MAIN DIRECTIONS OF RESEARCH ON THE KAZAKHS OF THE KYZYLKUM REGION

Abstract

Kyzylkum Region

The article draws upon a wide range of historical sources and ethnographic studies related to the Kazakhs of the Kyzylkum region. The core of the source base consists of travel accounts formed in the second half of the nineteenth century. Among the pre-revolutionary studies, the works of A.P. Khoroshkhin, V. Peltz, P.P. Ivanov, B.V. Andrianov, M.S. Andreev, Barbot de Marni, and N. Dingelstedt are examined. Studies from the Soviet period, particularly those by E. Meylart, U.Kh. Shalekenov, and Shaniyazov, provide valuable information on the economic activities of the Kyzylkum Kazakhs. In the works of contemporary researchers – A.U. Toktabay, T.E. Kartaeva issues related to traditional culture and sacred sites of the Kazakh population in the region are addressed.

The aim of this article is to systematize the main research directions concerning the Kyzylkum region, including the study of its flora and fauna, as well as ethno-ecological and ethno-economic processes among its inhabitants. Based on studies from the second half of the nineteenth to the early twentieth century, a historiographical analysis is conducted of data related to economic practices, settlement systems, and ethnocultural characteristics of the Kazakhs the indigenous population of Kyzylkum – who represent a traditional model of adaptation to arid environments. In addition, the article characterizes the tribal composition of the Kazakhs in the region, their spatial distribution, and seasonal pastures. Special attention is given to a comparative analysis of materials concerning wells and other water sources presented in the examined studies.

Keywords: Kyzylkum, animal husbandry, settlement system, wells, saxaul, arid zone, ethno-ecology, ethno-economics, caravan routes.