Academic Dialogue in Colonial History: Rethinking the 1916 Uprising

Academic Dialogue in Colonial History: Rethinking the 1916 Uprising

On September 26, 2025, a guest lecture was held by Associate Professor Ian Campbell from the University of California, Davis, on the topic "The Nature of Violence on the Settler Frontier: The 1916 Uprising in Turgai Oblast," within the framework of implementing Sustainable Development Goal No. 17 – "Partnerships for Sustainable Development." This international academic cooperation continued to strengthen scientific ties between Kazakhstani and American researchers. Professor Campbell presented an in-depth analysis of the events of 1916, based on archival materials and contemporary historical approaches.

The lecture was dedicated to one of the key events in early 20th-century Kazakh history – the popular uprising in Turgai Oblast. Special attention was paid to the socio-economic prerequisites of the uprising and the role of various social groups in these dramatic events. The professor examined the uprising through the lens of colonial history and modernization processes on the periphery of the Russian Empire.

Students and faculty had the opportunity to learn about the latest methodological approaches to studying conflicts and violence in colonial contexts. During the discussion, questions of historical memory and various interpretations of the 1916 events in contemporary historiography were addressed. This event contributed to the development of critical thinking and the formation of a comprehensive understanding of historical processes among young researchers.

Lecturers from the Department of History of Kazakhstan: A.I. Duisebayeva, G.I. Mensitova, K.K. Kabdoldina