Ekaterina Mikhailova1; 1 University of Tromsø, Norway
Discussion
The paper examines the western section of the vast borderland of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and reveals various connections spanning the border that existed before or still exist today. From kinship ties to traditional border-crossing herding grounds to piligrimage sites, the borderland has been and still is ridden with ties that often go unseen by an outsider.
Drawing on the border studies theories and Central Asian scholarship, the paper discusses how the borderland in focus repositioned itself in cross-border and centre-periphery relations in the years after independence and especially in the last five years.
The paper is based on field research conducted in the three regional capitals of Aktau, Nukus and Kyzylorda and their regions in 2022-2023 complemented with desk research.
