Bulletin of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Political Science. Regional Studies. Oriental Studies. Turkology Series.

Landscape women's political agency: conceptual foundations and institutional conditions of its realization

D.M. Aikenova — 2026-09-30

Women's participation in politics is today assessed primarily through their numerical share in government bodies, whereas the capacity of women politicians to act as autonomous agents, to set the agenda, build alliances, and influence decision-making, remains outside the scope of analysis. Yet the quantitative growth of women's presence in representative institutions is not accompanied by an automatic expansion of their actual influence, and the gap between descriptive and substantive representation has ceased to narrow. The aim of the study is to conceptualize the notion of women's political agency as a magnitude irreducible to presence, one that mediates the transition from numerical to substantive representation, and to identify the institutional conditions of its realization using the case of Kazakhstan. The theoretical framework draws on H. Pitkin's typology of representation, A. Phillips's "politics of presence," R. Kanter's concept of tokenism, the theories of critical mass and critical actors, as well as the treatments of agency in E. Giddens, M. Emirbayer and A. Mische, and N. Kabeer. The research method is a content analysis of 1,999 legislative and oversight acts (parliamentary deputy inquiries) of 17 women deputies of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan of the VIII convocation, classified into seven subject domains. The results reveal a pronounced thematic asymmetry: about 45% of activity is concentrated in the socio-cultural sphere, whereas the traditionally "male" domains (economy, finance, legislation) are taken up only by individual "critical actors"; at the same time, the volume of activity is not equivalent to thematic autonomy. The aggregate 30% quota secures women's entry into the institution but not their distribution across key positions. The findings acquire particular significance in light of the 2026 constitutional reform, which replaced the bicameral Parliament with a unicameral Kurultai: the retention of the previous aggregate quota ahead of the elections of 23 August 2026 makes it possible to predict the reproduction of the gap between presence and influence in the new body as well.

USA-China relations during Donald Trump’s second presidential term

M.I. Abizova — 2026-09-30

The article examines the transformation of U.S.-China relations during the first several months of Donald Trump’s second presidential term, from January 2025 to August 2026. The object of the study is the bilateral relations between the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China as a central nexus of contemporary world politics, while the subject is the logic of the transition from the tariff escalation of spring 2025 to the ‘limited stabilisation’ consolidated by the leaders’ summit in Busan in October 2025 and D. Trump’s visit to Beijing in May 2026. The relevance of the study is associated with the accelerated succession of phases of rivalry – from systemic confrontation to tactical normalisation and back to targeted restrictions – and with the need to conceptualise these developments for the states of Central Asia. The analysis is structured around several interconnected dimensions: economic, diplomatic, technological, military-strategic and domestic political, while also taking into account Beijing’s response strategy. The theoretical framework of the study is formed by a comparison of structural realism, liberalism and constructivism, which makes it possible to identify both the persistence of structural rivalry between the two powers and its new forms – the selective securitisation of economic ties, targeted export controls in the field of semiconductors and critical minerals, as well as the personal diplomacy of the two leaders. The most likely trajectory of developments in 2026-2028 remains a scenario of strategic pause, during which the United States and the PRC strengthen their respective positions ahead of a possible new round of escalation. The findings of the study are of interest for the formulation of a balanced multi-vector foreign policy by the states of Central Asia, including the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Public Service Digitalization Policy as a Tool for Efficiency and Digital Sovereignty (Global Experience and Kazakhstan)

А.Е. Uskembayeva — 2026-09-30

The article examines public service digitalization policy as a tool for improving government efficiency and, simultaneously, as a mechanism for ensuring digital sovereignty. The research problem lies in the methodological gap arising because these two dimensions are most often studied separately in the literature. The study is based on a comparative analysis of international experience, institutional analysis, and a case study of Kazakhstan; the analysis includes digital state models of Estonia, Singapore, South Korea, and European Union countries, with the comparison built on an original composite index developed from eight criteria. The paper examines the managerial effects of digitalization, including reduced transaction costs, improved accessibility of public services, enhanced transparency of administrative procedures, and citizen-oriented governance. It also analyzes the impact of digitalization on digital sovereignty, particularly data governance systems, digital identity institutions, and infrastructure cyber resilience. The findings show that digitalization effectiveness depends on the institutional architecture of the digital state: although Kazakhstan has risen to 24th place in the UN E-Government Development Index (EGDI), the digital sovereignty dimension remains in a process of maturation. The article proposes a dual-contour model integrating managerial and sovereignty-based approaches, applicable to developing Kazakhstan's digital transformation strategies.

