Shokan Ualikhanov and the History and Culture of the Peoples of Central Asia

The works of Shokan Ualikhanov are relevant not only from a historical and cultural point of view, but also in the context of modern social and political transformations in Central Asia and Kazakhstan. They provide important tools for understanding the processes of modernization, education and intercultural interaction, which makes his scholarly works valuable and important for researchers of our time. The value of Shokan Ualikhanov's works lies in their multilayered nature: these works are an important contribution to the history, culture, science and social reforms of the peoples of Central Asia and Kazakhstan. They helped to form a scholarly basis for understanding many of the processes that took place in the 19th century and, importantly, remain relevant for a modern understanding of historical, social and cultural changes in these regions. The object of the study is the scholarly contribution of Shokan Ualikhanov, left by him as a result of his scholarly and public activities. During his 30 years of life, the scholar managed to conduct a deep and comprehensive examination of various aspects of the life of the Kazakh people and other Central Asian peoples. Aim of study is the analysis of the works of Shokan Ualikhanov which include scholarly works, travel notes, sketches, and other writings. Research method of the works of Shokan Ualikhanov includes two methods: historical analysis and synthesis. Historical analysis in the works of Shokan Ualikhanov helps not only to better understand the history of the peoples of Central Asia, but also reveals important aspects of the social, political and cultural processes of that time. The first chapter titled “Biography and scholarly and public activities of Ualikhanov”, describes the biography of the scholar, his childhood, youth, study in the cadet corps, and scholarly activities. It highlights important moments in his life such as travels in Central Asia, expedition to Kashgar, stay in St. Petersburg, activities in Omsk and others, personality, worldview and interests of Ualikhanov. The second part describes his scholarly and public activities in the period from 1855 to 1865 and covers several key aspects of his life and work during this period. As well as providing information about those individuals who had a significant influence on the formation of Shokan's personality as a scholar and traveler. The second chapter titled “The analysis of the main works of Shokan Ualikhanov” examines and comprehensively studies his collected works and consists of the subchapter dedicated to travel notes, scholarly essays, private letters, judicial reform note and sketches. These works by Shokan Ualikhanov are important for a comprehensive study of his personality, as they allow us to look at him from different sides: as a scholar, philosopher, political figure and an empathetic person concerned with the future of his people. Travel notes, scholarly essays, private letters, judicial reforms note and sketches give a complete picture of his scholarly and public activities, how he perceived his era, how he strove for reforms and modernization, as well as how his personal experiences and emotions combined with his political and scholarly ambitions. The significance of studying the works of Shokan Ualikhanov lies in a wide range of applications, from educational and cultural projects to scholarly research. His legacy serves as an important tool for solving current problems of our time in the field of social modernization, intercultural studies and preservation of cultural heritage, which confirms its significance both for historical science and for practical activities in various fields.