From Akmolinsk to Nur-Sultan: the Influence of the State Ideology on Developing the Official City Symbols

Abstract

The article studies the development processes of the official (city) symbols of the current capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan at different stages of the city's history. The influence of the state ideology on development of the symbolic space of Kazakhstani territories is analyzed by the example of this city. The authors show how heraldic symbols were created in various historical periods: during the time the Kazakh zhuzes were part of the Russian Empire, then during the period of the Kazakh SSR in the USSR and, finally, in the years after the emergence of the independent Republic of Kazakhstan. It is noted that the symbolic space of the city of Nur-Sultan changed at different stages of the city's existence and largely depended on the practice of spreading political ideology. Thus, the first stage is analyzed in terms of the influence of the Russian Empire ideology, including the theory of «official nationality», the second stage shows the role of the Soviet propaganda system of Marxist-Leninist ideology, the third stage is assessed in terms of the influence of ideology aimed at consolidating the multinational Kazakhstan people. When N.A. Nazarbayev had come to power the course of the country's long-term development was defined, it was aimed at strengthening the unity of society and creating a new national capital. This strategy was implemented including with the help of a symbolic space — the official city symbols (coat of arms, flag). The authors note that at this stage the symbolism begins to reflect to a greater extent the historical and cultural traditions of the country. At the same time, Nur-Sultan is positioned both as a «national capital» and as a city for all nations living in Kazakhstan.