The impact of modern political culture on the political activity of Kazakhstani youth: A politological analysis

Z. Baizhumakkyzy — 2026-09-30

The article provides a comprehensive examination of the influence of contemporary political culture on the level, forms, and patterns of political engagement among young people in Kazakhstan. It analyzes the key factors shaping young citizens’ political consciousness and civic attitudes, including the mass media, social networks, the education system, family, civil society organizations, and state youth policy. Particular attention is paid to the transformation of the country’s political culture in the context of digitalization, globalization, and changing social values. The rapid integration of digital technologies into public and political life is considered one of the key factors influencing how young people perceive political information, assess political developments, and participate in emerging forms of civic engagement. The study finds that digital platforms and social networks have become important instruments for shaping young people’s political views and attitudes and play a significant role in their political socialization. Online petitions, public discussions on social media, civic initiatives, participation in electoral processes, and volunteering are also examined as widespread forms of youth political engagement. The authors conduct a political analysis of current trends and identify several barriers to young people’s participation in political processes, including political apathy, low levels of institutional trust, information manipulation, and insufficient media literacy. The study employs comparative, historical, and sociological methods and substantiates the need to improve civic and political education, enhance media literacy, strengthen open dialogue between public institutions and young people, and support youth-led civic initiatives. The findings offer a new perspective on the issue, contribute to a deeper understanding of its scholarly and practical significance, and provide a foundation for further comprehensive research into the political culture and political participation of young people in Kazakhstan.

The Strategic Role of the “Qyzyljar” Special Economic Zone in the Context of Cross-Border Development

M.Yu. Onuchko — 2026-09-30

The article examines the role of the “Qyzyljar” Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as an instrument of state regional policy in the development of Kazakhstan’s border territories. The study aims to assess the potential, limitations, and development prospects of the SEZ located in the North Kazakhstan region bordering the Russian Federation. A comprehensive methodological approach was applied, including comparative analysis, SWOT analysis, and an integrated efficiency assessment model. The “Qyzyljar” SEZ was compared with other special economic zones in Kazakhstan according to key indicators such as investment attractiveness, export orientation, sectoral diversification, infrastructure development, and employment impact. The findings demonstrate that the region’s strategic geographical position, agro-industrial potential, and state support create favorable conditions for the formation of an industrial and logistics hub for cross-border cooperation. At the same time, several challenges were identified, including insufficient economic diversification, limited infrastructure capacity, shortages of qualified labor, and institutional barriers. Based on the results of the study, recommendations are proposed for improving SEZ governance mechanisms, developing human capital, modernizing infrastructure, and strengthening cross-border economic cooperation. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the development of a methodological approach to assessing the effectiveness of border-region special economic zones while taking into account spatial and geo-economic factors.

Multi-vector nature and geopolitics of sanctions: methodological lessons for Kazakhstan studies

E. Assan — 2026-09-30

The modern international system is characterized by the intensification of sanctions practices, the politicization of economic interdependence, and the increasing importance of infrastructural and technological factors of power. These processes are forming a new configuration of geopolitical influence, in which traditional methodological approaches focused on spatial and territorial analysis and state-centered logic demonstrate limited explanatory power. In this regard, there is an increasing need to update analytical tools for studying the foreign policy of states with an average level of strength.

The purpose of the article is to identify the methodological limitations of classical approaches to the study of multi – vector foreign policy in the context of the geopolitics of sanctions and to formulate the grounds for their conceptual updating. The methodological basis of the research is an integrated approach that includes a comparative analysis of scientific concepts and a critical analysis of modern research discourse.

