Abstract:

In 1992, Kazakhstan's then-president Nursultan Nazarbayev delivered a speech at the First International Qurultay of Kazakhs, urging Kazakhs abroad to return to their ancestral homeland. Since then, nearly two million Kazakhs have repatriated to Kazakhstan. However, their integration into the new society has not been an easy process. The local population's acceptance and perception of the returning Kazakhs have evolved through several stages, from rejection to sympathy. This research aims to study how Uzbekistani Kazakhs have experienced this progression and how their interactions have changed over the years. It is based on a combination of qualitative interviews, surveys, cultural analysis, and policy review. The study highlights the importance of inclusive cultural policies in nation-building and provides recommendations for enhancing the integration process of Uzbekistan’s Kazakhs, emphasizing the need for sustained dialogue and community engagement.