THE IMPACT OF THE COLONIAL PAST ON RELIGIOUS CONVERSION IN KAZAKHSTAN

Kaliyev K., TINAZ N., Kalemshariv B., Rashimbetov R.

European Journal of Science and Theology, cilt.21, sa.5, ss.23-35, 2025 (ESCI, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 21 Sayı: 5
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Dergi Adı: European Journal of Science and Theology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Index Islamicus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.23-35
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Christianization, Kazakhstan, religious conversion, Russian occupation, Russification
  • Marmara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Kazakhstan’s colonial past has had a significant impact on religious conversion and the development of spiritual life in the country. Kazakhstan was under the control of the Russian Empire from the late 18th century and later became part of the Soviet Union. This has had a lasting impact on religious practices, beliefs, and attitudes towards religion in general. Kazakh society experienced processes of Russification and Christianization during the Russian occupation, irreligiousization during the Soviet period, and religious revival after independence. After independence, along with the Islamic revival, Christian missionary work also increased. And as a result, Kazakhs who accepted Christianity began to appear in society. This study examines the influence of Kazakhstan’s colonial past on the process of religious conversion in Kazakh society. According to the results of a sociological study conducted with Kazakhs who became Christians in the city of Astana, it was found that the colonial past has an influence on the phenomenon of religious conversion. The research method used was in-depth interviews. In addition, observations were made in churches and interviews were conducted with church pastors. In total, 30 respondents who converted to Christianity participated in the study.