The scientific novelty of the work lies in the development of an analytical framework for vulnerability geopolitics, which makes it possible to shift the research focus from spatial control to structural nodes of dependence – financial, technological, infrastructural and institutional – through which foreign policy pressure is realized. In this logic, multi-vector approach is interpreted not only as a balancing strategy, but also as a risk management mechanism aimed at preventing a critical concentration of dependencies.

It is shown that the foreign policy autonomy of the middle Powers is relative and is determined by the ability to adapt to the sanctions fragmentation of the international system. The theoretical significance of the research lies in the expansion of the methodological tools of geopolitical research and the formation of more sensitive analytical optics for the study of multi-vector strategies.

The Content and Characteristics of the “Thirty-Six Stratagems” as the Quintessence of Chinese Military Culture

B. Zhylkybekuly — 2026-09-30

It is well known that China is one of the most populous and culturally rich countries in the world, with deep-rooted traditions. At the same time, thanks to its profound cultural heritage and long historical experience, China is now captivating global attention with its rapidly growing economy and scientific-technological power. In today's fierce era of information competition, especially as we bear the strategic goal of joining the ranks of developed countries, it is essential to raise a talented, capable, and resourceful generation. Therefore, in educating and nurturing our young and ambitious youth in line with the demands of the era, we must continuously strive, research, and learn from the experiences of our neighboring and developed countries, while firmly upholding our national values.

We live in a dynamically changing geopolitical world full of competition and a thirst for knowledge and science. Moreover, as science and technology advance, the ambitions of powerful imperial unions to dominate smaller countries are growing, and many forces are casting envious eyes on our independence. Countries with strong military potential such as the USA, Russia, Iran, and Western powers are becoming increasingly aware of the strategic ambitions of China, which is rapidly rising to a leading position in many fields.

That is why, along with Sinology, we must also focus on classical works such as Sun Tzu's The Art of War, which emphasizes the importance of knowing both your enemy and yourself to avoid danger in battle, as well as *The 36 Stratagems of China*, a masterpiece of military strategy. These works are widely applied not only in military conflicts but also in daily life disputes, sports competitions, trade negotiations, diplomacy, and political rivalries.

In this context, the mentioned scholarly work offers a thoughtful interpretation of the strategic meaning, content, and nature of "The 36 Stratagems of China," which lie at the heart of Chinese military culture, and provides readers with insightful and thought-provoking perspectives.

Cultural ties between Kazakhstan and India: Historical Foundations and Contemporary Exchanges

Inderjeet Singh — 2026-09-30

Cultural cooperation represents a significant dimension of Kazakhstan–India bilateral relations, rooted in historical interactions along the Silk Road and further strengthened in the post-Soviet period through renewed political, diplomatic, and humanitarian engagement. This study examines the evolution, current state, and key trends of cultural relations between the two countries, focusing on historical and cultural ties, religious and philosophical discourse, education, literature, arts, and cinema. Attention is focused on the role of institutional mechanisms, such as bilateral agreements, cultural centers, academic partnerships, and people-to-people exchanges, in fostering cultural dialogue and mutual understanding. This study demonstrates that cultural cooperation plays a pivotal role in deepening bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and India and in fostering broad regional connectivity between Central and South Asia. Furthermore, it highlights the growing importance of cultural diplomacy and soft power as key instruments in contemporary international relations. Based on historical analysis and contemporary policy shifts, this study indicates that cultural ties have become a key pillar of the India-Kazakhstan partnership. Despite challenges such as limited direct connectivity and a lack of public awareness, the rise in digital engagement, educational mobility, and heritage-based tourism offers significant opportunities for deeper cooperation. The study also suggests that sustained cultural engagement can foster mutual trust, promote people-to-people connectivity, and create a favourable and conducive environment for long-term strategic cooperation.

