REPRESENTATION OF THE ETHNIC WORLDVIEW IN THE TOPONYMS OF THE KAZYGURT REGION

Abstract

This research is aimed at uncovering the ethnic worldview through toponyms of the Kazygurt region. The focus is on mythological, ethnocultural and Sufi aspects present in the regional toponomy and their contribution to the preservation of collective culture memory. The materials of this research consist of toponyms and microtoponyms of places related to sacred objects, holy pilgrimage roads, springs, caves, trees, and stones found across the Kazygurt territory. The applied analytical methods involve ethnolinguistic approach, semantic analysis, cognitive toponymology, and description method. In addition, field observations and oral narratives provided by local people were considered additional sources for interpretation of some place names.

The findings prove that the toponymic landscape of the region reflects the ethnocultural layers and processes that occurred in the region throughout history. Some of the names are based on ancient mythological ideas, while other toponyms have ties to local religion and religious rituals, or beliefs regarding such natural objects as water, stones and trees. A group of toponyms is characterized by links to Islamic Sufi traditions that prevailed in the region in more recent times. Moreover, there are some names that have remained part of local culture and are actively used in everyday life and pilgrimages despite not being entirely clear for young speakers.

From the point of view of theoretical value, the research is related to ethnocognitive and stratigraphical interpretation of Kazakh toponymy. Practically, the research has implications for ethnolinguistics, cultural studies, sacred geography, regional history, and teaching of Kazakh spiritual culture and ethnic worldview.