Space is the measure of everything, and time is the measure of all events. The history of a nation begins when space and time converge. This is not a mere aphorism to be dismissed lightly.
Indeed, when we look at the annals of the Germans, Italians, or Indian peoples, the idea that many of the great achievements in these nations' millennia-old histories are closely connected to the regions they inhabited comes to mind. Of course, ancient Rome is not the same as modern Italy, but Italians can take pride in their historical roots. This pride is not misplaced. Similarly, while the ancient Goths are not the same as today’s Germans, they too are a part of Germany's rich historical past. It is also possible to regard ancient, multicultural India and the modern Indian people as a single civilization that has continued to develop uninterrupted throughout history.
This is the result of looking at history correctly. For by knowing our roots in this way, we can delve deeply into and solve the complex issues of our national history.
Kazakhstan's history, too, can only be fully understood when viewed as a whole through the lens of contemporary scholarship, not in fragmented pieces. And we have the necessary foundations for this.
Firstly, the early state formations, which will be discussed below, were all established within the region of Kazakhstan and formed the principal elements of the Kazakh ethnic identity.
Secondly, the significant cultural achievements we mention were not brought in from outside and presented to us in ready-made form; rather, most of these developments originated in this vast land and subsequently spread to the West, East, North, and South.
Thirdly, recent archaeological finds demonstrate that our ancestors were directly connected to the most advanced and innovative technologies of their time. These discoveries offer a new perspective on the place of the Great Steppe in world history.
In fact, the names of some Kazakh tribes and clans existed long before the term "Kazakh" itself. This indicates that the roots of our national history stretch back much further than the periods previously identified. The European perspective has long prevented us from recognizing that ethnic groups such as the Sakas and Huns, considered the historical ancestors of today’s Turkic peoples, are integral parts of our historical formation.
On the other hand, it is necessary to speak of the concept of a common Kazakh history for the various ethnic elements that have lived in this land for many years. This is the shared history of all our people, in which various ethnic groups have made their contributions through many great figures.
Today, we need to look at our history carefully and correctly. But it is not right to evaluate any historical event selectively or purely based on current circumstances. Black and white are inseparable concepts. When they come together, they add unique colors to the lives of individuals and societies. Our history is not without its painful periods, tragic events, bloody wars, and conflicts, nor its dangerous trials and political manipulations and exiles for society. We have no right to forget these. We must correctly understand and accept our multifaceted and broad history as it is.
We are not trying to show our greatness by diminishing the roles of other nations. On the contrary, we must carefully and accurately determine our role in world history based on solid scientific evidence and information.
Let's focus on the seven faces and directions of the Great Steppe.
I. SPACE AND TIME IN NATIONAL HISTORY
If we say that our country is the land where many elements of material culture emerged and began, it would not be an exaggeration. Many items that have become indispensable to modern society were invented in our land. The ancient people who settled the Great Steppe invented many technical innovations and created new tools and equipment that had never been seen before. Even today, mankind continues to use them in all corners of the world. Ancient chronicles reveal that the ancestors of today's Kazakhs repeatedly changed the course of political and economic history across the vast Eurasian continent.
1. The Culture of Horse Riding
History indicates that the culture of horse riding and horse breeding spread worldwide from the Great Steppe.
Excavations at the Botai settlement, dating back to the Copper Age in northern Kazakhstan, show that the horse was first domesticated in what is now Kazakhstan.
The domestication of the horse gave our ancestors an unimaginable advantage in their time. The domestication of the horse paved the way for extraordinary revolutions in agriculture and military affairs globally.
The domestication of the horse also laid the foundation for the culture of horse riding. The nomadic empires established by heavily armed soldiers riding bareback became the symbol of the era in which they emerged.
The image of a mounted warrior carrying a banner became the most recognizable symbol of the heroic age and an important element of the "cultural codes" of the nomadic world, which emerged with the advent of mounted soldiers.
Even today, the power of motorized vehicles is still measured in terms of horsepower. This tradition is a testament to the respect shown for the great era when the world was dominated by bareback riders.
We must not forget that this great technological revolution, which spread from the ancient Kazakh lands to every corner of the earth, continued to bear fruit for humanity until the nineteenth century.
The roots of today’s clothing styles can be traced back to the earliest periods of Steppe Civilization. The culture of horse riding gave rise to the compact and practical clothing style of mounted soldiers. To make their clothing comfortable and practical for horseback riding, our ancestors were the first to divide garments into upper and lower pieces. Thus, the earliest example of the trousers was created.
This allowed horse riders to perform feats on horseback and move freely in battle. The nomadic peoples of the steppe made trousers from leather, felt, hemp, wool, and flax. Despite the passage of thousands of years, this type of garment has hardly changed. The ancient trousers found during excavations are indistinguishable from today’s trousers.
It is also clear that all varieties of modern boots are the "descendants" of the soft-soled long leather boots worn by nomads when riding horses.
The nomads, who traveled on horseback, invented high saddles and stirrups to sit securely on their horses and control them as they wished. This innovation allowed the rider to sit firmly on the horse, like a stake driven into the ground, and also enabled him to use his weapon easily and effectively.
Our ancestors developed archery while riding at a gallop to the highest degree. Consequently, the structure of this weapon also changed, becoming increasingly complex, functional, and powerful. An iron-tipped arrow, feathered with bird feathers, became a weapon capable of piercing steel armor.
Another technology invented by the Turkic tribes living in the Kazakhstan region was the sword. These swords had both straight and curved blades. This weapon later became the most important and widely used combat tool.
