Selected Episodes from the History of the Youth Movement in Kazakhstan (Early 20th Century)

Abstract

The article examines certain aspects of the youth movement’s history in early 20th-century Kazakhstan, its role in the national liberation movement, and its impact on the socio-political life of society. The study draws on materials from newspapers «Saryarqa» and «Zhas Azamat», the journal «Abai», archival documents, and scholarly works. Based on historical sources, the author analyzes the activities of youth organizations such as «Birlik», «Zhas Azamat», «Zhanar», and others, established after the February Revolution (1917), and explores their cultural, educational, and political objectives. Special attention is given to the influence of the February Revolution and the October Coup (1917) on the ideological evolution of the youth movement, as well as its ties to the Alash party and its leaders. The First All-Kazakh Youth Congress, held in Omsk in 1918, promoted ideas of national unity and autonomy. However, the repressions under Kolchak’s regime in 1919, political disagreements, and the confrontation between the Bolsheviks and the Alash leaders led to the weakening of the youth movement. The findings demonstrate that youth organizations played a decisive role in strengthening national identity, advancing the education system, and shaping the political consciousness of young people. Their activities marked a crucial stage in the revival of Kazakh statehood.