Preserving Kazak cultural identity after 1980

This research analyzes the growing national consciousness among intellectuals and the public in Kazakstan. It proposes that intellectuals helped Kazak society keep its cultural identity alive throughout the former Soviet period, and that they should continue to do so even more effectively since the country has declared independence.; The search for Kazak roots is very well illustrated in literature. Moreover, the literature shows that intellectuals have different ideological affinities than the politicians in terms of Kazak nationalism, reforms, and, most importantly, Turkic nationalism.; Two chapters of this research examine the recent developments in regard to educational and religious issues. They show that change in the school system has been underway for some time in Kazakstan. Text books are being rewritten from a new and nationalistic perspective. In addition to ethnic identity, religion has been gaining importance in Kazak society.; Language may not be considered to be as crucial as other elements in forming a state or a nation. In the case of the Kazaks engaged in the process of nation building it is indispensable, however, for the Kazaks give a considerable amount of importance to their language as they are convinced of its crucial role in defining national identity.; Intellectuals in Kazakstan are concerned especially with the history that had been denied them for some seventy years. Thus Kazak prose has now filled its pages with the events of which Kazaks are very proud to have been a part. Creative writers are digging deep into history in order to bring these historical events to public attention, and the process of reconsidering and rewriting Kazak history has begun. Kazak genealogies that had long waited unpublished have begun to appear in print, and these have prompted discussion among scholars who have begun to examine the history.; An increasing consciousness of Kazak ethnic identity, Kazakness (Qazaqshiliq), is also important. The Kazaks have begun to pay great attention to their ethnic origin as a nation. As they travel deep in history, their ties lead them to the same origin as other Turkic people.