Information Confrontation in the Historiography of Kazakhstan: Search for Alternatives Under Conditions of Censorship

This article examines the role of Radio Azattyk in covering Kazakhstan’s Soviet-era history, offering an alternative to official Soviet historiography. Analyzing past radio broadcasts, it highlights the station’s efforts to challenge ideological bias and promote historical objectivity.The study is based on a comprehensive methodology, including the analysis of radio programs and publications, discourse analysis to identify narratives, and a historical and cultural assessment of public perception.The article shows that Azattyk consistently criticized the ideological bias of Soviet historical works, calling for objectivity, truthfulness, and freedom from censorship in historical research. A key focus was the rehabilitation of the Alash intelligentsia, presenting them as national heroes and fighters for self-determination. In contrast to the Soviet narrative, Azattyk denied the voluntary nature of Kazakhstan's accession to Russia and emphasized the dependent status of the republic within the USSR. It actively promoted national values and introduced listeners to foreign scientific works on Kazakh history, expanding the information space and offering an alternative view of key events and figures of the past. The article emphasizes the significant role of Radio Azattyk in shaping a critical attitude toward Soviet historiography and in preserving national historical memory in the face of ideological pressure.