Kazakhstan: A journey through History and Culture

Introduction

A large, landlocked nation, Kazakhstan is rich in history and multicultural diversity. It is situated in Central Asia, a place where it played the role of the bridge of East and West, as well as influenced and influenced by other civilizations. Kazakhstan was home to nomadic tribes, the Silk Road, and later, the Soviet Union, and its history includes all of these. Its traditions, languages and arts mix Turkic, Mongol, Persian and Russian influences to reflect the nation's cultural heritage. In present days, Kazakhstan is no longer a land of diverse tribes and nomads that lived when it was consistently conquered by invading civilizations, but rather a modernizing country that is looking to maintain its traditions with input from the modern world.

Background
Kazakhstan's history is long, tens of thousands of years, with early human settlement in the territory dating back to the Paleolithic era. The vast steppes became home over time to many nomadic groups, the most famous of which are the Scythians and the Saka. On they were known for complex social structures, horsemanship and metalwork. In the second century BCE, the Silk Road emerged linking Kazakhstan to the central trade networks, which resulted in cultural exchanges with China, Persia, India and Middle East.

By the 13th century, when the Mongol Empire, under the rule of Genghis Khan, spread into Kazakhstan and incorporated it into its great dominion. Following Mongol demise, the region became part of the Kazakh Khanate which rose in the 15th century and contributed to the development of separate Kazakh identity. The nomadic pastoral economy, tribal confederations and a strong culture of warriors provided the base for the Khanate. Society in Kazakhstan was divided into three main hordes (juz): the Great Horde, the Middle Horde and the Little Horde, each with its factual territorial influence.

During the 18th century, the Russian Expanded expanded its influence into Kazakhstan. At first, Russian protection was asked by the Kazakh rulers to shield them from foreign dangers, but later the relationship turned into complete colonization. Thus, settlements were imposed by the Russian administration, which violated nomadic traditions and introduced new governance systems. Many Kazakhs lost their land and were forced into sedentarization from the late 19th century and early 20th century.

During the Soviet era industrialisation and suppression arrived. Among the agricultural projects of the Soviet era was the Virgin Lands Campaign deployed in Kazakhstan, and nuclear testing at Semipalatinsk took place there. The growth of industry and education also saw the suppression of Kazakh cultural, linguistic expressions in favor the influence of Russia. Mass deportations, famines, and political purges had a major effect on the Kazakh population as a result of Soviet policies.

In 1991 the countries of the Soviet Union, including Kazakhstan, gained their independence, and therefore started their processes of political and economic transformation. The country was successful in adopting a market economy, developing its natural resources, and looking to engage internationally. In 1997 the capital was transferred from Almaty to Astana (now Nur-Sultan) as a symbol of a new national identity and modernization efforts.

Kazakhstan has taken up modernity while it has preserved its nomadic traditions culturally. Kazakh festivals such as Nauryz (Persian New Year), when the old year is ousted and the new one welcomed are celebrated wherein traditional music, literature and crafts flourish. With Russian, there is now a revival of the Kazakh language, which was once suppressed, a bilingual society.

Analysis

Kazakhstan's history has seen the mingling of nomadic traditions, external influence and modern transformations. This country has managed to keep a sense of progress without neglecting our past and not losing our identity whilst still being economically stable. As one of the leading Central Asian powers, Kazakhstan has found itself in the posture of having to shape itself due to the challenges of the post-Soviet transition, ranging from political reforms to economic diversification.

Kazakhstan embodies a rare mix of Turkic, Mongol and Russian cultures which are still alive. Modernization makes all globalized and urbanized here, traditional values and customs are prevalent, particularly in the rural areas. Efforts by the government to advance cultural preservation and economic growth illustrate the government’s strategy of national identity in the 21st century.

Despite the role of Soviet Union and Russian Empire, Kazakhstan can't lose its identity and moves to be an active player on the international arena not forgetting about the roots.