COLONIZATION, TOPONYMY AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF HISTORICAL MEMORY: CHALLENGES TO KAZAKHSTAN'S IDENTITY

Abstract

Abstract.  The topic of colonization and its impact on the development of national identity is an important aspect in the study of the history of Kazakhstan. During the colonization of the territory of Kazakhstan by the Russian Empire and the USSR, not only political and social structures were changed, but also elements of cultural memory, including toponymy. Toponymy, as a reflection of historical and cultural identity, underwent changes during the period of colonial power, which affected the perception of the historical past and national identity. The process of changing toponyms, removing historical names and replacing them with new ones associated with the Soviet power became part of a wider phenomenon - the transformation of historical memory. This process was aimed at creating a single Soviet identity, but also had long-term consequences for the preservation and transformation of Kazakh identity. Over the years, there has been a return of historical toponyms, the restoration of lost memory and the search for new ways to strengthen national identity. The article examines how the processes of colonization and changes in toponyms have affected the collective memory of the Kazakh people, and also analyzes the challenges facing modern Kazakhstan in the context of preserving and developing its national identity in the context of globalization and historical transformation. The study uses methods of historical and archival analysis, toponymic research, and a comparative historical method. Archival materials, documents, maps are analyzed, and a comparative analysis of changes in toponyms in various historical eras is conducted. The method of content analysis is also used to study the impact of colonization on cultural memory and identity.