Continuity of the Language of Sopy Allayar’s Work with Old Turkic and Modern Kazakh Languages (based on the work “Sabat ul-‘Ajizin”)

R.A. Doszhan — 2026-09-30

Written monuments preserving the literary norms, developmental patterns, and linguistic features of different periods constitute a primary source for studying the history of the Kazakh literary language. Although its history dates back to ancient times, many aspects of its written literary tradition remain insufficiently studied. Modern scholarship considers the Chagatai literary language one of the sources that influenced the formation of the Kazakh written literary language. Its widespread use among the Kazakhs is evidenced by Abai’s poems written in this tradition and his references to Sufi Allayar in the Words of Edification. Drawing on previous scholarship, the article clarifies the concept of the “Chagatai language” and employs related terms such as “Central Asian Turkic literary language” and “tradition of Turkic written literature.”

The study examines the grammatical, phonetic, and lexical features of Sufi Allayar’s Sabat ul-‘ajizin (“The Perseverance of the Weak”). Particular attention is given to the historical development of grammatical forms, including the ancient dağ/dek and modern day/dey, dative and ablative case endings, the archaic participial form -mysh and its modern counterpart -ğan, and the Old Turkic formant dür, which expresses emphasis but is no longer independently used in modern Kazakh. The analysis also considers the use of -lar with plural third-person verb forms and Arabic-Persian izafet constructions, as well as the phonetic correspondences s~sh and sh~ch. The text contains numerous Arabic and Persian lexical borrowings and religious anthroponyms, many of which have entered the modern Kazakh anthroponymic system.

As a poetic historical monument, Sabat ul-‘ajizin preserves linguistic, phraseological, grammatical, and lexical features of its period. Its linguistic evidence demonstrates the continuity between the Central Asian Turkic literary tradition and the development of the Kazakh written literary language, contributing to a deeper understanding of its historical formation and evolution.

A Historical and Grammatical Comparison of Cases in Old Uyghur and Kazakh (Based on the Text of “Sekiz Yükmek Yaruk”)

Sh.D. Burkitbayeva — 2026-09-30

The article presents a historical and grammatical comparison of the case systems of Old Uyghur and Kazakh. The study aims to identify the similarities and differences between the case systems of the two languages, reveal their language-specific features, and examine historical case forms that remain in active use in modern Kazakh. Foreign scholars specializing in Old Turkic languages note that the term “vibhakti,” one of the most frequently occurring grammatical terms in Old Uyghur, was used to denote the category of case. Previous studies also suggest that there are no substantial differences between the case systems of the two languages apart from certain variations in their case suffixes.

The relevance of the study lies in the need to investigate the grammatical structure of Old Uyghur, which remains insufficiently explored in Kazakhstani scholarship, particularly the category of case, which attracted the attention of the Old Uyghurs themselves as early as the medieval period. Sentences extracted from “Sekiz Yükmek Yaruk,” one of the monuments of Old Uyghur writing, were used as the primary linguistic material. The study employed comparative, comparative-historical, classification, analytical, and translation methods. The findings provide a comparison of the case forms and their grammatical functions in Old Uyghur and Kazakh, explain the changes these forms underwent in the course of their historical development, and identify ancient case markers.

Historical Context of Migration Processes: The Experience of Major European Countries in Addressing the Refugee Issue

M.Sh. Nazarova — 2026-09-30

This article examines the migration processes of France and Germany, which are the largest countries with migration flows in the European Union. It analyzes migration policy, legislative initiatives, and integration programs aimed at supporting refugees and migrants. Special attention is given to historical facts, particularly significant stages and events in the migration history of these two countries. Statistical data on the number of migrants and their national composition are presented, and the influence of public opinion on political decisions is discussed. In this context, the changes in public opinion regarding migration issues, attitudes towards migrants, and the level of societal acceptance play an important role. The study emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to migration for ensuring social stability and security.

The historical context helps to understand the dynamics of migration processes and their impact on contemporary society. It examines how the effects of past migration waves influence current integration policies. As a result, effective migration management contributes to enhancing social cohesion in the European Union, and lessons from the past are significant factors in shaping current policy. Additionally, the role of diverse perspectives and opinions in public discussions about migration is explored, providing a comprehensive view of migration processes. The article also addresses the economic impacts of migration, cultural exchange, and social integration. It discusses the contributions of migrants to society and the related challenges, such as access to the labor market, education, and cultural adaptation. These factors allow for a deeper understanding of the role of migration processes in maintaining and developing social stability.

