Qazaqstan or Kazakhstan: Which Variant Reflects Kazakh Identity Today?

Qazaqstan or Kazakhstan: The Evolution of a Name

Seventy-five years ago, the terms “Qazaqstan” and “Qazaq” were transformed into “Kazakhstan” and “Kazakh.” This transformation, viewed from both linguistic and historical perspectives, has sparked a debate on the correct way to spell the name of this country and its people in the Latin alphabet. The question remains: Should it be “Kazakhstan” or “Qazaqstan?”

According to linguists, the Kazakh letter “қ” best represents the Latin letter “q” in English. The country’s name should be spelled as “Qazaqstan.” Before 1940, when Latin script was used, the Kazakh Republic was indeed written this way. The currently accepted spelling, “Kazakhstan,” is a transliteration of the Russian name — not the original Kazakh word “Qazaqstan.”

How “Qazaqstan” Became “Kazakhstan”

In January 1936, the Kazakh Regional Committee of the Communist Party decided to differentiate the word “Qazaq” from the Russian word “Kazak” (meaning Cossack). To avoid confusion, they adopted the spelling “Kazakh” in Russian instead of “Kazak.” Experts say the Kazakh leadership wanted to make this change to avoid ambiguity.

Although the Soviet Union has long since dissolved, the words “Kazakh” and “Kazakhstan” have firmly entered the Russian language. After gaining independence, Kazakhstan became an independent nation, yet its name continued to be misspelled in Latin script, according to experts.

K or Q?

In the early years of independence, there was a shortage of people in the country who were fluent in Kazakh and English. Due to a lack of proficient speakers within the government, the Latin spelling of “Kazakhstan” remained unchanged. However, in Kazakh, the correct form should be “Qazaqstan,” using the letter “q,” which represents the Kazakh letter “қ”.

Today, “Qazaqstan” is considered the country’s proper name in its language when written in Latin script. “Kazakhstan” is a Russian adaptation. There is no officially approved Latin alphabet for Kazakh, but using “q” for the letter қ is widely accepted. Therefore, it is correct to say:

• Qazaqstan Respublikasy: The proper name of the country in Latin script.
• Kazakhstan Republic: The adapted English version of the name.

Qazaqstan Respublikasy or Kazakhstan?

This ongoing debate reflects Kazakhstan’s journey as a nation, which has redefined its identity on its terms. The name “Qazaqstan” resonates with the people and language, while “Kazakhstan” is the legacy of the Soviet past. The choice between these names is not just a linguistic one but a significant step towards reclaiming the cultural and linguistic heritage of Qazaqstan Respublikasy, thereby strengthening its national identity.

Understanding the nuances of these terms is crucial not only for those interested in the history of Kazakhstan or Qazaqstan but also for anyone looking to appreciate the significance of language in a country’s national identity. The choice between “Qazaqstan” or “Kazakhstan” may seem minor. Still, it represents a broader conversation about the identity and future of this dynamic nation, making it a topic of great interest and engagement.