HISTORICAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC DEVELOPMENT FEATURES OF THE KYRGYZ DIASPORA IN KAZAKHSTAN (1991–2023)

Abstract. The article explores the demographic and socio-cultural development of the Kyrgyz diaspora in Kazakhstan during the years of independence (1991–2023). It focuses on migration processes, settlement patterns, and the preservation of ethnic and cultural identity. Drawing on population census data, academic research, and regional demographic statistics, the author provides a comprehensive analysis of the Kyrgyz diaspora’s quantitative dynamics, spatial distribution, and social integration within Kazakhstani society.

The study applies a systematic ethnodemographic approach that combines statistical, comparative, and content analysis methods to assess the evolution of the Kyrgyz ethnic community over three decades. Particular attention is given to the factors influencing demographic stability, including natural population growth, cross-border mobility, and state policies aimed at promoting interethnic harmony and tolerance.

The findings reveal that, despite moderate demographic fluctuations, the Kyrgyz diaspora demonstrates a high level of ethnic resilience and successful adaptation to Kazakhstan’s multicultural environment. The maintenance of language, traditions, and religious values contributes to the preservation of ethnic distinctiveness, while linguistic and cultural proximity between the Kyrgyz and Kazakh peoples facilitates social cohesion and mutual understanding.

Overall, the study concludes that the Kyrgyz diaspora represents a model of harmonious ethnic integration and cultural continuity within the broader framework of Kazakhstan’s multiethnic society. Future research may focus on exploring identity transformation among the younger generation of the Kyrgyz diaspora and examining how education, digital communication, and regional migration processes shape contemporary forms of ethnic self-awareness.

Keywords: Kyrgyz diaspora, ethnodemography, migration, ethnic identity, cultural integration, independence period, Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan is a multiethnic state where representatives of more than 130 nationalities and ethnic groups live peacefully together. One of these ethnic communities is the Kyrgyz diaspora. The settlement of the Kyrgyz people in the territory of present-day Kazakhstan dates back to ancient times; however, the formation of their modern ethno-demographic profile and socio-cultural status gained distinct features during the period of independence. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the border between the two fraternal states – Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan – was officially established, leading to a new phase in migration and interethnic relations. From this time onward, the Kyrgyz diaspora became an integral part of Kazakhstani society.

The purpose of this study is to identify the main characteristics of demographic development and ethnic integration of the Kyrgyz diaspora in Kazakhstan during the period from 1991 to 2023. Within the framework of ethnodemographic research, the concept of diaspora is defined as an ethnic group living outside its historical homeland while maintaining its cultural and linguistic identity (Safran, 1991; Sheffer, 2003). This definition serves as a theoretical foundation for analyzing the demographic stability and adaptive potential of the Kyrgyz population in Kazakhstan.

Methodologically, the research is based on statistical analysis, comparative description, and content analysis. The object of the study is the Kyrgyz ethnic group residing in the Republic of Kazakhstan between 1991 and 2023. Statistical data from national censuses and migration reports were used to examine population dynamics, spatial distribution, and levels of integration into Kazakhstani society.

According to the Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan (2023), the 1999 census recorded 17,131 Kyrgyz residing in the country. By 2009, this number increased to 23,274, and by 2021 it reached approximately 30,000. This steady growth reflects both natural population increase and cross-border migration from neighboring Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyz population is mainly concentrated in the southern and southeastern regions—particularly in Zhambyl, Almaty, and Turkistan regions, as well as in the cities of Shymkent and Almaty (Abdrazakova, 2020). Historically, these areas have served as traditional settlement zones for Kyrgyz communities, many of whom are engaged in agriculture, trade, and livestock farming.

In the early years of independence, socio-economic instability in both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan encouraged short-term and seasonal migration. Demoscope Weekly (2021) notes that between 1995 and 2005, an average of 5,000–7,000 Kyrgyz citizens arrived in Kazakhstan annually as labor migrants. After the 2000s, migration flows became more stable and institutionalized. As observed by Abdiraiymova and Sarsenbayev (2019), this period coincided with the strengthening of Kazakhstan’s policy on interethnic harmony and social cohesion. Owing to linguistic and cultural proximity, the adaptation process of the Kyrgyz diaspora was relatively smooth. The shared Turkic roots of the Kazakh and Kyrgyz languages, along with a common Islamic faith, served as key factors facilitating rapid integration and mutual understanding (Smayilova, 2022).

The social and cultural life of the Kyrgyz diaspora is shaped by the interaction between national traditions and the modern social environment. Kyrgyz cultural centers and ethnocultural associations function actively in Almaty, Shymkent, and regional centers under the umbrella of the “House of Friendship.” These organizations hold cultural festivals, national holidays, and educational programs aimed at preserving language, folklore, and traditional customs (Abdrazakova, 2020). Through ethnic schools and community initiatives, the younger generation learns the Kyrgyz language and history, which strengthens intergenerational continuity within the diaspora.

At the same time, bilingualism in Kazakh and Kyrgyz languages has become a distinctive feature of identity preservation and integration. As Smayilova (2022) emphasizes, the Kyrgyz ethnic group in Kazakhstan has maintained its ethnic identity while showing a high degree of social adaptation. This represents not a process of assimilation, but rather one of integrative adaptation, in which ethnic and civic identities coexist harmoniously.

The active participation of Kyrgyz citizens in Kazakhstan’s economic life also reflects their successful integration. Most are employed in small and medium-sized enterprises, agriculture, and the service sector. Among young people, obtaining higher education in Kazakhstani universities has become a common trend, contributing to upward social mobility and strengthening the community’s internal potential (Abdrazakova, 2020). Increasing interethnic marriages after 2010 (Smayilova, 2022) further demonstrate the gradual expansion of a shared cultural space while maintaining ethnic diversity.

From the standpoint of ethnic identity and national consciousness, Kazakhs and Kyrgyz share deep cultural, linguistic, and historical ties. The research of Abdrazakova (2020) and Smayilova (2022) confirms that the Kyrgyz diaspora continues to preserve its cultural identity, while simultaneously transforming within the framework of a modern multicultural state. This transformation is characterized by flexibility, bilingualism, and openness to intercultural dialogue, which collectively ensure ethnic stability and societal harmony.

As highlighted by Abdiraiymova and Sarsenbayev (2019), independent Kazakhstan has strategically developed and institutionalized a model of interethnic harmony. This state policy has contributed not only to maintaining ethnic cohesion within the Kyrgyz diaspora but also to strengthening its civic belonging to the Kazakhstani nation. Between 1991 and 2023, the Kyrgyz community experienced steady demographic growth, increased social activity, and cultural revitalization. The diaspora’s example clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of Kazakhstan’s approach to interethnic tolerance and the preservation of historical continuity between the two fraternal peoples.

Overall, the Kyrgyz diaspora in Kazakhstan presents a stable and harmonious model of demographic development and cultural adaptation. While quantitative demographic changes have been moderate, the quality of social integration and cultural participation has grown significantly. This indicates the success of Kazakhstan’s multiethnic policy, which promotes tolerance, intercultural cooperation, and unity in diversity. Future research should explore the transformation of national identity among the younger generation of the Kyrgyz diaspora, focusing on the social impacts of migration, education, and digital communication in shaping modern forms of ethnic self-awareness.