2025/10/08 by Elmira Saktaganova, Nur Çetin, Kazhumkan Oshangaliyev +2
Social Sciences · #Central Asia Education and Culture #Russia and Soviet political economy #Soviet and Russian History
paper · pdf · doi:10.1017/nps.2025.10103
openalex publication_date 2025/10/08 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
Abstract This article aims to analyse the historical, political, and socio-cultural significance of the Alash Orda movement in shaping Kazakh national identity and the quest for autonomy during the early 20 th century. The research draws on a range of primary sources, including archival documents and speeches, as well as scholarly works by Kazakh and international historians. It analyses how Alash leaders developed a multifaceted political strategy to secure autonomy amidst the chaotic transition from imperial rule to revolutionary governance. Central to their approach was diplomacy: the Alash Orda government sought to establish ties with the Russian Provisional Government and A. Kolchak’s White Army, aiming to build alliances supportive of Kazakh autonomy. The movement also reached out to international organisations, seeking external recognition and assistance. Despite these efforts, the study demonstrates that Alash Orda ultimately failed to achieve lasting success in establishing a stable autonomous Kazakh state. Alongside this political narrative, the study highlights the cultural and educational initiatives of Alash Orda, particularly its promotion of the Kazakh language and national identity in the face of Russification policies.