The research article “New Narratives and Old Myths: History Textbooks in Kazakhstan” authored by NU GSPP Professors Dr. Aziz Burkhanov and Dr. Dina Sharipova has been published online in the Nationalities Papers by Cambridge University Press.

Abstract
This article focuses on the role of textbooks in the construction of national identity by analyzing state-approved versions of national identity and history in Kazakhstan. By doing so, this project seeks to highlight what understanding of identity prevails in the history textbooks of Kazakhstan, what narratives regarding the key historic events are promoted, particularly with respect to the Dzhungar wars, annexation of Kazakh Khanate by the Russian Empire, and the Soviet era. Finally, this article compares the main narratives in the textbooks published in Kazakh and Russian languages to illustrate differences and various understandings of identity in the two linguistic realms of Kazakhstan. The article argues that Kazakhstan’s textbooks combine new, independence-focused narratives with the old approaches and partial reproduction of the Soviet symbolic discourse.
 
This accomplishment reflects dedication of our Professors to academic excellence and their commitment to advancing our understanding of identity construction in Kazakhstan.

Link: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/nationalities-papers/article/new-narratives-and-old-myths-history-textbooks-in-kazakhstan/E6283B97E16E13076454742748342059