerships. These aspects are reflected not only in oral traditions, but also in archival documents. These events had both positive and negative consequences for the local population. The negative consequences of these Kazakh peculiarities resulted in the agrarian reforms becoming measures against the common people.
The Socio-Economic Situation of the Kurdish Ethnic Group Deported to Kazakhstan in 1937–1944: Historical Analysis and Contemporary Research
This scientific article is devoted to a comprehensive study of the socio-material condition of the Kurdish ethnic group during the Soviet and post-Soviet periods. It examines the impact of the national policy implemented by the USSR authorities on the Kurdish ethnic group, its deportation, and the peculiarities of life in Kazakhstan as special settlers. Based on historical documents, archival materials, statistical data, and scientific studies, the article assesses the socio-economic and political situation of the Kurdish ethnic group during the Soviet period. The study analyzes the USSR’s policy toward ethnic minorities, legal restrictions, and material conditions imposed on special settlers. Additionally, it explores the economic difficulties faced by the Kurdish ethnic group during the Soviet years, their adaptation process in Kazakhstan after resettlement, and opportunities for labor integration. The post-Soviet period is examined in terms of improvements in the legal status of ethnic groups, changes in the social position of the Kurdish ethnic group, preservation of cultural identity, and integration challenges. The scientific significance of this study lies in the systematic analysis of historical data, while its practical value is in contributing to the regulation of interethnic relations and the preservation of historical memory. This research provides a deeper understanding of the development of the Kurdish ethnic group during the Soviet and post-Soviet periods, assessing its socio-material condition and identifying ways to preserve its cultural identity. Moreover, the findings serve as a basis for analyzing the migration processes of ethnic minorities, their adaptation to new environments, and mechanisms of integration into society. Historical experience also contributes to strengthening interethnic stability and improving migration policies.
History of the Suzak Uprising: causes and outcomes
At the end of the 1920s, with the onset of industrialization and mass collectivization, Kazakhstan began to change significantly, although scholars still disagree on the extent of these changes. Violence, oppression, and mass repression with the arrival of the Bolsheviks repeatedly led to armed uprisings. The most widespread were the popular uprisings during the Civil War and collectivization. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, popular uprisings broke out with varying intensity throughout the USSR. South Kazakhstan was one of the regions where the Soviet government faced the most fierce resistance. One such uprising was the Suzak uprising, a popular movement against the political and economic measures of the Soviet government in the Suzak district of South Kazakhstan from 1928 to 1930. Studying this issue will not only allow us to collect, analyze, and organize information on this topic, but also to answer the question of the degree and forms of popular participation in anti-Bolshevik protests. The main goal of the study is to examine and summarize the preconditions, content, and characteristics of the Suzak uprising in the Suzak district. The article examines various elements of Bolshevik policy that led to the popular uprising, analyzes the causes of the uprising, its course and nature, as well as the factors that led to its unsuccessful conclusion. In addition, the authors of this article analyze the actions of Soviet and party authorities aimed at preventing, localizing, and suppressing the Suzak uprising. The main direction of the popular movement during the period of collectivization and confiscation is determined, and the preventive and retaliatory measures taken by Soviet and party officials and their supporters to combat popular discontent are analyzed.
The Newspaper “Free step” — Historical Source of the Workers' Movement
This article examines the labor movement in Kazakhstan, based on an analysis of historical sources found in the State Archives of the Pavlodar Region. The periodical “Free Step” newspaper was analyzed, along with its digitized issues, including issue number 5 from 1917 and issues 2 and 29 from 1918. The periodical press attracts researchers with an abundance of factual material, thanks to which one can glean a large amount of information about the events of that period and study the political and social mood of the population. The authors studied collection 699, a collection of personal origin — the collection of Kuzma Semenovich Tyurin, namely file 307, “Extracts from the newspaper Svobodnaya Steppe for 1917 made by K.S. Tyurin in the Pavlodar State Archives,” which provides information on the economic situation of the region’s workers, on the first attempts at protest — street riots and civil unrest. Through a historiographical analysis, the authors compare the extent to which the labor movement has been studied in the works of researchers from different periods. The relevance of this research is determined by contemporary phenomena, where workers continue to play a vital role in the country’s economic development. The authors of the article come to the conclusion that the study of socio-political movements (late 19th century – early 20th century) based on new unpublished historical sources makes it possible to understand the characteristics of the labor movement in the region. An analysis of historical documents shows that the workers’ movement in Kazakhstan was political and economic in nature, thus influencing the overall situation of radical changes in society.
Medical Care in the Syr-Darya Region in the Post-Reform Period: Between Tradition and Modernization (1860–1917)
The article examines the processes of formation and development of the medical care system in the SyrDarya region during the post-reform period — from the mid-19th to the early 20th century. Special attention is given to the impact of administrative and social reforms implemented by the Russian Empire in the Turkestan region on the transformation of the healthcare system. It is shown that, despite difficult socio-economic conditions, a shortage of qualified medical personnel, a low level of sanitary culture, and underdeveloped infrastructure, this period marked the beginning of a gradual modernization of the medical sphere. The transition from traditional healing practices to formal, state-organized medical assistance is described. Progressive changes in society associated with the establishment of the first medical institutions and medical staff are highlighted. The study analyzes the forms of medical care — outpatient and inpatient services — their stages of development, and features of the fight against infectious diseases and epidemics. Based on archival and statistical sources, the article presents information on the structure of medical institutions, staff numbers, healthcare expenditures, and financing mechanisms. Various challenges and contradictions that emerged during the development of official medical care in the region are discussed. The role of doctors, feldshers, and midwives in shaping the healthcare system is emphasized. The materials presented are of scholarly interest to medical historians, specialists in social history, and researchers of the Russian Empire's colonial policy in Central Asia.
