Tokayev spoke about attempts to portray steppe empires as 'non-states'

Tengrinews.kz — Historical assessment must be absolutely objective and politically neutral. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made this statement at the opening of the international symposium "The Golden Horde as a Model of Steppe Civilization: History, Archaeology, Culture, and Identity" in Astana.
As the Head of State noted, the principle that "history is made only by the strong and written by the winners" is unscientific. Since "winners are not judged," they are often accorded the most honorable place in world history, where all complimentary scholarly assessments converge. Meanwhile, small and medium-sized countries—especially those that suffered defeats on the battlefield in the past—are forced to settle for the role of historical "backbenchers."

"Kazakhstan has begun a fairly active process of revising outdated dogmas and stereotypes that, for the sake of political ambition, reduce once-mighty steppe empires to the status of so-called pseudo-states and even position nomadic peoples as a wild, elemental force operating outside the historical context. However, while restoring an objective historical picture, we are far from blindly idealizing the past. History does not tolerate or forgive lies for the sake of self-admiration, nor does it allow attempts to turn a shared heritage into a strictly national phenomenon," stated Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The President called claims to a monopoly on the interpretation of our rich past, with all its contradictions and complexities, a dead-end path leading to the degradation of science and an increase in mutual distrust.

"Meanwhile, within the professional community of historians, there are certainly representatives of effective 'soft power' and scientific diplomacy; they can build bridges where politicians are only capable of building walls. Their mission is extremely important, especially in these turbulent times," the Head of State added.

Speaking at the symposium, the President also warned of the dangers of misinterpreting history. Tokayev emphasized that in today’s extremely complex and tense geopolitical situation, it is vital to find convincing and inspiring examples in human history of peace-building structures and dialogue platforms, rather than being confined to the grim chronology of wars.