Memorialization of Kazakh Warriors in Orenburg and Volgograd Oblasts
https://doi.org/10.22162/2619-0990-2023-67-3-483-494
Abstract
Introduction. The paper investigates interactions between memory projects — both all-Russia ones and those implemented in regions bordering Kazakhstan. Special attention is paid to the unfolding narratives underlying annual commemoration ceremonies in Orenburg and Volgograd oblasts for Yestekbay Batyr (hero of war against Dzungars) and for soldiers/officers who participated in the Great Patriotic War, military conflicts in Afghanistan, Chechnya, and Special Military Operation in Ukraine. Goals. The work aims to describe memorial objects associated with individuals who performed exploits for the sake of their compatriots, and to analyze commemorative practices carried out by local communities. Results. The article focuses on activities of local Kazakh communities of Orenburg and Volgograd oblasts aimed at memorializing war heroes collected by our research group during field studies of places sacred to Kazakhs, summarizes the authors’ observations and stories recorded from informants. Acts of commemoration for warriors are somewhat re-readings or re-inclusions of the past into the present-day agenda. Such venerations articulate significant ethnic values, norms, and behavioral patterns. The work traces a certain trend towards ‘militarization of consciousness’ in commemorative practices associated with particularly revered places of memory relating to the Great Patriotic War — and in sacralizing names of soldiers/officers who have taken part in local military conflicts.
About the Authors
Agila M. Nurgalieva
Makhambet Utemisov West Kazakhstan University (162, N. Nazarbayev Аve., 090000 Uralsk, Republic of Kazakhstan)
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
Dr. Sc. (History), Associate Professor
Askhat Zh. Amen
Makhambet Utemisov West Kazakhstan University (162, N. Nazarbayev Аve., 090000 Uralsk, Republic of Kazakhstan)
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
PhD (Cultural Studies), Senior Lecturer
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Review
For citations:
Nurgalieva A.M., Amen A.Zh. Memorialization of Kazakh Warriors in Orenburg and Volgograd Oblasts. Oriental Studies. 2023;16(3):483-494. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.22162/2619-0990-2023-67-3-483-494
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