The Kenesary Kasymov Rebellion (1837-1847): A National-Liberation Movement or “a Protest of Restoration?”

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The Kenesary Kasymov’s rebellion was critically scrutinized by Yuriy Malikov, who describes the nature of this rebellion. One of the great events occurred in Kazakh lands in 19th century is the rebellion, which was driven by Kenesary Kasymov and his people against Russian colonization. The period of ten-year struggle, between 1837 and 1847, coincides with many possible factors that is argued by Western and Kazakhstani historians. Some contend that the aims of the rebellion was national-liberation movement that Kenesary wanted to embody symbolizing whole nations’ wish. Another interpretation of revolt was “a protest of restoration” – Kenesary’s effort to retrieve Kazakhs’ traditions and past sociopolitical position. In Yuriy Malikov’s words, the primary aim of Kenesary’s uprisings was neither national-liberation movement nor “a protest of restoration.” In his view, fundamentals of the revolt’s composition in both national-liberation movement and anti-modernizing protest were not satisfied. Lack of massive support did not make the Kenesary’s rebellion widespread and national movement and was the reason of the revolt’s failure. However, Malikov gives quite implicit arguments, which are not clearly supported by other authors. Even though, he surpassed the Kenesary’s letters to the Russian government and has many restrictions tangent to Russian colonization, which was the main point of Kenesary’s revolt. I disagree with the Malikov’s hypothesis because lack of comprehensive information about Russian colonization, not including the Kenesary’s letters and biased arguments which was not actually supported or supported only by one group of people in society. Kenesary Khan’s insurgency has attributes of national solidarity, which fostered ... ... middle of paper ... ...t, was not “a protest of restoration” as many believe. Malikov’s argument that Kenesary Khan’s rebellion was neither a national liberation movement nor an anti-modernizing protest of restoration and preservation is not persuasive. Moreover, some points related to the Russian colonization are quite arguable. The author did not include the actual point of rebel and showed that Kazakh people themselves asked the Russians for protection and to create okrugs on their territory. There is no strong evidence that the steppe people themselves wanted to be under the Russian control. The author highlighted key features of Kenesary’s rebellion; however, the arguments are vague and have weak support. The main source that is relevant to this issue was not used, the Kenesary’s letter to Nikolai I and other Russian governors, where it can be seen the true aim of Kenesary’s revolt.

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