INTER-ETHNIC MARRIAGES IN KAZAKHSTAN DURING THE USSR AND INDEPENDENCE: RELIGIOUS STUDIES VIEW

Abstract

Interfaith and interethnic marriages are an important indicator of integration processes and cultural interaction in multi-ethnic societies. They reflect social mobility, tolerance levels, and the state of interethnic relations within a country. This article focuses on interethnic marriages in Kazakhstan, particularly those between Kazakhs and Russians, two of the largest ethnic groups in the country. It highlights the socio-cultural dynamics of such unions, particularly the impact of the Soviet-era settlement patterns, and examines how these marriages have evolved since Kazakhstan’s independence. The study also considers the role of religion in these unions, specifically Islam and Orthodox Christianity, and how the religious identities of the partners influence family dynamics and the upbringing of children. The article suggests that interfaith and interethnic marriages in Kazakhstan are shaped by historical, social, and religious factors, and they present both challenges and opportunities for fostering a multicultural and tolerant society. The importance of tolerance, respect for religious differences, and the preservation of cultural identity are essential in navigating the complexities of these marriages.