History Textbooks and Ontological Security in Kazakhstan
This research report, History Textbooks and Ontological Security in Kazakhstan, offers a timely and profound analysis of how educational narratives shape national identity and the sense of collective security in modern Kazakhstan. At a period marked by geopolitical uncertainty and competing interpretations of history, this study illuminates the crucial role of school textbooks in preserving ontological stability and fostering civic cohesion.
The Eurasian Research Institute of the Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University has long supported academic studies and policy-oriented research across the fields of foreign policy, politics, economy, education, culture, and society. Within this framework, the present report provides an in-depth exploration of the state’s educational discourse, revealing how the national biography is constructed and sustained through history education. It highlights the importance of Kazakhstan’s broader modernization initiatives that seek to reinforce the country’s sovereignty, cultural continuity, and future vision.
By combining qualitative content analysis with interviews among textbook authors and experts, the research bridges theoretical reflection with empirical insight. The findings not only contribute to the academic literature on ontological security but also offer practical guidance for policymakers and educators working toward a more inclusive and balanced approach to teaching national history.
I sincerely commend the author, Assoc. Prof. Nurlan Muminov, for his scholarly rigor and commitment to addressing one of the most intellectually demanding issues of our time – the nexus between education, identity, and security. I would also like to acknowledge Assoc. Prof. Suat Beylur, who served as the Editor of this report, for his valuable editorial support and contributions to the finalization of the book. I am confident that this report will serve as a valuable reference for researchers and academics interested in the evolving dynamics of national identity in Kazakhstan.
