At the international symposium “The Golden Horde as a Model of Steppe Civilization: History, Archaeology, Culture, and Identity”, held under the auspices of UNESCO, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that the Golden Horde era is an important part of the nation’s history and stressed the need to view this period through the lens of a broader civilizational paradigm. He highlighted the importance of elevating the phenomenon of Golden Horde history to a new global level and outlined three key directions for future work.

First, the study of intellectual heritage. It is widely recognized that interdisciplinary approaches play an important role in science. Therefore, the President noted that the teachings of Al-Farabi, Yasawi, and other distinguished thinkers naturally continued to develop during the Golden Horde era. He also emphasized the value of the heritage of Ketbuka, Asan Kaigy, Shalkiiz, and Dospambet, whose works are filled with wisdom and heroism. We understand this heritage as a shared treasure of the entire Kazakh nation.

Examining the Aksak Kulan kui that has survived from the Golden Horde period as the voice of the Great Steppe and the spiritual wealth of our people, the President noted that spirituality and intellectual values found continuity in Abai’s concept of the “Complete Human,” strengthened by the triad of “enlightened mind, warm heart, and strong will.”

Second, the President emphasized the need for a thorough study of the Golden Horde’s system of governance: “The territory of the Jochi Ulus during its peak covered approximately 6 million square kilometers.”

Analyzing this direction, the President characterized the Golden Horde’s confessional policy, describing the role of religion in the political life of a state that experienced all three major world religions, while highlighting the peaceful coexistence of different ethnic groups and representatives of various faiths. Indeed, unlike the Crusades that lasted for centuries, the Golden Horde did not wage prolonged religious wars. This demonstrates the stability and sustainability of the state system created by the descendants of Jochi.

The Golden Horde systematically developed the principles of Steppe Law and Steppe Democracy. The legal culture of the Turkic Khaganate and Genghis Khan’s Great Yassa served as the foundation of social order. The President noted: “Throughout every corner of the vast empire where the rule of law prevailed, the safety of people and their property was fully ensured,” and “The Kurultai institution served as a unique example of steppe democracy.”

It is also known that the Golden Horde had a well-developed system of administration and office culture. Square and oval seals of the khans and khan tamgas were produced in gold, red, and blue colors.

Even during the political crisis known as the Great Turmoil, the governance system of the Golden Horde maintained its stability. The President noted that many Eurasian states later adopted this model.

Third, the President emphasized the need for a comprehensive study of the Golden Horde’s economic structure. He stated: “Ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and India were largely formed through the development of river valleys. The Great Steppe followed a completely different historical path.”

Providing a comparative perspective, the President pointed out that the Botai culture, which became a remarkable phenomenon in world history, not only introduced horse domestication and horseback riding culture but also gave rise to strategic thinking and a distinctive lifestyle of steppe civilization. He emphasized that the harmonious combination of nomadic and sedentary ways of life laid the foundation for the Golden Horde’s rise on the historical stage.

The President also highlighted the development of market relations, stating: “This can be observed through the widespread use of bricks produced in the Golden Horde across the territory stretching from the Irtysh to the Danube. Favorable conditions were created for business people from across Eurasia to engage freely in trade and entrepreneurship. Thus, the Jochi Ulus became one of the first entities to establish a global market.”

The President further stated: “The new Constitution adopted through a nationwide referendum clearly states that preserving the continuity of the Great Steppe, whose history spans thousands of years, is a sacred duty. Because we are the direct heirs of the Golden Horde, which was guided by the idea of ‘Mangilik El’ in state-building.”

In addition, the President emphasized the importance of modern technologies and highlighted the need to develop a new perspective on the concept of nomadism in the era of globalization, digitalization, and artificial intelligence.

The President’s speech at the symposium opened new directions for scientific research and projects. We are confident that the history of the Golden Horde will continue to be explored more deeply and that the dialogue between East and West will continue to expand.

«Abai University» Media Center