The Islamic factor in the rebellion movement of the Kazakh aul at the end of the 1920s — early 1930s

Abstract

This article explores the history of the Kazakh village's rebel movement during the 1920s and 1930s. The topic is particularly significant due to the introduction of new archival materials from the Special State Archive of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the State Archive of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the State Archive of the Aktobe Region, and the State Archive of the East Kazakhstan Region. The study aims to investigate the role of Islamic factors in the context of the rebel movement within the Kazakh village. Through this research, the article details the social roots and causes of armed protests, demonstrating that government excesses contributed to an increase in the number of participants in rebel groups. The processes of Sovietization, which aimed to dismantle tribal and hierarchical institutions, played a crucial role in drawing the Kazakh village into armed conflict. Moreover, Muslim symbols and ideas emerged as a unifying force for the armed protests in the southern region. An analysis of the slogans and proclamations from the Suzak uprising reveals a strong emphasis on religious symbolism, highlighting the significance of Islam in mobilizing resistance.