STATE-CONFESSIONAL RELATIONS IN KAZASTAN: STAGES, THEIR MAIN FEATURES AND COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS (19TH CENTURY – EARLY XXI Century.)

Abstract

In this work, based on specific factual material, the relationship between the state and religion in Kazakhstan in the period from the beginning of the XX to the beginning of the XXI centuries is studied and described. The main stages of the development of these relations were identified: the period when our country was part of the Russian Empire with its colonial political and economic system; the Soviet period, with its radical measures to secularize society and harsh anti-religious policies.; the period since the beginning of Kazakhstan's national independence, the revival of religious life and the formation of a new model of state-confessional relations. Based on a comparative analysis, the most important features and peculiarities of each of these stages are identified, their impact on social processes, and the forms of relationship between official authorities and religion that developed during these periods are compared. The prerequisites and causes of the most important and significant changes in the religious policy of the official authorities in the analyzed periods and their consequences are revealed. Based on the results of a consistent presentation of the material on the problem under study, a description is given of the peculiarities of the relationship between the state and religion in Kazakhstan at the present stage, which traces the desire of the authorities to ensure the rights and freedoms of believers and religious organizations, combining the principles of secularism with support for traditional religions and ensuring a balance between freedom of conscience and national security.