Modernization of higher education in Central Asia: key stages and tools of internationalization

Zh.Ye. Nurbayev — 2026-09-30

This article presents a historical retrospective of the process of introducing and developing the internationalization of higher education in the Central Asian states, which found themselves in a difficult situation after gaining independence and had to search for new strategies, methods and goals for further development. Research on this topic is important because it can help identify priority areas for strengthening the international activities of universities in Central Asia, which, in turn, will strengthen the region's position in the geo-economic space. The historical stages of the formation of the educational policy of the countries of the region, such as Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, are presented in a structured manner from the 1990s to the present day. In Turkmenistan, which remains a closed state, the educational system is subject to strong politicization, but even there the internationalization of higher education is becoming important for the country's leadership. In recent decades, there has been an increase in interest in higher education in Central Asian countries, which poses certain challenges to the region. Thus, the internationalization of higher education implies the need to unify standards and quality control mechanisms, as well as to promote international mobility for teachers and researchers. Ensuring the quality of education is an important factor in competitiveness, but questions remain about their application to support student mobility and employment. The countries of the region are experiencing difficulties in coordinating the effectiveness of training in the context of a single qualification mechanism. In this regard, it is concluded that it is advisable to simplify the procedural points for the recognition of qualification characteristics in the format of a single educational space similar to the European Higher Education Area.

National identity politics and state consolidation in Latvia and Estonia since independence

G.K. Olchikenova — 2026-09-30

This article explores how Latvia and Estonia have addressed significant challenges related to forming national identity, consolidating their states, and distancing themselves from the Soviet legacy since regaining independence. The objective of the study is to analyze the key factors that have influenced nation-building in both countries, with a focus on language policy, memory politics, and the integration of Russian-speaking minorities. The research is qualitative in nature and draws upon academic literature, legal documents, statistical data, and policy reports. It incorporates elements of discourse analysis, historical comparison, and case-based examinations of political and cultural transformations. The findings indicate that the restoration of Latvian and Estonian statehood necessitated not only political and economic restructuring but also a reevaluation of cultural and linguistic foundations that were weakened during the Soviet era. The analysis reveals that citizenship laws, minority integration frameworks, and language reforms were pivotal in redefining national identity. Additionally, memory politics played a crucial role; interpretations of World War II, the removal of Soviet monuments, and disputes over historical narratives significantly influenced public discourse and state policies. The study highlights that, although Russian-speaking minorities initially faced exclusion, gradual policy adjustments and European integration have helped alleviate tensions. Nevertheless, Russia's geopolitical actions – including the annexation of Crimea and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine – have notably hastened the Baltic states' efforts to diminish Russian influence. This study emphasizes how small states with complex ethnolinguistic landscapes can effectively consolidate their nationhood. The experiences of Latvia and Estonia offer a valuable comparative model for understanding post-Soviet state-building, the politics of memory, and the challenges of managing historical legacies while integrating into European structures.

UN and EU Counter-Terrorism Response Mechanism

R. Sadykova — 2026-09-30

This article examines legal measures to combat international terrorism. The authors analyse the development and functioning of the mechanisms of the Al-Qaeda and Taliban Sanctions Committee and the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee in the context of UN Security Council Resolution No. 1267 (1999), by which the Council imposed sanctions in response to the Taliban’s refusal to hand over Osama bin Laden. In subsequent decisions, the UN Security Council modified the goals of the sanction to include Al-Qaida and its associations (according to the resolution 1390 (2002)) and highlight three main measures: an asset freeze (and related financial measures), an arms embargo, and a ban on movement. There is no doubt that funding is a prerequisite to any terrorist action, and freezing the flow of money to those engaged in terrorist activities is vitally important, therefore identify legal challenges in enforcement of freezing of assets and travel ban on terrorist suspects is also important. Accordingly, the article evaluates whether the UN and EU procedures for listing and delisting suspected terrorists comply with the principles of due process, legal certainty, and effective judicial protection. Particular attention is paid to the need to balance the effectiveness of counter-terrorism sanctions with the protection of fundamental human rights and individual freedoms.

