Kazakhstan's New Golden Horde Studies Department Unlocks a Lost Civilization

Eurasian National University is set to launch a new department dedicated to the study of the Golden Horde. The move reflects Kazakhstan’s growing focus on the historical legacy of the Ulus of Jochi. The initiative aims to deepen understanding of a pivotal era in the region’s past. The department, named 'Golden Horde Civilization Studies', will treat the Golden Horde as a broad civilisational phenomenon. It will adopt an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on history, political science, archaeology, and international relations. Researchers will collaborate to examine its political, cultural, and intellectual influence.

Key areas of study will cover statehood, legal systems, military history, economic development, cultural exchange, and identity formation. The university’s strong academic foundation and international partnerships make it an ideal base for the project. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has previously called for in-depth research into the Ulus of Jochi’s statecraft, diplomacy, and economic structures.

Erlan Sydykov, the university’s rector, recently discussed the plans in an interview with Komsomolskaya Pravda. The department will combine education and research, ensuring new discoveries are incorporated into teaching. It will also serve as a meeting point for scholars from different fields to share insights and develop fresh perspectives. The new department will expand academic research on the Great Steppe’s heritage. It will provide a platform for collaboration between experts in multiple disciplines. The initiative marks a significant step in Kazakhstan’s evolving historical scholarship.