The article analyzes selected aspects of the concept of “Turkestan” as an ideological and cultural phenomenon in the discourse of the Kazakh intelligentsia of the early twentieth century. It examines the intellectual, political, and sociocultural prerequisites for the emergence of the idea of Turkic unity and regional solidarity under the conditions of late imperial and early Soviet transformations. The relevance of the study is determined by the need for a comprehensive understanding of the ideological foundations of the national liberation movement, the role of the intelligentsia in shaping national identity, and the significance of the concept of Turkestan in the process of political mobilization of Turkic peoples. The exploration of this issue contributes to a deeper comprehension of the historical mechanisms of self-determination and cultural consolidation in Central Asia.

The aim of the article is to identify and analyze the key ideological and cultural dimensions of the concept of “Turkestan” in the intellectual discourse of the Kazakh intelligentsia. The main objectives are to reveal the ideological sources of the concept, to determine the role of national leaders in its formation, and to analyze the factors that influenced its transformation during the Soviet period.

Materials and Methods. The study is based on the analysis of archival documents, journalistic and programmatic materials, as well as scholarly works by domestic researchers. The research employs the methods of historicism, comparative historical analysis, and discourse analysis.

Results. The findings demonstrate that the concept of Turkestan integrated ideas of Turkic and Muslim unity, anti-colonial resistance, and aspirations for political autonomy. The activities of representatives of the Kazakh intelligentsia facilitated its institutionalization; however, the polyethnic composition of the region and the pressure exerted by the Bolshevik authorities limited the possibilities for its practical implementation. The concept of Turkestan played a significant role in shaping the national consciousness and political culture of the Kazakh intelligentsia, preserving its historical and ideological value within the broader context of the development of the Turkic world.