One Nation-Different Fates: Kazakhstan in Pursuit of Cultural Identity

Abstract

This article provides analysis of experience which modern Kazakhstan went through in process of determination of its own identity and place in the world in midst of rising globalisation. Attempts to restore and safeguard the national identity become common practice in post-soviet countries including Kazakhstan. The transition from soviet identity to its own identity and recognition of being "kazakhstani" proved to be quite challenging. Nowadays it has become apparent that the “transition period” has lasted for way too long which signifies that the problems are more serious than they seemed to be. Besides the economical and political aspects there is a socio-cultural situation in Kazakhstan that factors in, especially the clash of two cultures of Kazakhs: soviet-influenced culture of modern Kazakhs and the culture of repatriates, that found their way home to their historical homeland. This article focuses on problems of cultural self-recognition in Kazakhstan, in pursuit of its own unique identity through overcoming barriers that resulted during course of historical development artificially raised by Kazakhs themselves.

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Author Information
Aktolkyn Kulsariyeva, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Kazakhstan
Shaigozova Zhanerke, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Kazakhstan
Sultanova Madina, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Kazakhstan

• Category: Cultural Studies

Posted by James Alexander Gordon

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