Abstract
This article provides an overview of educational and religious education issues in Kazakhstan during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It critically examines historical processes, aiming for a multifaceted approach that avoids unilateral evaluations. The article highlights the diverse and parallel development of literacy during this period. Special attention is given to the emergence of the Jadidist educational process, analyzed through the lens of Gumar Karash's activities. The evolution of his religious views is divided into five conditional stages. Additionally, various interpretations of the concept of “Jadidism” are analyzed, with the author's own explanation provided. As a result of the research, the study identifies the key distinctions and main features of Jadidism in Kazakhstan compared to traditional Islam (Qadimism): its foundation on integrating Islam with the national idea; its aim to promote the pan-Turkic idea in some aspects; its goal of synthesizing Islam with global civilization; its departure from religious scholasticism; its focus on softening strict religious practices, principles, and traditions; and its attention to condemning hypocrisy (Munafik).