Kazakhstan: Where Regional Supremacy Was Forged

Unveiling Kazakhstan’s Power Shifting
Dynamics: A Closer Look

Kazakhstan, officially known as the
Republic of Kazakhstan, is a large country in Central Asia, with a small part
in Europe. It’s bordered by Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and
Turkmenistan, and it has a coastline along the Caspian Sea. The capital city is
Astana. Kazakhstan is the world’s largest landlocked country, but its
population density is low, with less than six people per square kilometer.

Throughout history, various nomadic
groups and empires have inhabited this land. The Scythians (Nomadic Iranian),
Achaemenid Persian Empire, and Turkic nomads were early inhabitants. In the
13th century, it came under the rule of the Mongol Empire. Later, the Kazakh Khanate was formed in the 15th century, but by the 18th century, it was
absorbed by the Russian Empire. By the mid-19th century, Kazakhstan became part
of the Russian Empire, and slavery was abolished in 1859.

Scythians

After the 1917 Russian Revolution and
Civil War, the territory underwent several reorganizations. In 1936, it became
the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic within the Soviet Union. It was the last
Soviet republic to declare independence during the dissolution of the Soviet
Union between 1988 and 1991. On October 25, 1990, the Kazakh Soviet Socialist
Republic made a historic declaration of sovereignty, asserting its autonomy
from the Soviet Union. This pivotal step foreshadowed Kazakhstan’s path to full
independence. This article explores the history of power shifts and regional
power struggles in Kazakhstan.

💻 Table of Contents:

• From’ qaz-‘ to ‘Kazakh’: Tracing the Nomadic Heritage
• The Emergence of the Turkic Ethnic Confederation
• Mongol Conquest of Kazakhstan
• Emergence of Kazakh Khanates
• Shift in Power Dynamics: Russian Expansion into Kazakhstan
• Qing Dynasty and Troubled Periods
• Russian Colonization and Soviet Era
• Independence and Modern Kazakhstan

From’ qaz-‘ to ‘Kazakh’: Tracing the Nomadic Heritage

The word ‘Kazakh,’ meaning someone from the Kazakh people, comes from the Russian word ‘казах’ and in Kazakh, it’s written as ‘қазақ’ (qazaq). This word likely comes from the Turkic term ‘qaz-‘ which means ‘to wander,’ reflecting the nomadic lifestyle of the Kazakh people. Originally, ‘Kazakh’ referred only to ethnic Kazakhs, including those in neighboring countries like China, Russia, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. But with time, its meaning expanded to include all people living in Kazakhstan, regardless of their ethnicity, showing the inclusive nature of modern Kazakhstan.

The origins of the Kazakh people can
be traced back to the Turkic nomadic tribes that inhabited the Eurasian Steppe.
The Kazakhs are believed to be descendants of various Turkic-speaking tribes,
including the Kipchaks, Kanglis,
and Naimans, who migrated to the region in the
early middle Ages.

Central Asia Political Map

The Emergence of the Turkic Ethnic
Confederation:

Between the 5th and 11th centuries, Turkic people migrated across Central
Asia, gradually replacing and blending with the Iranian-speaking
populations. This shift led to a more East Asian-influenced population in
Central Asia.

In 552, a significant Turkic kingdom (The First Turkic Khaganate), was
established by Bumin Qaghan in the Mongolian
Plateau, spreading westward toward the Caspian Sea.
The Göktürks, who were part of this kingdom,
integrated various groups like the Xionites, Uar, Oghurs, and more, eventually
merging into the Avars and Bulgars. In just 35
years, the eastern and western halves of this Turkic kingdom became
independent, with the western part reaching its zenith in the early 7th
century.

Around the early 11th century, the
Cumans (Turkic nomadic people) arrived in the steppes of present-day
Kazakhstan, later forming a substantial confederation with the Kipchak (Turkic
nomadic people), known as the Cuman-Kipchak confederation. It was an alliance of Turkic-speaking nomadic tribes that
inhabited the Eurasian Steppe during the 11th to 13th centuries. The
confederation included various tribes, such as the Cumans, Kipchaks, and other
related groups. The confederation was known for its military expertise, nomadic
lifestyle, and trade networks.

