On March 14, 2025, at the National Kurultai held in Burabay, President Kasyim-Zhomart Tokayev emphasized the need for careful regulation of onomastics, the official naming system for streets and settlements within Kazakhstan. Addressing local authorities' past mistakes, particularly those related to naming based on kinship or personal connections, Tokayev outlined new measures intended to streamline processes governing the naming of such places.
"Local executive bodies have committed many errors, up to assigning names based on principles of family relationships," Tokayev stated during his address. He pointed to the necessity of centralized regulations for the naming process, noting, "A unified and clear regulation of onomastic work is now available. It is important not just to change procedures but also to approach naming with strict adherence to historical justice."
One of the key concerns raised by Tokayev involves the presence of street signs featuring names deemed inappropriate or lacking societal value. "Sometimes on the streets of our cities, we can find signs with completely obscene names. Creativity is certainly appreciated, but norms of public order and decency must be maintained. Therefore, entrepreneurs must approach onomastic issues responsibly," he remarked, reflecting the president's commitment to ensuring public decorum.
President Tokayev highlighted the role of historical figures worthy of commemoration, emphasizing the importance of preserving national identity through accurate memory. "Memory of our prominent historical figures is integral to our national identity, and preserving it is our civic duty," he insisted. He cautioned against using onomastics as tools for glorifying individuals whose historical merits lack confirmation from archival documents. The president noted, "The mythologization of Soviet figures, including those involved with the tragedy of Asharshylyk, is currently perpetrated by individuals who have built careers after the independence of Kazakhstan. This is a troubling phenomenon."
Further, Tokayev warned against excessive renaming campaigns, particularly of settlements with historically established names. He stressed the importance of conducting comprehensive outreach and considering the opinions of local residents before making alterations. "It is unacceptable to engage recklessly when it involves renaming, as this can alienate community sentiments and complicate historical narratives," the president cautioned.
With thousands of unnamed streets and duplicate toponyms due to urban expansion, Tokayev emphasized the urgency of prioritizing these names to facilitate the operations of emergency services like the police and ambulances. "We need to give names to unnamed streets and resolve repeating toponyms," he stated, illustrating how mismanaged toponymy directly impacts public safety and municipal services.
To enforce these changes, President Tokayev backed amendments currently being deliberated by the parliament. These include provisions requiring the approval of the onomastic commission before assigning personal names to private properties, reinforcing the notion of accountability and collective decision-making. "This is the right decision," he declared.
At the Kurultai, Tokayev spoke of the necessity for broad ideological work beyond the onomastic scope. He invited representatives from various sectors to contribute to developing conceptual documents aimed at organizing all aspects of domestic policy within Kazakhstan. Members at the Kurultai have echoed the need for such proposals, focusing also on fundamental national values and identity representations.
Recent statements from the president reaffirmed the belief shared by many leaders at the National Kurultai, where topics such as identity and heritage will see heightened reflection and consideration. The drive for enhancing Kazakhstan's naming conventions is part of this broader initiative to reclaim and celebrate the nation's rich history.
President Tokayev's remarks signal not only a shift toward greater responsibility and historical fidelity within naming practices but also reflect the Khazakhstan government’s endeavor to align contemporary culture with its historical roots, fostering unity and respect for the country’s diverse narrative.