History of the Development of the School Education System in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Most modern countries have recognized the need to modernize general secondary education as one of the priority goals of national education reform, since the effectiveness of general education schools is an important indicator of a country’s level of development and its socio-economic potential. In this regard, the experience of modernizing general secondary education in the Republic of Kazakhstan is of particular interest at present, where a large-scale reform of the entire education system is being carried out, corresponding to fundamental changes in all spheres of the economy and public life. General secondary education plays a key role in addressing this problem, and its modernization is a priority of national education reform. The article examines the processes of school education reform in the Republic of Kazakhstan and highlights the stages of fundamental changes in the field of education. The authors summarize the results of each stage of school education reform, highlight positive results, identify problems, national characteristics, and the relationship between the general and the specific, between global trends and national specifics. The authors of this article examine the process of reforming general secondary education in Kazakhstan and describe the concepts and programs for modernizing general secondary education
The Legacy of “TANBA” and “DAMGA” Symbols in Turkish Society: Insights from Turkic and Altai Kazakhs
This study explores the profound cultural, social and spiritual significance of tanbas in Turkic societies, with a particular focus on the Altai Kazakhs. These symbols transcend their initial function as mere property markers and evolve into potent representations of ethnic identity, social hierarchy, and spiritual beliefs. Originally used to identify property, tanbas were transformed into symbols of power, unity and territorial control, deeply integrated into the Turkic worldview. Associated with shamanism, they also assumed protective and metaphysical roles, embodying the link between the material and spiritual realms. The linguistic and geographical diversity of tanbas underlines their adaptability and widespread influence in Turkic-speaking regions from the Caucasus to Central Asia. Their presence in ancient texts, such as the Orkhon Inscriptions and Kutadgu Bilig, highlights their continuing importance in both historical and contemporary contexts. The continued use of tanbas by Turkic peoples demonstrates their resilience and ability to preserve cultural identity across generations. This study demonstrates that tanbas are not only signs of ownership, but also cultural emblems that communicate social status, affiliation, and worldview, providing important insights into the spiritual and political dynamics of ancient and modern Turkic societies.
Commonalities and Particularities in the Fates of “Atomic Soldiers” in the USSR and the USA: A Historical Overview
The article addresses a topic that has not previously been studied in Kazakhstani historiography. The article addresses a topic that has not previously been studied in Kazakhstani historiography. Its focus is on veterans who served at nuclear test sites in the United States and the USSR during the second half of the 20th century — the so-called “atomic soldiers.” Young conscripts, who believed they were fulfilling their duty to the Motherland, in reality became “atomic soldiers” within the framework of their states’ nuclear policies. The primary sources for studying the fates of these “atomic soldiers” are previously recorded interviews and memoirs of those who served in the armed forces of the USSR and the USA. Of particular importance are interviews with Kazakhstani “atomic soldiers” who were stationed at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. The collected evidence shows that in both the United States and the Soviet Union, service members involved in nuclear tests were often unaware of the nature of radiation exposure and were not provided with protective equipment or radiation monitoring devices. Testimonies from American veterans and Soviet participants indicate a wide range of health consequences — from skin lesions and cancers to paralysis and psychological trauma. The study also reveals that in Belarus and Russia, veteran organizations began to emerge in the 1990s, engaging in publishing memoirs and campaigning for recognition of their status. In Kazakhstan, however, public discussion of this issue has only begun in recent years. In Kazakhstan, however, public discussion of this issue has only begun in recent years.
Some Stories about the Activities of the “Red Caravan” Organization during the Famine in Akmola Province in 1921–1923
The article investigates the activities of the “Red Caravan” organization in Akmola province during the tragic period of the famine in 1921–1923. In conditions of an unprecedented food crisis, exacerbated by the consequences of the Civil War, drought and epidemics, the Soviet authorities deployed a network of mobile units to combat famine and strengthen their power. The study analyzes the organizational principles and multifunctional nature of the “Red Caravan” organization that not only delivered necessary food and medical assistance, but also performed political propaganda and gathered information on the ground. The main focus is on the analysis of the crisis`s origin, the organizational forms of assistance delivery to the population, the logistics and routes of the caravan, as well as the effectiveness of its activities in rural areas. Based on the analysis of historical sources, archival materials of the Provincial Executive Committee, Provincial Food Committee and Provincial Committee of the Russian Communist Party (Bolsheviks) of Akmola Province, the article deals with the key aspects of functioning of these units, their impact on mitigating the effects of the famine and their role in maintaining stability in the region. It examines the political and propaganda component of the caravan's work, reflecting early attempts by the Soviet authorities to introduce centralized governing mechanisms in a humanitarian catastrophe. The study concluded that the “Red Caravan” organization played a significant role as one of the key instruments of the Soviet authority in ensuring population’s survival under catastrophic conditions.