Diplomacy Journal Lee Sung Jun | The President emphasized that the Golden Horde maintained advanced administrative and diplomatic systems, developed extensive relations with major powers across Eurasia, and exerted a lasting influence on the emergence of later states in the region. Its strength, he said, rested not only on territorial scale, but also on effective institutions, discipline, justice, and social cohesion.
A major theme of the symposium was the economic and trade dimension of steppe civilization. The Golden Horde controlled key Eurasian trade routes and transformed the steppe into a secure transit corridor connecting East and West. It developed monetary systems, commercial centers, and active exchange between nomadic and urban societies. President Tokayev described this interaction as one of the foundations of the Golden Horde’s prosperity and adaptability.
The symposium also highlighted the need for stronger international academic cooperation. Held under the patronage of UNESCO, the event reflected the growing global interest in the history of the Golden Horde and the wider heritage of the Great Steppe. Kazakhstan reaffirmed its commitment to working with UNESCO and the international scholarly community to preserve and promote both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
In this context, President Tokayev referred to the international recognition of the manuscript “Genealogy of the Khans,” which contains valuable historical records related to the Golden Horde period. He also noted that Kazakhstan has established the Institute for the Study of the Ulus of Jochi, the first specialized academic institution dedicated to the subject, and proposed the creation of an international Centre for the Promotion of Steppe Civilization.
The President called for large-scale research and publishing initiatives involving foreign experts, stressing that scholars and historians can serve as bridges between societies at a time of geopolitical fragmentation and rising global uncertainty. In his view, history should unite peoples rather than become a source of division or political confrontation.
Kazakhstan also linked the preservation of historical heritage with its broader modernization agenda. President Tokayev emphasized the importance of combining tradition with innovation, education, science, and advanced technologies. He cited the country’s investments in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, transport corridors, and data storage, while noting that Kazakhstan will host an international AI Olympiad under UNESCO auspices with participants from 100 countries.
The President further noted that the concept of “digital nomads” resonates symbolically with the historic mobility, openness, and dynamism of steppe civilization. This reflects Kazakhstan’s effort to present its heritage not as a relic of the past, but as a source of inspiration for future-oriented development.
In his remarks, President Tokayev underscored that Kazakhstan regards itself as a direct heir to the statehood traditions of the Great Steppe and the Golden Horde. Preserving historical continuity, he said, is essential for national renewal, cultural identity, and long-term development. He also highlighted the idea of “Mangilik El” – the “Eternal Nation” – as an important historical and state-building concept inherited from the steppe tradition.
The symposium is expected to become a regular international platform for academic dialogue, research cooperation, and the promotion of the Golden Horde’s legacy. By encouraging a more nuanced understanding of steppe civilization, Kazakhstan aims to contribute to a more inclusive and interconnected view of Eurasian history.
