History of Kazakhstan: best online resources for self-study

A resource that brings together absolutely everything to broaden your perspective on the country's history. It daily publishes news, as well as articles on the history of modern and sacred Kazakhstan. The authors offer interactive content such as contests, online discussions, and polls—there is even a section with practice questions for the UNT (Unified National Testing). Here you can find various educational materials for both students and teachers. Those interested can discover the spiritual heritage of the Kazakh people and study its culture: legends, mythology, and geography. I suggest starting your journey with the chronological map, which highlights the most important events. For more advanced learners, dozens of lectures and photographs are available for an in-depth study of specific historical eras.

The creator behind this resource hosts a YouTube channel in two languages: Russian and Kazakh. It features mini-lectures lasting 10–15 minutes that explain complex topics in plain, accessible language. If you find it difficult to stay focused on books or long-form stories, Tarih Marih (Тарих Марих) is definitely for you. What grabs your attention isn't just the simplicity of the presentation, but also the visuals—it uses vivid, engaging animations that are anything but boring to watch.

A project dedicated to the great scholar and explorer Shoqan Walikhanov. “The goal is to bring the memory of this person to life so that, with just a few clicks, anyone can touch his legacy and discover the world Shoqan sought to give to all of humanity,” the website states.

The centerpiece of the project is the documentary film Shoqan Walikhanov, which comprehensively covers his biography. Who was he first and foremost—an officer of the empire or a son of the steppe? Why did he abandon a brilliant career in St. Petersburg and return home? What did he want for his people, and why did his own fate unfold so tragically?

Here, you can find the scholar’s works and letters, as well as feature films, documentaries, and literature dedicated to him. Shoqan was the first Kazakh scholar, and it was he who introduced the Western world to the culture and everyday life of the Kazakh people by gathering and sharing information about local customs and the economy of nomadic tribes. His contribution is hard to overestimate, and future generations continue to be inspired by the courage and determination of a man who achieved so much in such a short life.

Another YouTube channel, but with longer, more academic content, features video lectures by distinguished historians, scholars, and archaeologists that help explore historical events from every angle. Here, you can deepen your knowledge of specific figures—from Genghis Khan to Ablai Khan—their legacy, cultural monuments from various eras, as well as Kazakh traditions in everyday life, craftsmanship, and medicine.

The creators behind this Instagram page are two young people, Dias and Aigerim, who share fascinating facts, stories about people, and communities through short videos and posts. Concise and accessible—learning won't take up much of your time. You can watch their Reels even on your commute to work or school. Content like this won't overload your brain, even before engaging in demanding mental work. For those who prefer text, the authors' Telegram channel is a great fit.