The Alash Movement and the Emergence of Kazakhstan, an Effort for Transition from a Nomadic Society to a Nation-state (1917-1920)

The Alash movement was formed in the early 20th century by a group of Kazakh intellectuals in the Asian territories of the Russian Empire, after the 1917 revolutions, it found a political body, and then the "Alash Orda" government was born from it. The rule of the Russians, especially their land policy and settling immigrants, brought new problems to the Kazakhs. Intelligentsia, as a new political-cultural factor, tried to become the representative of Kazakhs' public demands during the revolution of 1905 and the First World War. After the February and October revolutions of 1917, Kazakh intelligentsia faced unexpected opportunities and challenges and tried to assume the political leadership of Kazakhs and the foundation of a modern nation-state. The Alash Orda was caught between the forces involved in the Russian civil war and had to overcome a series of internal problems and internal rivalries. On the other hand, Kazakh leaders were unable to benefit from the support of foreign powers. The Alash Orda finally surrendered to the Bolsheviks in 1920. Nevertheless, the rereading of their political and intellectual legacy continues in post-independence Kazakhstan.