Uyghur Migration History between China and Kazakhstan
For centuries, the territories now governed by the Republic of Kazakhstan and the People's Republic of China have experienced continuous population movements. These migrations have often been driven by necessity, as ethnic minorities sought refuge from persecution across the border to find safety and stability.
Key Facts
- By 1897, the Russian Empire Census recorded approximately 56,000 Uyghurs in present-day Kazakhstan.
- A proposed Uyghur autonomous oblast in Almaty Province was scrapped in 1949 following the Communist victory in China.
- Mass exoduses of Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and Mongols occurred during the 1950s due to ethnic tensions and repression in Xinjiang.
- The border between Xinjiang and the Kazakh SSR was closed following the Sino-Soviet split to prevent minority flight and Soviet espionage.
- Kazakhstan currently serves as a primary transit point for Uyghurs migrating to North America and Western Europe.
Political Shifts and Border Dynamics
The geopolitical landscape of the 20th century heavily influenced the movement of people. In the 1940s, high-ranking officials within the Kazakh SSR considered establishing a Uyghur autonomous oblast in what is now the Almaty Province. However, this plan was not intended to provide genuine autonomy; rather, it was a strategic move to pull Xinjiang closer to the Soviet orbit. Once the Communist Party achieved victory in China in 1949, the plan was abandoned.
The 1950s marked a period of significant instability. Repression of minority separatist movements and rising ethnic tensions in China triggered a mass exodus. This wave of migration included not only Uyghurs but also Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and Mongols fleeing toward the Kazakh SSR.
This openness ended with the Sino-Soviet split and subsequent border conflicts. The Chinese government closed the border between Xinjiang and the Kazakh SSR, aiming to stop ethnic minorities from fleeing and to block Soviet secret agents from entering China.
Categorizing the Uyghur Diaspora in Kazakhstan
The Uyghur population in Kazakhstan, which exceeds 200,000 people, is generally categorized into three distinct groups based on when their ancestors migrated.
The Yärlik (Locals)
The yärlik are the earliest settlers, arriving in various regions of Kazakhstan—particularly Semirechie—during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Kegänlär (Newcomers)
The largest group, the kegänlär, consists of those whose ancestors migrated during the 1950s and 1960s. While they were once referred to as kitailik (Chinese), the term köchäp kegän is now more commonly used to describe them.
The Kitailik (Recent Arrivals)
The term kitailik has evolved to refer to the most recent arrivals who have migrated since the 1990s. This group is also known as wätändin, meaning "people from the homeland."
| Group Name | Common Term | Migration Period | Primary Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yärlik | Locals | Late 19th/Early 20th Century | Earliest settlers, often in Semirechie |
| Kegänlär | Newcomers / Köchäp kegän | 1950s - 1960s | Largest group; fled ethnic tensions |
| Kitailik | People from the homeland (Wätändin) | 1990s - Present | Most recent arrivals from China |
Global Migration Patterns
In the modern era, Kazakhstan's role has shifted from a final destination to a strategic transit point. Many Uyghurs moving toward Western Europe and North America pass through Kazakhstan first. Consequently, a significant portion of the Uyghur populations in countries such as Canada and Norway originated from Central Asia rather than directly from China.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Uyghurs lived in Kazakhstan by the end of the 19th century?
According to the Russian Empire Census of 1897, there were approximately 56,000 Uyghurs living in the territory that is now Kazakhstan.
Why was the proposed Uyghur autonomous oblast in Almaty Province cancelled?
The plan was scrapped after the Communist victory in China in 1949 because the Soviet intention was to bring Xinjiang into its orbit rather than grant the Uyghurs actual autonomy.
What caused the mass exodus of minorities in the 1950s?
The migration of Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and Mongols was driven by ethnic tensions and the repression of minority separatist movements within China.
Why did the Chinese government close the border with the Kazakh SSR?
The border was closed following the Sino-Soviet split to prevent ethnic minorities from fleeing China and to stop Soviet secret agents from infiltrating the country.
What is the difference between the yärlik and the kegänlär?
The yärlik are the "locals" who arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, while the kegänlär are the "newcomers" who arrived in much larger numbers during the 1950s and 1960s.