From May 6 to 27, 2025, researchers from the Ch. Ch. Valikhanov Institute of History and Ethnology – specifically, leading research fellow, PhD in History, A.T. Kaipbayeva and junior research fellow, PhD candidate E. Sauyrkan – carried out a field research trip to Ulaanbaatar and the Bayan-Ölgii aimag in Mongolia as part of the grant-funded scientific project titled “The Issue of Child Homelessness in Kazakhstan and Neighboring Countries in the 1920s–1930s.”

The primary goal of the research trip was to investigate the history of Kazakhs who were forced to flee to neighboring countries (including China and Mongolia) due to mass famine and Stalinist repressions of the 1920s–1930s, as well as to study the fate of Kazakh children left orphaned or abandoned during those tragic years. Another key objective was to identify, analyze, and compile previously unknown data and documents according to their historical chronology.

In Ulaanbaatar, work was carried out in the collections of the National Archives of Mongolia and the National Library of Mongolia, and in the Bayan-Ölgii aimag at the Aktan Babiuly Central Library. During the research, archival documents related to the forced migration of Kazakhs from Kazakhstan as a result of asset confiscation and mass famine in the 1920s–1930s were discovered. Valuable materials were also obtained on the political and social history of Mongolian Kazakhs in the early 20th century, including archival compilations, scholarly works, and press materials.

In addition, interviews were conducted with public figures, writers, local historians, and scholars in Mongolia, as well as with descendants of Kazakhs who migrated to Mongolia during the years of repression.

In conclusion, the objectives and tasks set for the scientific field trip were successfully achieved. During the visit, research was conducted in scientific and cultural institutions of Mongolia related to the modern history of Kazakhstan and within the scope of the project topic. Particular attention was given to the emergence of child homelessness as a consequence of the famines of 1921–1923 and 1932–1933, the repressive policies, and the Soviet efforts aimed at creating the “Soviet person” in Kazakhstan.

Several issues requiring academic attention were identified in the collections of the National Archives of Mongolia, and copies of archival documents were obtained.

Overall, the work carried out in analyzing books, photographs, and press materials from the archives and library collections in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolian People’s Republic) proved to be productive. A deep comparative analysis and well-grounded conclusions of the collected materials related to the research topic remain essential and urgent.