THE ALASH MOVEMENT IN EASTERN KAZAKHSTAN: SEMEY AS A POLITICAL AND CULTURAL CENTRE OF KAZAKH NATIONAL AUTONOMY (1905–1920)

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the Alash Movement in Eastern Kazakhstan, focusing on the city of Semey as a major political and cultural centre of Kazakh national autonomy between 1905 and 1920. Drawing on archival documents, periodical publications and contemporary scholarship, the study reconstructs the regional dynamics of the Alash Movement, including the organisation of oblast and district-level Kazakh congresses, the establishment of the Alashorda Government, and the operational activities of its Eastern branch. Particular attention is given to Semey’s role as the provisional capital of the Alash Autonomy, the formation of the national militia, land policy initiatives, and the intellectual and educational work carried out by the regional Kazakh intelligentsia.

The article further examines the diplomatic initiatives undertaken by Alash leaders to establish contact with Chinese officials in Chuguchak (Shäueshäk) and to strengthen ties with Kazakh communities in Eastern Turkestan. The complex interaction of the Alash leadership with both the White forces and later the Bolsheviks during the Civil War is analysed to elucidate the strategic decisions taken under conditions of political instability.

The findings demonstrate that Eastern Kazakhstan served as one of the primary strongholds of the Alash Movement, where the fundamental principles of Kazakh autonomy, national consciousness and early state-building institutions were put into practice.

Keywords: Alash Movement, Semey, Alashorda, national autonomy, Eastern Kazakhstan, archival sources, congresses, Civil War, intelligentsia.