Ethnic Identity: Research by Central Asian Scientists

Murat Nassimov

doi:10.52536/3006-807X.2024-4.003

Authors

Murat Nassimov Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kazakhstan Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8209-8707

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52536/3006-807X.2024-4.003

Keywords:

ethnic identity, globalization, religious, language, ethnicity

Abstract

Globalization has changed some aspects of ethnic identity. On a theoretical basis, this article examines the analysis of studies of ethnic identity conducted by scientists in Central Asia. The maintenance and development of ethnic identity in the face of globalization and sociopolitical upheavals is the main topic of this study. Various research approaches to defining ethnic identity, the main stages of its formation, and the influence of political, historical, and sociocultural processes on the formation and change of ethnic identity are considered. Drawing upon research from diverse disciplines such as anthropology, political science, sociology, and psychology, the article delves into the complexities of ethnic identity formation, its significance, and its impact on individuals and communities. Using data from 17 scientific papers indexed by the keyword “ethnic identity” in the Scopus database, the article identifies key factors influencing the formation and understanding of ethnic identity. The author summarizes various approaches to the study of ethnicity, analyzes the factors affecting the formation of ethnic identity, and presents the main conclusions made by Central Asian researchers. Through a synthesis of empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and case analyses, the article offers insights into the multifaceted nature of ethnic identity within the region. The article represents an important contribution to political science and cultural and sociological aspects of ethnic identity and can be used for further research. Our research reveals a significant interdependence between ethnic identity and historical-political contexts, showing how these factors shape contemporary social reality. Research findings underscore the value of viewing ethnic identity holistically and offer a paradigm for promoting social cohesiveness and cultural continuity in Central Asia.

Author Biography

Murat Nassimov, Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kazakhstan

Candidate of political sciences, associate professor Bolashak University

References

Abdoubaetova, A. (2023). Making sense of conservative narratives in Kyrgyzstan: the case of illiberal public activists. East European Politics, 39(2), 281–300. https://doi.org/10.1080/21599165.2022.2084078

Abdullaev, K. (2012). Nomad migration in Central Asia. In J. Cribb & G. Herrmann (Eds.), After Alexander Central Asia before Islam (pp. 73–98). London, British Academy. https://doi.org/10.5871/bacad/9780197263846.003.0004

Agadjanian, V., & Nedoluzhko, L. (2022). Imperial legacies, nation building, and geopolitics: Ethno-regional divides and the Russian language in Central Asia. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 45(10), 1846–1872. https://doi.org/10.1080/01419870.2021.1981966

Aitpaeva, G. (2008). Kyrgyzchylyk: Searching new paradigms for ancient practices. Anthropological Journal of European Cultures, 17(2), 66–83. https://doi.org/10.3167/ajec.2008.170205

Anderson, B. (2016). Imagined communities: Reflections on the origin and spread of nationalism. London, Verso.

Baigabatova, N., Tolamissov, A., Rakhipova, S., Ashimova, D., Khuangan, O., & Smagulov, K. (2018). Ethnocultural identity of Kazakhs of Mongolia in everyday life. Codrul Cosminului, 24(1), 79–96.

Balci, B. (2007). Central Asian refugees in Saudi Arabia: Religious evolution and contributing to the reislamization of their motherland. Refugee Survey Quarterly, 26(2), 12–21. https://doi.org/10.1093/rsq/hdi0223

Bayarkhuu, D. (2004). Geopolitics of the new Central Asia. World Affairs: The Journal of International Issues, 8(1), 53-76.

Botokanova, G., Alybaev, A., & Mursahmedova, G. (2024). Transformation of the consciousness of post-nomads in the context of globalization. Trans/Form/Acao, 47(2), e0240085. https://doi.org/10.1590/0101-3173.2024.v47.n2.e0240085

Boivin, N. (2015). Peripheral ritualized practices - threads connecting decorations to the cloak of identity. Journal of Intercultural Communication Research, 44(1), 44–63. https://doi.org/10.1080/17475759.2014.1003391

Brubaker, R. (2002). Ethnicity without groups. European Journal of Sociology, 43(2), 163-189. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0003975602001066

Brubaker, R. (2006). Ethnicity without groups. Cambridge, Harvard University Press.

Czuba, K. (2023). Political mobilization of layered ethnic identities. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 46(10), 2138-2162. https://doi.org/10.1080/01419870.2022.2154614

Dave, B. (2007). Kazakhstan - ethnicity, language and power. London, Routledge.

Fahrutdinova, G., Ibrayeva, Z., & Bulatbayeva, K. (2023). Development of multicultural education in Tatarstan and Kazakhstan. Education and Self Development, 18(3), 184–201. https://doi.org/10.26907/esd.18.3.12;

Faranda, R., & Nolle, D. B. (2011). Boundaries of ethnic identity in central Asia: Titular and Russian perceptions of ethnic commonalities in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 34(4), 620–642. https://doi.org/10.1080/01419870.2010.516004

Fierman, W. (2006). Language and education in post-Soviet Kazakhstan: Kazakh-medium instruction in urban schools. The Russian Review, 65(1), 98-116. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9434.2005.00388.x

Geertz, C. (1973). The interpretation of cultures: Selected essays. New York, Basic Books.

