Problems of Strengthening National Identity in Kazakhstan Based on Historical and Ethnographic Values
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31489/3134-9102/2026-31-2/47-58Keywords:
national identity, globalization, nation, ethnicity, spiritual revival, state policy, culture, language, civil societyAbstract
The article examines the relevance of national identity in the era of globalization and its significance for Kazakhstan. The authors analyze the differences between the concepts of «nation» and «ethnos,» as well as the historical paths of development of the national identity of the Kazakh people. The issue of the complexity of Kazakhstan's multi-ethnic composition and the process of nation-building is raised. Furthermore, an overview of theories studying national identity is presented. The article demonstrates that national identity is a dynamic process, formed through shared beliefs, symbols, and ways of life of people. The article analyzes the differences between ethnos and nation: an ethnos is a community based on historical, cultural, and biological factors, while a nation is a structure based on political centralization and civic identity. It is concluded that the Kazakh nation, having formed as an ethnos, became state-forming, and since Kazakhstan is a multi-ethnic country, the process of nation-building is complex and relies on historical and social prerequisites. At the same time, the nation should be based on civic identity, not ethnic origin. The article also employs ethnographic, constructivist, and ethnosymbolic research methods for national identity. This study reveals the role of state policy in strengthening national identity, including the importance of language policy, cultural su pport, and the education system. The authors note that national identity is closely linked not only to historical and cultural factors but also to socio-economic conditions. Special attention is paid to the importance of maintaining a balance between global culture, arising under the influence of globalization, and local traditions. The article also examines the role of mass media, social networks, and youth in shaping national ident ity. The necessity of active participation of civil society and mutual respect and understanding between different ethnic groups for the sustainable development of national identity is emphasized. The article offers important conclusions and recommendations aimed at the future development of Kazakhstan through a comprehensive scientific analysis of issues of national identity and nation-building.
Downloads
Published online
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Eurasian Journal of History

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
This Open Access article is published under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial 4.0 International License, which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. For citation use the DOI. For commercial re-use, please contact history.journal.kbu@gmail.com