Our ancestors were also the first to create armor to protect both the rider and the horse. Thus emerged the armored cavalryman, recognized as the extraordinary military power of the Eurasian nomads. The development of cavalry, as a military unit, from the first millennium BC to the first millennium AD, contributed to the long-term, unprecedented military superiority of the nomads, which lasted until the widespread use of firearms.
2. Mining in the Great Steppe
The discovery of methods and techniques for producing metals opened a new era in history and fundamentally changed the course of human development. The lands of Kazakhstan, rich in mineral deposits, were among the first centers where mining emerged. From the earliest times, mines were opened in the central, northern, and eastern regions of Kazakhstan, and alloys of bronze, copper, zinc, silver, and gold were produced.
The development of the production of new and durable metals by our ancestors also enabled rapid technological advancement. The smelting furnaces, handmade jewelry, household items, and weapons found during excavations clearly demonstrate this. All of this indicates that the steppe civilization in our lands developed technologically at a very rapid pace in ancient times.
3. The Animal Style
Our ancestors lived in harmony with nature and considered themselves an integral part of it. This fundamental life principle shaped the worldview and values of the Great Steppe communities. The ancient inhabitants of Kazakhstan had their own writing and myths and possessed an advanced culture.
The bright manifestation of their heritage, the symbol of their aesthetic past and spiritual wealth, is the art of the "animal style." The use of animal depictions in daily life was seen as a symbol of the relationship between humans and nature and also defined the spiritual orientation of the nomads.
Our ancestors frequently depicted predators, especially those belonging to the feline family. It is no coincidence that one of the symbols of independent Kazakhstan is the regal snow leopard, a rare creature in the local fauna.
In this context, the animal style reflects the extraordinary industrial experience of our ancestors. They were highly skilled in engraving, metalworking, particularly in casting bronze and copper and preparing gold leaf using complex techniques.
In general, the phenomenon of the "animal style" is considered one of the pinnacles of world art.
4. The Golden Man
The discovery that allowed us to look at our origins and past from a new perspective and created excitement in the scientific world was the "Golden Man," unearthed in 1969 in the Issyk burial mound in Kazakhstan, referred to by art historians as the "Tutankhamun of Kazakhstan."
This warrior unraveled many mysteries. Our ancestors created highly advanced works of art that continue to astonish people today. The gold-covered garments of the warrior demonstrate the ancient artisans’ mastery of goldworking techniques. On the other hand, this discovery revealed the mythology that exposed the power and aesthetics of Steppe Civilization.
The people of the steppe revered their leader, raising him to the level of the sun and glorifying him. The ornate and intricately decorated items found in the burial mound also show that our ancestors had a tradition of intellectualism.
One of the silver bowls found beside the warrior bears engraved signs, considered to be one of the oldest written inscriptions discovered in Kazakhstan. This is clear evidence that the early inhabitants of Kazakhstan were literate and had their own writing system.
The Golden Man, dressed in gold and silver armor and adorned with fine jewelry, stands as a powerful symbol of the courage and strength of the ancient Kazakhs. It also signifies the high level of craftsmanship and artistic development of our ancestors.
This unique historical and cultural treasure, which dates back to the 5th century BC, is not only a symbol of our national identity but also represents the continuity of our cultural heritage. Today, the image of the Golden Man is used as an emblem of Kazakhstan, symbolizing the unity and strength of our people.
5. The Land of the Great Steppe
Kazakhstan, often referred to as the land of the Great Steppe, has been home to many ancient civilizations and cultures. The vast Eurasian steppe has long been a crossroads of different cultures, peoples, and traditions. It has served as a bridge between East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies.
The Great Steppe was not just a geographical space but also a cultural and economic hub where diverse peoples interacted, traded, and shared knowledge. The Silk Road, which passed through Kazakhstan, is one of the most significant examples of this cultural and economic exchange. It connected the East with the West, allowing for the flow of goods, culture, and knowledge.
The ancient cities that sprang up along the Silk Road in Kazakhstan became centers of trade, culture, and education. They were melting pots where different civilizations met and influenced one another. These cities were not only important trading hubs but also centers of learning, where scholars from different cultures gathered to exchange knowledge and ideas.
6. The Spiritual Legacy of the Great Steppe
The spiritual legacy of the Great Steppe is a vital part of Kazakhstan's cultural heritage. The ancient inhabitants of the steppe had a rich spiritual life, deeply connected to nature and the cosmos. Their spiritual beliefs were reflected in their art, literature, and daily practices.
The nomads of the steppe believed in the unity of man and nature. This belief shaped their worldview and guided their actions. They respected the land they lived on, considering it sacred and worthy of protection. Their spiritual practices were closely tied to the cycles of nature, the seasons, and the stars.
The spiritual legacy of the Great Steppe also includes a rich tradition of oral literature, including epic tales, poetry, and myths. These stories have been passed down through generations and continue to be an essential part of Kazakh culture today. They reflect the values, beliefs, and wisdom of the ancient inhabitants of the steppe.
7. The Legacy of the Great Steppe in the Modern World
The legacy of the Great Steppe is not just a part of Kazakhstan's past; it continues to influence the modern world. The innovations and cultural achievements that emerged from the steppe have left a lasting impact on global civilization.
From the domestication of the horse to the development of metalworking techniques, the contributions of the ancient inhabitants of Kazakhstan have shaped the course of human history. The cultural and spiritual values of the steppe, such as the respect for nature and the importance of community, continue to resonate in today's world.
In conclusion, the history of Kazakhstan is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Great Steppe. It is a history that stretches back thousands of years and is rich in cultural achievements, technological innovations, and spiritual wisdom. As we look to the future, it is essential to recognize and honor this legacy, understanding that it is not just a part of our past but a vital part of who we are today.
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