Деятельность Особой комиссии при Центральном исполнительном комитете Туркестанской АССР по реэвакуации семиреченских мигрантов

Introduction. Upon gaining sovereignty, Kazakhstan launched a repatriation program encouraging ethnic Kazakhs to move back to their historical homeland. Still, the repatriation process had also been witnessed by the early years of Soviet rule. That group of migrants — neglected by the international community but assisted by their former compatriots — was compiled from inhabitants of Semirechye. Goals. The article attempts an insight into the activities of Soviet agencies aimed at re-evacuating Semirechye’s migrants to Soviet Russia. Materials and methods. The work focuses on documentary sources contained in a variety of archives and dealing with the history of migration processes in Semirechye on the eve and throughout the establishment and consolidation of Soviet power. The study rests on essentials of the structural-functional analysis, a structural unit be represented by the Special Commission under the Turkestan ASSR Central Executive Committee, and a function be the latter’s activities on arranging assistance to migrants in China and their re-evacuation to native territories. The principle of historicism proves instrumental in considering the Commission’s efforts in the context of the Soviet Union’s shaping and development. Results. The period of mobilization (followed by increased insurgencies) witnessed somewhat mass relocations of Kazakhs and Kyrgyzes from border territories of Semirechye towards Western China. Their mass return took place already under the Soviets. The problem of repatriating Kazakhs and Kyrgyzes, their accommodation across Semirechye and employment assistance were repeatedly discussed by Soviet authorities, and a special body — Special Commission — was established and vested with powers to deliver material support and organize the re-evacuation of migrants. Conclusions. Kazakhs and Kyrgyzes of Semirechye who had fled to China in 1916–1921 found themselves in a very difficult situation. Then and there they were aided by the Russian Provisional Government and subsequently by the Soviets. The two were historical antipodes but when it came to assist and bring back compatriot migrants from China to Semirechye, they were unanimous enough.