Kyrgyzstan’s parliament has recently enacted a bill that promotes traditional naming practices, encouraging citizens to adopt Kyrgyz surnames. The change follows a period where many citizens adopted Russified names due to economic migration. The resurgence of traditional names is influenced by regional political changes, reflecting a desire for national identity amidst ongoing de-Russification efforts in Central Asia.
Kyrgyzstan is reviving traditional naming practices as part of a broader de-Russification initiative. Notably, Nurlanbek Turgunbekovich Shakiev, the Speaker of Parliament, has changed his surname to Turgunbek uuly, a move highlighting the importance of national identity. Kyrgyzstan’s parliament recently passed a law encouraging the use of traditional last names, aiming to expand surname options within Kyrgyz customs and cultural practices.
After gaining independence in 1991, many Kyrgyz citizens began replacing Russian-sounding surnames with traditional ones, adopting endings like -uuly for men and -kyzy for women. However, the trend diminished as economic hardship led many to adopt Russified names in order to find work in Russia. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, revisions to naming practices have resurged, driven by changing sentiments in the region.
Under the new law, Kyrgyz citizens can choose from various traditional naming conventions, including the unisex suffix -tegi and gendered endings -din for men and -den for women. The legislation permits citizens to retain Russified surnames if they prefer, catering to diverse ethnic identities within the country. Neighboring Tajikistan has implemented stricter measures, banning Russian-style last names and pushing for ‘pure’ Tajik names, reflecting a nationalistic trend in the region.
Kyrgyzstan joins its regional counterparts like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in promoting traditional names, with the latter seeing increasing adoption among the youth and cultural elites. Turkmenistan, however, continues to favor Russified names, highlighting the diverse approaches to identity in Central Asia. Renewed efforts for de-Russification also extend to the renaming of Soviet-era cities and streets, though such efforts can provoke disapproval from Moscow.
The current movements in Central Asia towards original names are significantly impacted by geopolitical shifts, specifically the conflict in Ukraine. As specialist Alisher Ilhomov suggests, this cultural resurgence symbolizes a quest for authentic national identity under duress. However, conflicts arise as individuals like some Tajik students face bureaucratic hurdles when adapting to naming regulations in Russia, indicating a gap between personal identity and official recognition. In Kyrgyzstan, official reports show 323 individuals switched to traditional surnames in 2024, while over 3,000 adopted Russified names during the same period, showcasing conflicting trends in identity reformation.
Kyrgyzstan’s new legislation promoting traditional naming practices reflects a cultural resurgence aimed at reaffirming national identity amidst ongoing de-Russification efforts. With neighboring countries also embracing similar practices, the movement indicates a broader trend in Central Asia to reconnect with indigenous heritage. However, economic necessities and bureaucratic challenges continue to complicate individual choices regarding naming conventions.
Original Source: www.rferl.org
