Response to the Interview of the President of Kazakhstan, K. Tokayev, in the “Turkistan” Newspaper.

The President’s interview, published on the first working day after the holidays, was extensive and quite candid. The questions were direct, and the answers were equally straightforward.

As a professional historian, I was particularly interested in the President’s views on the distortion of historical facts and the popularization of mythologized figures promoted by so-called pseudo-historians. This is a sensitive and pressing issue for contemporary Kazakhstani society.

Public interest in history has grown in recent years, which is natural. However, this also increases the responsibility of those who speak about history in the public sphere. When history is presented without reliance on documents and critical academic analysis, it ceases to be a tool of knowledge and becomes a means of manipulating public consciousness. In a multiethnic state, this is especially dangerous, as pseudo-historical narratives can provoke social tension and undermine unity.

In this regard, the President’s criticism of pseudo-historical content presented as enlightenment is well justified. Emotional accusations and mythologized images distort the understanding of the past and do not contribute to the constructive development of society.

Against this background, the reference to Abai’s legacy appears both logical and appropriate. Abai addressed social problems honestly and without embellishment, calling for hard work, education, and moral responsibility. His concept of the “Complete Person” (Tolyk Adam) remains relevant today because it focuses on internal personal and social development rather than on searching for external enemies or relying on loud slogans.

Overall, the President’s position highlights the need for a mature historical culture based on facts and academic integrity—one that unites society, helps draw lessons from the past, and serves as a foundation for confident progress, rather than becoming a source of myths, conflicts, and illusions.

Uderbaeva S.K., Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of History of Kazakhstan.