About the department of the history of Kazakhstan of modern times


Department history

In the first years of the department’s existence, such prominent scientists as M.P. Vyatkin, A.M. Pankratova, B.S. Suleimenov, N.G. Apollova, H. Aidarova, P.G. Galuzo, E.D. Dilmukhamedov, F. Malikov, E.B. Bekmakhanov, V.F. Shakhmatov, T.Zh. Shoynbayev and others dealt with the issues of the history of Kazakhstan of modern times. Since the formation and activity of the department, prominent Kazakhstani scientists have worked here: M.H. Asylbekov, T. Eleuov, I.V. Erofeeva, T.P. Volkova, A. Sabyrkhanov, V.Z. Galiev, E.J. Valikhanov, S.F. Mazhitov, etc.

The staff of the department took part in the publication of a number of collections of documents on the history of Kazakhstan of modern times and numerous monographs. In the 90s of the XX century, the theme “The struggle of the Kazakh people against the Dzungarian aggression in the XVII-XVIII centuries” (1635-1758) was developed.

The processes of large-scale rethinking of the national history after the republic gained Independence, thoroughly affected the period of the new history of Kazakhstan, which was reflected in the new edition of the 3rd volume of the “History of Kazakhstan”, published in 2000. At a new level, from the point of view of the priority foundations of the Kazakh society, the identification and conceptual and theoretical generalization of new factual materials by the staff of the department, interpretation of historical processes and phenomena related to the basic values of today were carried out.

Since March 2002, doctor of historical sciences, professor M.K. Koigeldiev has been actively involved in the work of the staff of the department of modern history, leading research work in a number of promising and relevant areas. One of these areas was the study of the topic: “Consolidation of the Turkic-Muslim peoples in the liberation movement of the XIX – the third quarter of the XX centuries.” In the course of work on the topic, a scientifically based concept of historically conditioned foundations of Turkic unity and Islamic solidarity was created.

From 2003 to 2005, the staff of the department of modern times carried out the theme “Kenesary Kasymov’s movement aimed at restoring the Kazakh statehood”. The implementation of the study was facilitated by a group of scientists consisting of V.Z. Galiev, S.F. Mazhitov and R.E. Orazov.

For many years, candidate of historical sciences, associate professor E.Zh. Valikhanov participated in the activities of the Minor Academy of Sciences as the head of the Social Sciences section. In 2009-2011, the department staff under the leadership of E.J. Valikhanov worked on the study of the topic: “The relationship of Kazakh and Russian intellectuals in the socio-political life of Kazakhstan in the XIX – early XX centuries: problems, searches, solutions.” Several monographic studies and dozens of publications have been published on this issue.

In 2003, an important work in the department was carried out by doctor of historical sciences, professor V.Z. Galiev. He led the development of several research topics. He was engaged in research in the field of national liberation movements, national statehood, as well as bibliography and librarianship. Actively cooperated with the Central Scientific Library of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Almaty). In those years, bilateral cooperation was conducted with scientific centers of countries near and far abroad, for example, with Russia and Poland.

From 2006 to 2011, E.Zh. Valikhanov became the head of the department. During his tenure, two fundamental projects were implemented, such as: “Intellectual history: socio-cultural and political activities of the elite in the context of the national idea (XIX – early XX century)” (2006-2008) and “XIX-XX centuries: interaction of Kazakh and Russian intelligentsia in the socio-political life of Kazakhstan: problems, searches, solutions” (2009-2011).

For the purpose of a comprehensive scientific study of land relations in pre-revolutionary Kazakhstan within the chronology of the XVII-XX centuries, in the period from 2012 to 2014, the staff of the department under the guidance of doctor of historical sciences G.N. Ksenzhik studied the topic “Land relations in pre-revolutionary Kazakhstan:(history, theory, practice)”. Also, in the same years, under the leadership of the chief researcher, doctor of historical sciences, professor S.F. Mazhitov, the project “The struggle for independence of Kazakhstan as a historical and socio-political phenomenon (XVIII – early XX centuries)” was carried out. The continuation of the scientific research of the department’s employees was the study of the topic under the guidance of doctor of historical sciences, professor H. M. Abzhanov “Khan Kenesary: myths and reality about death (the search for the Khan’s skull)” (2014-2015).

