Transformation of social life in Kazakh steppe: case of dynasty Bekimbaevs (XIX c.)

Abstract

The article considers changes in the social status of the Berkimbayev family in the process of administrative integration of the Kazakh steppe into the imperial system of government in the first half of the XIX century. Representatives of the Berkimbayev family entered the newly created system of governance in the Steppe, serving positions from the head of the tribe, the distant chief, the volost ruler, the official of special assignments under the military governor. The Berkimbaevs had all the attributes of Russian officials: salaries, awards of military ranks, honorary certificates, medals, and orders. For their long service (1820 to 1917), they became part of the honorary citizenship and hereditary nobility of the Russian Empire. Possessing administrative resources of authority dynasty of Berkimbayevs contributed to the spread of secular education, introducing the history and culture of the Kazakh people to Russian public society.