Kazakhs

SB - Kazakh woman on horse

Kazakhs 19th Century 2

Жуз

Idioma kazajo

Population structure of Turkic-speaking populations in the context of their geographic neighbors across Eurasia

Kazakhs are a Turkic ethnic group native to Central Asia, primarily Kazakhstan, where they form the majority of the population. They also live in significant numbers in other countries of the former Soviet Union, as well as in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The Kazakh identity is linguistically and culturally Turkic, with the Kazakh language belonging to the Kipchak branch of the Turkic languages.

History

The Kazakhs emerged as a distinct group in the 15th century, when a number of Turkic tribes under the rule of the Mongol Empire began to form a semi-nomadic confederation in the region. The name "Kazakh" is believed to come from an ancient Turkic word meaning "free spirit", reflecting the Kazakhs' nomadic, horse-riding culture. Over the centuries, the Kazakhs developed a strong tradition of pastoral nomadism, centered around the herding of sheep, horses, and camels.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Kazakh Khanate gradually came under the influence of the Russian Empire. By the mid-19th century, the entire Kazakh territory was incorporated into the Russian Empire. The 20th century was marked by significant changes for the Kazakhs, including forced sedentarization under Soviet rule, which had a profound impact on their traditional nomadic lifestyle.

Culture

Kazakh culture is a rich tapestry that reflects the ethnic group's nomadic past. Traditional Kazakh society was organized around clans and tribes, which played a significant role in social and political life. The yurt, a portable round tent covered with skins or felt, is a prominent symbol of Kazakh nomadic heritage.

Music and oral literature are vital components of Kazakh culture, with the dombra, a two-stringed lute, being a key musical instrument. Kazakh folklore includes a wide array of epics, poems, and songs, many of which are still popular today.

Eagle hunting, known as "berkutchy", is a traditional Kazakh practice that has been passed down through generations. This involves training golden eagles to hunt small game and is considered a symbol of pride and cultural heritage among the Kazakhs.

Language

The Kazakh language is part of the Kipchak branch of the Turkic language family. It is written in the Latin alphabet in Kazakhstan, having switched from the Cyrillic alphabet in 2017 as part of a broader effort to modernize and distance the country from its Soviet past. The language has a rich oral tradition that includes epic poetry, proverbs, and sayings.

Religion

The majority of Kazakhs are Muslims, primarily of the Sunni branch, with Islam having been introduced to the region during the 8th and 9th centuries. However, religious practices are often mixed with pre-Islamic Turkic and shamanistic beliefs and rituals.

Demographics

As of the early 21st century, there are over 18 million Kazakhs worldwide, with the majority residing in Kazakhstan. Significant Kazakh populations can also be found in China, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia. The Kazakh diaspora is spread across many countries, with communities in Turkey, Germany, and other parts of Europe and Central Asia.

Challenges

The Kazakh people face several challenges, including issues related to cultural preservation and the integration of traditional practices with modern life. Environmental concerns, such as the shrinking of the Aral Sea and land degradation, also pose significant challenges to traditional ways of life, particularly pastoral nomadism.

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