In 2015-2016, candidate of historical sciences, leading researcher S.K. Rustemov worked on the implementation of a project on the topic: “Kazakhs and the Turkic-Muslim world: socio-political and ethno-cultural ties (the second half of the XIX – the beginning of the XX century)”. In 2018 to 2020, the staff of the Department of the History of Kazakhstan of modern times began studying the topic: “The National Liberation movement in Kazakhstan in the context of preserving and strengthening national identity” under the guidance of doctor of historical sciences, Professor Z.E. Kabuldinov. As a result, collections of archival materials and documents “Sultans and batyrs of the Middle Zhuz (the second half of the XVIII century)” (2018) and “National Liberation movement of the Kazakh people in the late XIX – early XX centuries” (2019) were released within the framework of the project.

Also, in the period from 2019 to the present, scientific projects and scientific programs have been implemented aimed at studying topical issues of the period of the history of Kazakhstan in modern times. For example, under the leadership of Professor Kabuldinov, within the framework of the program “History and Culture of the Great Steppe”, work was underway on the project “Kazakh Khanate: from the adoption of citizenship to the liquidation of statehood” (2019-2020).

Currently, the Department’s employees are conducting research in three directions: work on the academic publication “History of Kazakhstan in Modern Times (XVIII – early XX centuries)” of the seven-volume academic publication “History of Kazakhstan from ancient times to the present day” (2021-2023), the implementation of a youth grant funding project (2021-2023), as well as the implementation of two grant funding research projects for 2020-2022.

Researchprojects

In 2018-2020, employees of the department took part in the project “Nomadic community of Kazakhs: context, structure, functions (XVIII – early XX century)” (head – Ph.D. N. Alimbay). At the same time, under the leadership of S.K. Rustemov, the implementation of the program-targeted financing project “Historical Encyclopedia of Kazakhstan” in 3 volumes (2018-2020) was carried out, which was published as a result of the implementation of this scientific project.

Currently, the Department is implementing the following research projects with the financial support of the Science Committee: “Muslim and Orthodox missionaries in Kazakhstan: activities and results (XIX – early XX centuries)” (2020-2022), “Political portraits of the leaders of the Younger Zhuz in the XVIII – I half of the XIX centuries in domestic and foreign historiography” (2020-2022), “Reconstruction of the Golden Horde settlement Aktobe Laeti: source and historiographical aspects” (2021-2023).

“Muslim and Orthodox missionaries in Kazakhstan: activities and results (XIX – early XX centuries)” under the guidance of doctor of historical sciences, chief researcher Sadvokasova Z.T.

One of the first results of the project is the publication in 2021 of a collection of documents and materials “Muslim and Orthodox missionaries in Kazakhstan: activities and results (XIX – early XX centuries)” (Almaty, 2021).

This includes documents from the Central State Archive of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the State Archive of the Orenburg Region, the National Archive of the Republic of Bashkortostan and the Scientific Archive of the Russian Geographical Society (St. Petersburg). In addition, to reflect the holistic picture of the covered topic, this edition includes some works by pre-revolutionary authors.

“Political portraits of the leaders of the Junior Zhuz in the XVIII – I half of the XIX centuries in domestic and foreign historiography” under the guidance of candidate of historical sciences, leading researcher Shotanova G.A.

The main concept of the project is to study the role of historical figures in the history of the XVIII – first half of the XIX centuries. In this case, it is a question of reassessing and rethinking the role of the steppe elite during the period of close contacts of the Kazakh steppe with Russia.

The direct results of the project should have an impact on the objective and correct assessment of historical figures of our history. The recommendations, research methodology and approaches developed during the implementation of this project can be used in further projects and scientific works.

Based on the work done, scientific events were held that affect the main points of the study. Leading domestic and foreign scientists were involved in scientific events. These meetings provide an opportunity to more clearly define the issues of reconstruction of the events of the studied period.