Gharibiyan, Z. (2015). Designing a model for measuring the amount of young individuals’ national identity. Social Sciences (Pakistan), 10(7), 1669–1676.

Hall, S. (1996). Cultural identity and diaspora. In P. Mongia (Ed.), Contemporary postcolonial theory: A reader (pp. 110-121). London, Arnold.

Hirsch, F. (2000). Toward an empire of nations: Border-making and the formation of Soviet national identities. The Russian Review, 59(2), 201-226. https://doi.org/10.1111/0036-0341.00117

Kappassova, G. M. (2018). Migration policy of the regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Socio-political mechanisms of easing the interethnic tension. Space and Culture, India, 5(3), 69–88. https://doi.org/10.20896/saci.v5i3.279

Kaziev, S. Sh., Mogunova, M. V., & Kusainov, O. Zh. (2023). North Kazakhstan region: A cult of saints and ethnic identity processes among Kazakhs. Oriental Studies, 16(6), 1572-1586. https://doi.org/10.22162/2619-0990-2023-70-6-1572-1586

Khomyakov, M. B. (2020). Nationalism and colonialism: Oceans, civilizations, races. Changing Societies and Personalities, 4(3), 285–303. https://doi.org/10.15826/csp.2020.4.3.102

Lubin, N. (2023). Islam and ethnic identity in Central Asia: A view from below. In Y. Ro’I (Ed.), Muslim Eurasia: Conflicting Legacies (pp. 53–70). London, Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003417088-5

Marat, E. (2018). The politics of police reform: Society against the state in post-Soviet countries. Oxford, Oxford University Press.

Matkerim, D., Ismagambetova, Z., Edelbay, S., Karabayeva, A., & Boldykov, Z. (2023). Symbolic images representing cultural and ethnic identity of the Kazakhs in Kazakhstan cinema. ISVS e-journal, 10(11), 373–389. https://doi.org/10.61275/ISVSEJ-2023-10-11-24

Mukhamejanova, D., & Konurbayeva, Z. (2023). Diaspora engagement and return migration for educational purposes in Estonia and Kazakhstan. International Journal of Comparative Education and Development, 25(2), 123–135. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCED-07-2022-0055

Murzakhmedova, G., Botokanova, G., & Zhunushalieva G. (2024). Methodological approaches to the study of the Kyrgyz Epic. Southern Semiotic Review, 19, 45–65. https://doi.org/10.33234/SSR.19.4

Myong, S.-O., & Chun, B.-S. (2015). The cultural politics of restoring ethnic identity: Focusing on renaming of streets in Almaty. International Journal of Critical Cultural Studies, 13(2), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.18848/2327-0055/CGP/v13i02/43765

Nasritdinov, E. (2016). Only by learning how to live together differently can we live together at all: Readability and legibility of Central Asian migrants presence in urban Russia. Central Asian Survey, 35(2), 257–275. https://doi.org/10.1080/02634937.2016.1153837

Nurgaliyeva, A., Tastaeva, Z., Baibulsinova, A., & Serikova, L. (2017). The Fire Cult and Islam in the Kazakh system of beliefs. Trames, 21(2), 151–160. https://doi.org/10.3176/tr.2017.2.04

Otpenov, N., Smagulov, K. N., Al’muhametov, A. R., Akimhanov, A., & Anarbaiev, N. (2019). Ethno-confessional conflict as a destructive way to resolve contradictions in social and religious relations. European Journal of Science and Theology, 15(2), 179–189.

Rakhmetova, A., Ayapbergenov, B., Karbozova, G., & Temirgazina, Z. (2022). How much language is important for ethnic identity of young Kazakhstanis from inter-ethnic families? Journal of Siberian Federal University - Humanities and Social Sciences, 15(11), 1573-1584. https://doi.org/10.17516/1997-1370-0937

Reeves, M. (2014). Border work: Spatial lives of the state in rural Central Asia. Ithaca, Cornell University Press.

Senggirbay, M. (2019). Ethnic identity of Kazakhstani Russians: The dynamics of change and the place of Russia as a kin state. Journal of Nationalism Memory and Language Politics, 13(1), 67-89. https://doi.org/10.2478/jnmlp-2019-0004

Shapoval, Y. (2020). The role of Catholicism in the preserving of ethnic identity of deported poles: Case study Kazakhstan. Istoriya, 11(7), 93. https://doi.org/10.18254/S207987840010706-5

Shnirelman, V. A. (2012). Archaeology and the national idea in Eurasia. In C. W. Hartley, G. B. Yazicioğlu, & A. T. Smith (Eds.), The archaeology of power and politics in Eurasia: Regimes and revolutions (pp. 15–36). Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139061186.003

Smith, A. D. (1991). National identity. Reno, University of Nevada Press.

Smith, A. D. (2009). Ethno-symbolism and nationalism: A Cultural approach. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203876558

Torun, N. (2021). Soviet nationality policy: Impact on ethnic conflict in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Karadeniz Araştırmaları, XVIII(70), 245-263.

Yefremov, Ye. A. (2021). Influence of the multiethnic environment on the diasporic identity of Koreans in Kazakhstan. Vestnik Sankt-Peterburgskogo Universiteta Vostokovedenie i Afrikanistika, 13(4), 519–529. https://doi.org/10.21638/spbu13.2021.404