Abstract

The article attempts to reveal the philosophical essence of the problem of Kazakh statehood, as well as the features of its formation and development through the works of the leaders of the Alash movement. It provides an overview of concepts and ideas about the state and its forms of governance in the history of philosophy. It is argued that the essence of the state and its forms of governance have always been the same for all civilizations and cultures. The potential of the political and philosophical ideas of the Alash figures is revealed as one of the sources paving the way for the self-awareness of the Kazakh people and their entry into the ranks of advanced nations. The role of Alikhan Bokeikhan’s scholarly research in expanding the scope of Kazakh philosophical thought is defined.

Keywords: state, Kazakh statehood, autonomy, forms of governance, authority, democracy, democratic republic, independence, freedom.