Political repressions in Kazakhstan in the period 1905-1930 years: the problem of the Kazakh opposition[1][1] © K. Nurbay, 2026

Research Article

Abstract

This article examines the activities of Kazakh political figures between 1905 and the 1930s. The subject of the study is the Kazakh political opposition and its activities both within the country and abroad. The aim is to highlight the specific characteristics and role of these Kazakh political figures as an opposition force. The study employs historical-comparative analysis, the methods of analysis and synthesis, and the scientific hypothesis method. Both during the era of the Tsarist government and after the fall of Tsarist rule, Kazakh political figures were active both at home and abroad. Particularly from 1917 onwards, Alikhan Bukeikhan, Raiymzhan Marsekov, and other figures of the Alash movement – who participated in Siberian regional congresses—carried out significant work toward establishing Kazakh autonomy. In order to protect the interests of the Kazakh people, Alash Orda established an Alash regiment while negotiating with the Provisional Siberian Government. At the same time, Kazakh political figures did not cease their activities abroad even after the dissolution of Alash Orda and the establishment of Soviet power; they continued the struggle for the revival of Kazakh statehood. For instance, the article characterizes the activities abroad of Orazmagambet Turmagambetov and Raiymzhan Marsekov following the dissolution of Alash Orda. Based on an analysis of archival and other sources, it concludes that the overseas activities of the Kazakh political opposition became an integral part of the national liberation movement during the first third of the 20 th century. The author concludes that after the final establishment of Soviet power in Kazakhstan at the very end of 1919, Kazakh political figures—including both former members of the Alash Party and certain Communists – shifted to underground activities, a move prompted by the Soviet authorities' dissolution of Alash Orda and the Alash Party. These conclusions are based on classified archival documents held in the archives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Archival sources attest to the underground activities of a Kazakh national organization – referred to in the documents as “Alash Orda” – which established branches in other Soviet republics as well as abroad. It is concluded that this underground activity led to the organization and preparation of mass armed uprisings against Soviet rule between 1929 and 1931.