Аннотация
The study of traditional elites in postcolonial societies offers vital insights into power, legitimacy, and stability beyond formal institutions. In this context, the Kazakh bai represents a unique social institution that retained influence across changing political and economic systems. This research focuses on reconstructing the institutional structure of bai-dom in pre-revolutionary and Soviet Kazakhstan, examining its core functions and transformations over time. The study also holds practical significance for developing historical memory programms. Its findings may support humanities education and aid efforts to rehabilitate the reputations of repressed community leaders, offering a nuanced perspective on Kazakhstan’s social and political history.