Reframing Kazakhstan’s History in European Historiography: Perspectives from French, German, and Italian Traditions

Research Article

Abstract

European scholarly research has been instrumental in enhancing our comprehension of Kazakhstan's and Central Asia's historical development. This article analyzes the contributions of contemporary French, German, and Italian scholars to the study of the historiography of Kazakhstan's history while also providing a broader context for the academic activities of European researchers. The focus on French, German, and Italian scholars is due to their strong academic traditions in studying imperial and Soviet history. The article briefly outlines the development of national historiographical schools in these European countries. Particular attention is given to the second half of the 20th century, when, alongside academic Oriental Studies, a politicized and ideologically driven field known as Sovietology emerged, influencing the study of Kazakhstan’s history. Following the collapse of the USSR, regional studies developed, and Kazakhstan ceased to be viewed solely as part of a larger structure, whether imperial or Soviet, and became an independent research subject. This shift significantly impacted both research topics and methodological approaches, shaping contemporary European historical scholarship. The article primarily focuses on the works of contemporary authors who have been particularly active in recent years in publishing on the history of Kazakhstan, frequently conducting extensive research in Kazakhstani archives, teaching at local universities, and engaging in sustained academic collaboration with Kazakhstani colleagues. The research consists of three main sections, each dedicated to analyzing modern historiography in France, Germany, and Italy. Using historiographical analysis, each section examines the formation of national historiographical schools, disciplinary approaches, key scholars, established narratives, interpretative frameworks, and dominant research themes. French scholars such as Marlène Laruelle and Thierry Zarcone have studied Kazakhstan’s religious traditions and socio-cultural evolution, while Isabelle Ohayon has explored its Soviet-era transformations. German scholar Robert Kindler has made a significant contribution to the study of the 1930s famine in Kazakhstan. Additionally, Kindler and Sophie Roche have analyzed migration processes and the personal histories of ethnic Germans, thereby examining Germany’s historical ties with Kazakhstan. Italian scholars such as Niccolò Pianciola and Beatrice Penati have significantly contributed to economic and environmental history research in the region. This study also evaluates the role of key academic institutions, such as INALCO in France and Humboldt University in Germany, in shaping European research on Kazakhstan. By analyzing recent publications and historiographical trends, the authors highlight the shift from Soviet-centered narratives to interdisciplinary and locally oriented approaches. The authors conclude that European historiography offers a comprehensive and multifaceted understanding of Kazakhstan’s history, contributing to global discussions on imperial and Soviet legacies, as well as regional transformations, ultimately enriching the broader academic discourse.