Region (1867-1918): materials of the Central State Archive of the Republic of Uzbekistan

G.M. Mendikulova — 2026-09-30

The article examines archival documents on the history of the Kazakh population of the Turkestan region in 1867-1918, identified in the funds of the Central State Archive of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The source base of the research consists of materials from the funds "I-1. Chancellery of the Turkestan Governor-General", "I-2. Diplomatic official under the Turkestan Governor-General" and "I-3. Russian Imperial Political Agency in Bukhara". The presented documents allow to reveal the features of administrative management, socio-economic situation, land relations and legal status of the Kazakh population in the conditions of the formation and functioning of the colonial system of the Russian Empire in Central Asia.

Particular attention is paid to the analysis of regulatory legal acts, statistical materials, administrative correspondence, petitions and complaints of the population, reflecting the practice of taxation, land use, resolution of property disputes, judicial proceedings and regulation of migration processes. The considered sources characterize not only the position of Kazakhs, but also various aspects of interaction with neighboring peoples of the region – Uzbeks, Kyrgyz, Karakalpaks and Turkmen. The purpose of the research is to identify and scientifically analyze archival materials that allow expanding the source base for studying the history of Kazakhs of the Turkestan region in the second half of the XIX – early XX centuries. Based on the systematization of documents, their informational potential is determined for the study of socio-economic, administrative-legal and demographic processes, as well as interethnic and transboundary ties of the population of Central Asia. The introduction of these materials into scientific circulation contributes to a more complete study of historical processes in the Turkestan region and the clarification of certain aspects of the history of the Kazakh population in the period under review.

Historical Development of Ancient Turkic Phraseological Units: Structural and Semantic Transformation

Zh.K. Tuimebayev — 2026-09-30

The article examines the historical development of phraseological units used in the ancient Turkic and medieval periods, as well as their structural and semantic changes. The evolution of phraseological units is analyzed from a diachronic perspective, and their continuity with modern Turkic languages is argued on the basis of written sources. During the study, linguistic data from ancient Turkic languages and modern Turkic languages were used for a comprehensive analysis based on comparative-historical, anthropocentric and structural-semantic modeling methods. It is established that phraseological units undergo various modifications during the development of a language: changes in components and shifts in positions, grammatical and phonetic modifications, semantic transformations, and others. As a result of semantic transformation, the original meaning of phraseological units changes partially or completely and takes on new meanings and shades of meaning. A comprehensive analysis aims to identify the structural and semantic features of phraseological units from ancient Turkic times and their changes in later Turkic languages, including Kazakh. The results of the study allow us to identify the continuity and changes in the phraseological system of Turkic languages, contributing to a deeper understanding of the historical dynamics of Turkic phraseology and the mechanisms of shaping the current state of the language.

Cognitive-Pragmatic Representation of Value Parameters in the Paremiological Discourse of Turkic Languages

B. Dinayeva — 2026-09-30

The article examines the cognitive-pragmatic representation of value parameters based on proverbs in the Kazakh and Turkish languages. This concept has become the primary form of research as a complex category at the intersection of language and culture. An analysis was conducted on how proverbs, arising from the combination of national worldview and linguistic consciousness, define the values of the Kazakh and Turkish peoples. The core values, ethical norms, and rules of conduct of the two peoples were identified, and the spiritual and social common values of approximately 200 Kazakh and Turkish proverbs were analyzed. In the collected proverbs, value parameters were classified into 10 main groups, and their pragmatic functions were analyzed. The results show that the value system conveyed through proverbs, although different for the two nationalities, is consonant with universal human categories. It was found that value parameters in proverbs regulate both social behavior and a person's moral stance as a cognitive model. The authors draw attention to the values of paremiological discourse as a complex axiological category and argue that they have not lost their significance in Kazakh and Turkish culture to this day; on the contrary, interest in them is growing. It is also proposed to classify proverbs into thematic groups using parameters of their representative value.

