Abstract
This study investigates the lexico-semantic characteristics of ancient Turkic toponyms in Kazakhstan and emphasizes their linguistic, historical, and cultural significance. The research examines how these geographical names reflect human cognition, social organization, and environmental interactions within the framework of the anthropocentric approach. The analysis explores the structure, meaning, and contextual usage of ancient Turkic toponyms, demonstrating their function as linguistic markers of cultural heritage and collective memory. This study applies a multidisciplinary methodology that combines elements of historical linguistics, onomastics, and ethnolinguistics. The research classifies toponyms according to their semantic categories, identifies patterns in naming principles, and traces the etymological roots of selected geographical names. The findings reveal that ancient Turkic toponyms contain valuable information about Kazakhstan's historical realities, including social hierarchies, economic activities, and ecological conditions. This research enhances the understanding of Kazakhstan's toponymic system and contributes to broader discussions on language preservation in the context of globalization. The study highlights the role of toponyms as carriers of cultural memory and emphasizes their significance in maintaining regional identity and linguistic diversity. The practical implications of this study extend to various fields such as linguistics, cultural studies, and ethnography. The insights obtained from this research can support initiatives in cultural preservation, cartography, and educational materials designed to raise awareness of Kazakhstan's rich linguistic landscape.