The ethno-demographic structure of Kazakhstan’s population and its representation in domestic and foreign historiography

In this article a contextual overview of historiography on key historical periods and events underlying the formation of Kazakhstan’s ethno-demographic structure from the late 19th century to the present is provided. Researchers are categorized into two main groups: domestic and foreign. Three primary research centers spe-cializing in historical-demographic studies in Kazakhstan are identified as productive and effectively operat-ing as distinct scholarly schools (Almaty, Karaganda, and Ust-Kamenogorsk). International historiography is primarily represented by English-speaking authors. Additional criteria, such as research schools, thematic di-rections, and contributions to the topic, are introduced for more detailed classification. The article under-scores the importance of understanding the dynamics of Kazakhstan’s population formation for demographic analysis and in illuminating the processes shaping national identity and the country’s political landscape. Lit-erature addressing key historical periods — imperial, Soviet, and independence — is analyzed. By incorporat-ing domestic and international historiography, the authors highlight differences in perspectives between these groups on Kazakhstan’s ethno-demographic development, its role in nation-building, identity formation, and contemporary sociopolitical realities. The article also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary ap-proaches and comprehensive methodologies in studying Kazakhstan’s complex demographic history and cur-rent trends