The Linguistic and Conceptual Representation of the Celestial World in Mahmud al-Kashgari’s Dīwāni Lughāt-it-Turk

M.E. Adilov — 2026-09-30

The article examines, from linguocultural and conceptual perspectives, the linguistic units related to the celestial world represented in Mahmud Kashgari’s Dīwāni Lughāt-it-Turk. The aim of the study is to identify the distinctive features of the cosmological worldview of the medieval Turks on the basis of linguistic data, to describe the conceptual system of the celestial world, and to determine its historical and cultural continuity in the modern Kazakh language. The study provides a semantic and cultural-cognitive analysis of such cosmonyms and astronomical concepts as kök, čıɣrı, tegre, kün, ay, yulduz, Temür kazuk, Ülker, Yetigen, Karakuŝ, Erentüz, and Bakırsokım. Based on these linguistic units, the study systematizes the Turkic peoples’ conceptions of the structure of the heavens, cosmic motion, time and space, the cyclical movement of the Sun and the Moon, orientation by the stars, and the prediction of natural phenomena. The distinctive features of the perception of celestial bodies through anthropomorphic and zoomorphic models are also identified. Particular attention is paid to the historical continuity of the cosmological concepts of Kashgari’s era, which have been preserved in fixed expressions of the modern Kazakh language, traditional astronomical names, and the traditional worldview. The findings demonstrate that the astronomical vocabulary of Dīwāni Lughāt-it-Turk constitutes a complex cultural-cognitive system reflecting the folk astronomical knowledge, mythological perceptions, and distinctive features of the conceptualization of the universe by the medieval Turks.

The phenomenon of the city in kazakh and turkish literary studies: the formation, development, and study of the city

T.K. Eshimov — 2026-09-30

The article examines and analyzes the formation, development, and impact of various types of cities on social structures, which have become key objects of interdisciplinary research as a result of contemporary urbanization processes. The main aim of the study is to explore the emergence and development of cities from historical and literary perspectives, to identify the functions and forms of the city based on analyses of cultural, ecological, and new urban social ideas, and to highlight their distinctive features. The research material includes works by domestic and foreign scholars who have studied the nature and structure of the city, the transformation of its models, as well as ancient cultural and historical heritage.

In the context of globalization and rapid urbanization, the phenomenon of the city has become one of the principal indicators of societal development. The expansion and increasing complexity of urban space contribute to new forms of social relations, cultural codes, ecological awareness, and spiritual values. These processes necessitate viewing the city not merely as a geographical or economic structure, but as a complex socio-cultural, historical, and symbolic system. Therefore, a comprehensive study of the formation and development of cities, as well as the influence of different city types on public consciousness, culture, and literature, has become one of the pressing issues in contemporary humanities scholarship. Changes in the social image of the city are also increasingly reflected in literary discourse. In this study, these processes are analyzed through scholarly classifications and interpretations, as well as through the metamorphoses of social consciousness characteristic of specific urban types.

The research addresses issues such as the “concept of the city,” “urban history,” “mythological foundations,” “functions of the city,” “transformation of city types,” and “the city in literature.” It also examines the influence of the city on society and literature and substantiates the significance of the image of the city in literary space.

Native Lexicon іn Abay’s Book оf Edification: A Textological and Comparative Study Based on the Tughrul Manuscript

B.O. Buteyev — 2026-09-30

This article examines archaic lexical units attested in Abai Kunanbayuly’s Book of Edification (Gaqliya Kitaby) on the basis of Tugrul’s manuscript. The study compares this manuscript with the manuscript copies produced by Murseit Bikiuly in 1906, 1907, and 1910. The comparison reveals a number of lexical, phonetic, morphological, and semantic discrepancies between the manuscript sources.

The analysis shows that some readings established in later editions differ from the variants preserved in Tugrul’s manuscript. Particular attention is paid to lexical units such as “inanmaqqa salmasa”, “aiyqqan kezinde”, “jas bala da anadan tuganda”, and “bir kele salmagan son”. The manuscript evidence demonstrates that these variants are significant for understanding both the linguistic features of the text and the authorial intention.

The findings contribute to the clarification of several textual issues related to the Ghaqliya and highlight the importance of Tugrul’s manuscript as a valuable source for reconstructing the textual history of Abai’s work.