Abstract
This article is devoted to the contemporary processes of the return migration of Kazakhs to their historical homeland—an important phenomenon for the demographic and cultural policies of independent Kazakhstan. The author provides a comprehensive analysis of the repatriation of ethnic Kazakhs, many of whom lived abroad for decades, revealing how this process influences the internal cultural dynamics of Kazakhstani society. Repatriation demonstrates a dual cultural mechanism: on the one hand, the returnees bring with them preserved traditions and customs, thereby strengthening the historical continuity of national culture; on the other hand, the new social and economic environment transforms their habitual way of life and value system, leading to complex processes of cultural adaptation. Although the return of Kazakhs is a historically unique phenomenon, it enables the formulation of broader theoretical conclusions. The analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of cultural change, transnational migration, and the formation of national identity. The conclusions of the article are based on data collected during multi-sited, multi-year fieldwork conducted in June–July 2016 and March 2018. The research was carried out in several regions of Kazakhstan in close cooperation with a local university, which made it possible to gather valuable material on the everyday experiences of the returnees.