Paper long abstract:

The outdated view of culture which assets that culture is "coherent, neatly bounded, and clearly differentiated phenomenon" can be observed in Central Asia. According to this old view, cultural unity and homogeneity makes strong societies whereas cultural diversity seems to be corrosive. However, identity is multiple, and culture should be seen as heterogeneous, contradictory, highly porous phenomenon. Multicultural identity is only one component (albeit the most important) of the more complex and multidimensional notion of multiculturalism. Although there is no commonly accepted definition of multiculturalism, in broad terms it can be defined as the experience of having been exposed to and having internalized two or more different cultures. In view of this definition of multiculturalism could we talk about "multicultural ethnic Kazakh identity"? As such the ethically diverse population of Kazakhstan is discussed within the framework of multiculturalism (multicultural diversity) but not identity of ethnic Kazakhs. However, we think that this kind of discussion concerning the ethnic Kazakh identity is worth exploring. During Soviet period the Kazakhs became exposed to Russian language and Russian culture for decades to the level that the Russian-speaking Kazakhs today constitute a considerable part of ethnic Kazakhs. However, the serious cleavages among Kazakhs and debates about Who is a real Kazakh?, To what extent the language,"traditional" Kazakh way of life, can be claimed as a distinguishing quality of being Kazakh? can be observed. Also we should not overlook the phenomenon of ethnocultural status of religion which seriously limits in practice the implementation of right to choose and confess religious beliefs. As well, globalization influences how people see themselves and others, and young Kazakhs who have become exposed to more liberal and progressive ideas may critically approach paternalistic, patriarchal Kazakhness (the current dominant discourse of Kazakhness tends to be ethnic-primordialist, patriarchal and paternalistic — similar identity discourses can be found in all Central Asian states). Specifically, we want to answer the question "May we apply the concept multiculturalism and multicultural identity to ethnic Kazakhs taking into account the differences of language; way of life (traditionalistic conservative, "Westernised", "Russified", Salafism-inclined ("Arabized") Kazakhs), the Kazakhs converted to other religions); and the ethnic background (mixed families). We think that the acceptance of multicultural identity of ethnic Kazakhs will help develop inclusive society in Kazakhstan since it may constitute a good ground to develop inclusive, egalitarian and progressive discourses of national identity building.