Remembrance and Rehabilitation: A Look at Kazakhstan's Past and Future
Exploring and Eliminating Historical "Blind Spots" is Our Holy Responsibility Towards Past and Future Generations (per Quote from Toqaev)
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in a poignant address, paid tribute to the victims of political repression and starvation, pointing to dark chapters in Kazakhstan's history during a commemorative event, Aкорда reports.
On this day every year, he said, "we honor those who suffered during those bleak years." The past century saw several nations under the Soviet Union enduring trials, and Kazakhstan was no exception. During the brutal forced collectivization campaign, people lost their livestock, properties, and in too many cases, their lives due to starvation. Many were compelled to seek refuge elsewhere.
A grim reminder of those hours, Stalin's repressions struck hard at the national intelligentsia, the most educated and progressive segment of society. Thousands were branded "enemies of the people," and subjected to unspeakable torment and execution without trial. Notable victims include names like Alihan Bokeikhanov, Ahmet Bayturlynov, Saken Seifullin, Ilyas Jansugurov, and many more.
Tokayev highlighted the existence of 11 penal camps of the GULAG system on Kazakh soil, with ALZHIR serving as one of the most tragic locations. Around 8,000 unjustly condemned women served out their sentences here, including wives of prominent figures such as Turar Ryskulov, Sultanbek Kozhanov, Temirbek Zhurgenov, Beimbet Mailin, and Sanjar Asfendiarov. Representatives of more than 60 ethnic groups were imprisoned in ALZHIR.
Political repression, as Tokayev mentioned, was not confined to the Kazakh people alone. The horror of ALZHIR serves as a grim reminder of the collective suffering during that era, a tragedy that all affected peoples must learn from to prevent recurrence.
In recent years, Kazakhstan has made significant strides in rectifying the wrongs of the past. A State Commission for the Full Rehabilitation of Victims of Political Repressions was established five years ago, directed towards offering historical justice. This commission, after intensive research spanning three years, has worked tirelessly to rehabilitate over 300,000 victims, clear their names, and declassify more than 2.5 million materials.
A 72-volume collection has been published, as well as a 12-volume collection of cases against members of the Alash Orda movement. During the compilation of this work, previously unpublished documents have been introduced to the academic sphere. A special center studying materials from the 20th century political repressions has also been established at the Presidential Archive, housing over 700,000 previously unseen files.
Tokayev expressed his gratitude to those involved in this extensive research effort. As a nation, our future depends on understanding our past, and this laborious work plays a vital role in our nation’s growth. However, he cautioned against subjective or biased politicization of history and emphasized the importance of fostering a high level of civic responsibility.
These tragedies were not only the Kazakh people's misfortune but a shared hardship among the majority of the former Soviet Union's nations. It is crucial to learn from these lessons to prevent repeats of such sufferings. Kazakhstan's unique cultural code, nurtured by the Great Steppe civilization, has offered resilience and allowed survivors to preserve their human dignity in challenging times.
Tokayev emphasized that history should not be influenced by current political events, although this often happens. Historical figures once held in high esteem can suddenly find themselves vilified or deceitfully elevated to hero status. Remembering the names of innocent victims, including state and public figures, scholars, doctors, and their families, especially women, is essential.
Tokayev urged against dwelling in the past, viewing current realities through the lens of bygone eras. He stressed the importance of adopting a broad, panoramic view of history and moving forward towards a brighter future. Kazakhstan's progress towards Independence and sovereignty has been marked by significant achievements and continues to thrive today.
Reforms in the political system, the establishment of a Constitutional Court, and an expansion of citizens' participation in decision-making are just a few of the advancements being made. The "Taza Qazaqstan" project has garnered widespread support and serves as a long-term strategy for Kazakhstan's future.
Tokayev encouraged the youth to be knowledgeable about history but to also look towards the future with confidence. The youth is the foundation of a new political and electoral culture, characterized by pluralism coexisting with unity and progressive, goal-oriented action. Hard work, knowledge, and progress are the values that should be celebrated, while lazy attitudes and destructive criticism should be discouraged.
In conclusion, Kazakhstan continues to grapple with its past, confronting and acknowledging injustices while striving for a brighter future. Shedding light on the nation's history, honoring its victims, and fostering a sense of national unity and progress are the cornerstones of Kazakhstan's journey towards a fair and harmonious society.
The commemoration of past suffering, as Tokayev discussed, is not limited to political repression but also includes general-news events such as the brutal forced collectivization campaign and Stalin's repressions that impacted Kazakhstan.
The establishment of the State Commission for the Full Rehabilitation of Victims of Political Repressions in Kazakhstan serves as an example of the nation's efforts to address political issues and ensure historical justice, which is a significant step in political reforms.
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