Role of Tribes (Ru) And Clans (Zhuz) in Socio-Politic Structure in Kazakhstan

The Kazakh Khanate was established as a political confederation by gathering different tribes of Turkic origin in Turkestan region since the 15th century. The people of Kazakh Khanate were united under the Kazakh identity. About six centuries have passed since this unification, but today in Kazakhstan, tribes still exist as a sub-identity. In this article, the role of tribes and the clans (zhuz) formed by unification of tribes, which are historical sub-identities, in the socio-cultural structure of Kazakhstan is examined. Are the tribes the indispensable historical and cultural roots of the Kazakh national identity, but not are they a decisive identity in construction of modern Kazakh national identity? Is the tribal identity an indication of status and privilege in the state and society as a sub-identity? Discussions about these questions are important part of the process of building Kazakh national identity. Fort this reason, the role and influence of tribes and clans in Kazakhstan is an important issue for understanding the general socio-politic structure in Kazakhstan