| Role | Increasingly important in regional and global affairs in late 20th/21st centuries |
| Culture | Distinct language and identity maintained within Russian Empire |
| History | Nomadic pastoralists, came under Russian Empire rule in 19th century, gained independence in 1991 |
| Ethnicity | Turkic |
| Native to | |
| Government | Secular, democratic state |
The Kazakhstani people are a Turkic ethnic group native to the Central Asian region that today comprises the independent Republic of Kazakhstan. Historically nomadic pastoralists inhabiting the vast Eurasian Steppe, the Kazakhs have a rich cultural heritage and have played a significant role in the history and geopolitics of Central Asia.
The origins of the Kazakhs can be traced back to the 15th century with the establishment of the Kazakh Khanate, a nomadic confederation of Turkic tribes that emerged from the collapse of the Golden Horde. The Kazakhs gradually expanded their territory across the steppe, coming into increasing contact and conflict with the expanding Russian Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries.
After a series of military campaigns, the Kazakhs were gradually incorporated into the Russian Empire as an autonomous province in the 1860s. While this meant a loss of full self-governance, the Kazakhs were able to maintain a significant degree of cultural and linguistic autonomy within the imperial system, with the Russian Tsar recognizing the Kazakh Khans as the traditional nobility.
The Kazakhs experienced a renaissance of cultural activity during this period, with the development of a distinct Kazakh language, literature, and arts. Education, trade, and contact with the broader Turkic world helped cement a strong Kazakhstani national identity separate from Russian or Slavic culture.
The collapse of the Russian monarchy in 1917 during the Russian Revolution created an opportunity for the Kazakhs to declare independence. In 1920, the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic was established as a Soviet federal republic, though it maintained a degree of autonomy.
It was not until 1991, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, that Kazakhstan formally became an independent state, taking on the name the Republic of Kazakhstan. Since then, Kazakhstan has transitioned to a secular, democratic republic and has played an increasingly prominent role in Central Asian affairs and the global economy, particularly in the energy and mineral sectors.
Kazakhstanis are known for their rich nomadic heritage, which is reflected in their traditional music, art, cuisine, and clothing. The country is home to iconic symbols like the dombra lute, golden eagles, and vast open landscapes of the Eurasian Steppe.
Notable Kazakhstani figures include the poet Abai Qunanbaiuli, the composer Kurmangazy Sagyrbayuly, the chess player Mikhail Tal, and the cosmonaut Toktar Aubakirov. Kazakhstan has also produced world-class athletes, particularly in wrestling, boxing, and equestrian sports.
As an independent state, Kazakhstan has sought to balance relations with its larger neighbors Russia, China, and Turkey, as well as cultivate ties with the West. It has emerged as a leading economic and political power in Central Asia, with the capital Nur-Sultan serving as a hub for regional diplomacy and commerce.