Horse Transport in Kazakhstan

Mongol Conquest of Kazakhstan:

In the early 13th century, the
Mongols, led by Genghis Khan, began their
conquest of Central Asia. The Mongols were a formidable military force, and
their empire rapidly expanded through conquest. The Cuman-Kipchak confederation,
with its wealth and strategic location, became a target for the Mongols.
Despite the resistance put up by the confederation, the Mongols ultimately
emerged victorious, conquering and subjugating the Cuman-Kipchak tribes.

Overall, the collapse of the
Cuman-Kipchak confederation by the Mongols was a transformative event in the
history of Kazakhstan. It marked the beginning of Mongol rule in the region and
brought about significant changes in political organization, cultural
interactions, and the integration of Kazakhstan into the wider Mongol Empire.

Emergence of Kazakh Khanates:

In the aftermath of the Mongol
collapse, the region of Kazakhstan saw the emergence of several Kazakh
Khanates. These Khanates were semi-independent states led by khans, who were
tribal leaders. The Kazakh Khanates included the Great
Horde, the Middle Horde, the Little Horde, and the Junior
Horde. These Khanates often had internal conflicts and power struggles
but maintained a loose confederation to balance power and maintain unity among
the tribes.

Kolsay Lake, Kazakhstan

Shift in Power Dynamics: Russian Expansion into Kazakhstan

With the decline of the Mongol Empire,
various external powers sought to exert their influence in the region. The
Kazakh Khanates found themselves caught between the competing interests of
neighboring empires, such as the Russian Empire,
the Persian Empire, and the Qing Empire of China. These powers sought to establish
control over strategic territories and resources, leading to conflicts and
territorial disputes.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the
Russian Empire began expanding into Kazakhstan, leaving a significant impact.
Key figures like Yermak Timofeyevich led
expeditions into Kazakh lands, marking the start of Russian influence. Russian
explorers, traders, and Cossack settlers established
forts and trade outposts across the region, laying the foundation for further
expansion.

Through treaties with Kazakh Khanates
during the 17th and 18th centuries, Russia gained control over specific
territories. Facing external pressures and seeking protection, Kazakh leaders
entered into agreements with the Russian Empire. This process continued
throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, resulting in the incorporation of these
regions into the Russian Empire.

Russian expansion brought demographic,
economic, and cultural changes to Kazakhstan, including colonization efforts,
migration of settlers, and the introduction of new technologies. It’s crucial
to note that this period also witnessed resistance from Kazakh leaders, such as
Kenesary Khan and Isatay Taymanuly, who fought against Russian rule.

The gradual Russian expansion from the
16th and 17th centuries laid the groundwork for a lasting Russian presence,
shaping the history and the relationship between Russia and Kazakhstan.

The Russian ethnic population in
Kazakhstan, comprising about 15% of the country’s residents, is one of the
largest minority groups. This community has a significant cultural and
historical presence in Kazakhstan, with many Russians having lived in the
country for generations.

Qing Dynasty and Troubled Periods:

During the 18th century, the Kazakh
Khanates faced difficulties because of the Qing Empire, especially in eastern
Kazakhstan’s Dzungaria area. This time saw
conflicts and changes in territories, making the Khanates less strong. A
notable leader, Ablai Khan, emerged in the late
18th century, defending against the Qing Empire. Problems arose from divisions
within the Khanates and the pressure from the Qing Empire. These issues
affected the Khanates’ power and the land they controlled in this troubled
period.

Kenesary Khan, Kazakhstan

Independence and Modern Kazakhstan:

Following the dissolution of the
Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan seized the opportunity to assert its
independence and transformed into the Republic of Kazakhstan. Since then, the
nation has directed its efforts towards nation-building, fostering economic
progress, and safeguarding its cultural legacy. Kazakhstan has pursued a
multi-faceted foreign policy, forging ties with neighboring states and
fostering partnerships with influential global actors.

Presently, Kazakhstan stands as a
sovereign nation, adorned with a diverse populace, a vibrant cultural heritage,
and an evolving economy. The country adeptly navigates the complexities of the
contemporary world while cherishing its distinctive traditions and striving for
further advancement and prosperity.

Conclusion:

In summary, Kazakhstan’s history is
a rich tapestry of nomadic empires, cultural shifts, and the resilience of its
people. From Turkic migrations to Mongol conquests, Russian colonization, and
the challenges of the Soviet era, Kazakhstan’s resilience shines through.
Becoming its own country in 1991, Kazakhstan carefully handles the complex of
geopolitics. It focuses on being strong in its region and making friends with
other nations. Kazakhstan also holds onto its cultural traditions while aiming
for success in the wider world.