Identity and Daily Life of Turkish Women in Turkestan Region and Shimkent City

Abstract

The paper focuses on the results of a qualitative study conducted in the southern part of Kazakhstan for 1 year in 2023. The paper analyzes the results of the research project "Women from ethnic communities (Turkestan region and Shymkent city) as a channel for the reproduction and formation of civic and ethnic identity", funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The paper focuses on the analysis of the socio-cultural characteristics of Kazakhistani Turkish women, their role in the family and society. The key theme of the paper is the identification of Turkic women and their social portrate. The study is based on qualitative methods and includes in-depth interviews with representatives of the Turkic diaspora of the Turkestan region and Shymkent city (large regions of Kazakhstan). The results of the study show that Kazakhistani Turks deported during the Soviet period have preserved a significant part of their ethnic identity, including language, traditions and family values. Despite the traditional division of gender roles, many Turkish women have university degrees and actively participate in the social life of their communities. The study also reveals that Kazakhistani Turks have successfully integrated into Kazakhistani society while preserving their ethnic identity. As a result, the study emphasizes that although they actively participate in the political life of the country, they also take into account many issues in daily life, such as the role of women in society, their dreams and disappointments.