On the activities of the Tatar Muslim community of Pavlodar city in the early 20th century

Abstract

The article explores the history of the Tatar Muslim community in Pavlodar in the early 20th century, their attitude toward the political transformation of society, regional aspects of the anti-religious policy in Kazakhstan, and the fate of religious figures. The Tatar merchants who were part of the community – patrons and philanthropists – made significant contributions to the development of the region’s industry and trade, influenced the city’s cultural landscape, and actively engaged in educational activities, with a particular focus on Muslim youth. Tatar merchants and industrialists took on the responsibility of maintaining the city’s Tatar mosque, mektebs for boys and girls, established a free public library and reading room and upheld public order until the Bolsheviks came to power. However, the Soviet government’s struggle against the “ideologically alien class” and its anti-religious campaign led to the physical elimination of entrepreneurs, clergy, and educators. Previously classified archival sources help to restore the historical memory of these events.