‘Trying to run away from the past is not good for the future’: a study of collective memory of the USSR among university students in Almaty

Abstract

This research delves into memory studies in Kazakhstan, with a specific focus on how university students perceive the Soviet era in the year 2023. Utilizing qualitative interviews, the study aims to research their perspectives and emotions, bringing further understanding of the processes involved in shaping and transmitting collective memory within the country. The findings reveal that most students hold a predominantly negative view of the Soviet era, expressing dissatisfaction with its oppressive nature, erasure of the Kazakh cultural heritage, and limitations on personal freedoms. Their opinions are heavily influenced by the memories passed down from their family, recounting the hardships endured during Stalin's reign, famines, and economic struggles. Formal education also emerges as another primary source of information for the students, although greater trust is placed in familiar sources than school. While social media serves as a platform for debates and discussions, it lacks high credibility as a reliable source of information. To the students, the most relevant remnants of the USSR are related to colonialism, such as the damage on Kazakh culture or how Kazakh language is not dominant in public spaces. However, a concerning consequence is the division between those who identify as Kazakh or Kazakhstani and those who identify as Russian, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds, especially in the context of the Russo-Ukrainian war and the relation of fear and dependency of Kazakhstan with Russia. This research significantly contributes to the field of memory studies in Kazakhstan, providing invaluable insights into the multifaceted perspectives of university students concerning the Soviet era and what can be learned about their current concerns from them.