AHistoryIndependent states
Alash Orda (1917–1920)
The autonomous national government founded by Kazakh intellectuals in 1917, a forerunner of modern Kazakh statehood.
After the 1917 revolution in Russia, Alikhan Bukeikhanov, Akhmet Baitursynuly, Mirzhakyp Dulatuly and other intellectuals founded the Alash party; "Alash" is an ancient common name of the Kazakhs.
In December 1917 the Second All-Kazakh Congress in Orenburg proclaimed Alash autonomy and elected the Alash Orda government, with Semey as its centre. It tried to build its own army, schools and press.
The autonomy survived in harsh conditions during the civil war and was abolished in 1920 when Soviet power was established. Most Alash leaders were victims of repression in the 1930s and were rehabilitated after independence.
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Updated: October 2, 2026