Local cultural memory of Ulytau: the sacralisation of the area by means of symbolic forms encoding

Abstract

In modern memory studies, a distinction is commonly made between cultural and historical memory. Cultural memory is formed by the media-participants of the event, based on generational values, it has the ability to the constantly transformation. Whereas historical memory is a combination of knowledge and ideas about events in the past, accumulated through the information environment controlled by the authorities. This research paper applies theoretical developments to analyse nation-building processes in Kazakhstan. It draws attention to the practice of constructing sacred places of memory or special places of public worship. Considering that the toponym Ulytau gave the its name to a new administrative entity, this is of interest how knowledge about the cultural landscape revitalizes in the Ulytau district. After all, within the Soviet period, it can be stated that much knowledge was literally displaced to the periphery of socio-humanities in Kazakhstan. Whereas from a certain period Ulytau is beginning to stay in the position as a special historical centre – a landmark value for cultural memory. In this regard, the research work based on the study of the processes of Ulytau transformation into a powerful modernization concept of cultural memory restoration carries out through the sacralisation of the area.