As part of the project implementation in 2021, the following activities were carried out:

– International round table on the topic “Foreign policy functions of the Kazakh steppe nobility of the Younger Zhuz: problems of study” with the participation of both domestic and foreign scientists from Tashkent and Nukus;

– Scientific and methodological seminar on the topic: “Political Leaders in Steppe Societies: Theory and historiographical review”. Famous Russian scientists took part, such as: Khafizova K.Sh., Mukhtar A.Kh., Abuseitova M.Kh., Izbasarova G.B. and others.

“Reconstruction of the Golden Horde settlement of AktobeLaeti: source studies and historiographical aspects” – a youth project of grant funding.

This project was launched in early 2021. Researchers are working on its implementation mainly for up to 40 years. Conducted under the guidance of Candidate of Historical Sciences, leading researcher Shotanova G.A. and scientific consultant, medievalist, Candidate of Historical Sciences, leading researcher Uzhkenov Y.M.

The object of research of this project is the Golden Horde settlement of Aktobe, located 18 kilometers from the city of Atyrau and functioning approximately in the XIII-XV centuries.

The aim of the project is to reveal the role and significance of the Golden Horde city of Aktobe Laeti in the history and culture of the Great Steppe by conducting a source and historiographical analysis.

To achieve the set goal of the project, a group of researchers began a comprehensive study of pre-revolutionary, Soviet and domestic modern research. This work is important for compiling a historiographical overview. Historiographical analysis will reveal the shortcomings of existing ideas, and can also serve as confirmation of new theories and views.

In addition, the research group is working with the use of a problem – chronological method, which will reveal the level of development of the settlement at a particular time interval, and will also contribute to the analysis of patterns of development of settled agricultural culture in the specified region. In the presentation of the material under study, an interdisciplinary approach is chosen, and methods of historicism, systematics, and historical comparative studies are also used.

Also, in 2021, IHE started writing a 7-volume academic publication “The History of Kazakhstan since ancient times”. The publication is expected to be published in three languages (Kazakh, Russian, English), the project is designed for three years. Within the framework of this PCF, the Department’s employees are working on writing the 5th (fifth) volume.

This volume covers the period of close political relations between Kazakhstan and Russia (XVIII – early XX centuries). The work is conducted under the guidance of Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Kabuldinov Z.E.

To write the fifth volume of the academic edition, domestic scientists, including staff members of the IIE, were invited. Among the authors of the collective work are Khafizova K.Sh., Sultangalieva G.S., Isenov U., Mukhtar A.K., Akhmet A.K., Izbasarova G.B., Ermekbayev Zh.A. and others.

The concept of the vision of the main tasks of the volume has been developed. Several working meetings were held as part of the implementation of the volume, including scientific and methodological seminars.

In case of realization of the tasks assigned to the Department, it is taken into account that the period of modern times is saturated with the most important historical events that have determined the historical destinies of the Kazakh people for several centuries, causing discussions in the scientific community and statements of individual Russian politicians questioning the territorial integrity of Kazakhstan and the formation of its state borders. In this regard, an objective study of the history of Kazakhstan in modern times acquires not only scientific, but also relevant socio-political significance. All these factors impose on the team of authors a special responsibility for rethinking a number of problems and highlighting them from new theoretical and methodological approaches, require the rejection of some established mythologies of this period and its study on the basis of changed historical traditions, representing a solid fusion of scientific knowledge, national identity and ethnic dignity.

Scientific and organizational, publishing and methodological work

Specialists in the history of Modern times have been actively involved in the life of the scientific community of the republic since the establishment of the Institute. In particular, they carry out educational and pedagogical activities in various universities, give lectures, read special courses on the history of Kazakhstan.

It should be noted here the republican scientific and theoretical conference dedicated to the 200th anniversary of Kenesara Kasymuly, held by the Institute in 2002, and the round table meeting “The phenomenon of auxiliary history in the framework of scientific knowledge”, which was attended by leading historians.

In addition, an international scientific conference “Historical Science of the former Soviet Central Asia: achievements and problems” was held, organized jointly with the Gerda Henkel Foundation (Germany) (September 29-30, 2005). These conferences caused a broad impulse in scientific circles, the broad masses of the republic and abroad, contributed to the establishment of important scientific ties.

