STATE POLICY IN THE PRESERVATION OF KAZAKHSTAN’S ETHNOCULTURAL HERITAGE: CURRENT TRENDS AND PRIORITIES

Abstract

While Kazakhstan has significantly updated its institutional frameworks for protecting ethnocultural heritage, stark regional imbalances persist in their practical implementation. This article shifts the focus toward the applied dimensions of state cultural policy, specifically addressing infrastructure disparities, the actual impacts of digitalization, and the engagement of local communities. Utilizing a newly developed indicator matrix for evaluating policy effectiveness, alongside empirical data from in-depth expert interviews, the authors identify systemic gaps within the current framework. The findings substantiate targeted, actionable mechanisms for transitioning from a strictly centralized management approach to a sustainable, community-driven heritage conservation model. Furthermore, the study proposes innovative solutions, such as the establishment of regional cultural clusters and the implementation of a "Cultural Passport" system. These measures are designed not only to preserve historical artifacts but also to utilize digital heritage within the creative economy. The proposed result-oriented model aligns Kazakhstan's cultural policy with international standards and establishes a solid foundation for the decentralization of governance.