The following monographs were published in the department as part of the projects being carried out: Valikhanov E. Zh . Khan Kenesary . – Alma-Ata: Arda. 2007. p. 280– – 16.5 p. l.; Galiev V. Z. Library and education system in the Northern Caspian region in the XIX century. – Almaty: 2007. p. 189. – 13 p.l.; Galiev V. Z. The book that woke up the people and his collection “Wake up, Kazakh!”. – Almaty, 2010. – 20 p.l.).

Since 2010, employees of the department have been successfully mastering new approaches to theoretical and practical consideration of the new history of Kazakhstan. This is evidenced by the international conference held jointly with the Akimat of the Akmola region, dedicated to the 175th anniversary of Ch.Ch. Valikhanov, at which completely new questions were raised about the scientific and creative heritage of Chokan and the new history of Kazakhstan as a whole.

On November 5, 2010, the Ch.Ch. Valikhanov Institute of History and Ethnology and the Almaty Regional Administration held an international scientific and practical conference “Chokan Ualikhanov and the Humanities of the XXI century” dedicated to the 175th anniversary of the outstanding Kazakh scientist Chokan Chingisovich Valikhanov.

On June 7, 2012, the Ch.Ch. Valikhanov Institute of History and Ethnology together with the RSE “Gylym Ordasy” held a Republican scientific and practical conference “National liberation uprisings of the XIX century and historical figures” dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the Kazakh batyr Bukharbai Estekbayevich.

On December 11, 2014, a scientific conference “The 100th anniversary of World War I and its impact on the Kazakh people” was held with the participation of employees of the Department of History of Kazakhstan in Modern Times.

On December 10, 2015, with the direct participation of scientists of the Department of the History of Kazakhstan of modern times, the Republican scientific and Practical conference “Shokan Ualikhanov – scientist, traveler and ethnographer” was held, dedicated to the 180th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding scientist, traveler Chokan Genghisovich Valikhanov.

In 2016, the Institute of History and Ethnology named after Ch.Ch. Valikhanov and the Central State Archive of the Republic of Kazakhstan, together with the Department of Internal Policy of Almaty and the Public Foundation “National Ethnographic Association “Adyrna” held a Republican scientific and practical conference on “The historical significance of the national liberation uprising of 1916 in Kazakhstan”, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the national liberation uprising of 1916.

In 2017, with the participation of researchers of the department of the history of kazakhstan of the New era R. E. Orazov and M. R. Satenova, a scientific documentary publication was prepared and published on the life of public figure Uzakbai Kulymbetov, who made a significant contribution to the socio-political and economic development of Kazakhstan “Uzakbai Kulymbetov. Collection of materials and documents”. (Compiled by Smagulova S.O. (responsible), Satenova M. R., Orazov R. E. – Almaty: Kazakh Encyclopedia, 2017. – 416 p.), in which new documents were published.

On December 8, 2017, the department of the history of kazakhstan of modern Times, together with “Gylym Ordasy”, the historical and educational society “Adilet”, the public foundation “Kenesary Khan” and the Genghis Khan International Academy, held an international scientific and practical conference on the topic: “Khan Kenesary is a symbol of state independence”, dedicated to the 215th anniversary of the birth of Kenesary Kasymuly (1802-1847), respected by the country of the Great Steppe, and the 180th anniversary of the national liberation uprising under his leadership (1837-1847).

On April 27, 2018, with the support of the department of culture, Archives and Documentation of the Almaty region at the State Memorial Museum “Altynemel” in the village of Shankhanai, Kerbulak district, Almaty region, the regional scientific and theoretical conference “Zharkengen Zhas gumyr” was held, dedicated to the Day of Memory of Ch. Valikhanov.

Such scientific and practical conferences and scientific events retain an organizational and scientific and methodological orientation. And in this regard, the staff of the department, under the leadership of Ph.D., LRF Shotanova, will conduct a number of scientific events aimed at developing a scientific and methodological orientation on the issues of the department under study.

From 2019 to the present, the staff of the department has been actively working on the release of a number of works, including a collection of documents: “From the history of Kazakh-Russian relations. XVIII century. Collection of documents. – Almaty, 2019 – 516 p. – comp.: Sirik V. A.” and “The National liberation movement of the Kazakh people in the late XIX – early XX centuries. Collection of documents. – Almaty, 2019 – 640 p.” and others.