Тринадцатый

During the postwar years in Kazakhstan, the country faced several significant challenges and obstacles to its development. One of the most significant issues was the transition to peaceful construction, which was complicated by the legacy of the war and the need to rebuild the country's infrastructure and economy. Additionally, the country's national economy faced numerous problems, including shortages of essential goods and services, inefficiencies in production, and a lack of investment in critical sectors such as agriculture and industry.

One of the most significant events of this period was the nuclear tests conducted on the territory of Kazakhstan, which had a lasting impact on the environment and people's health. From 1949 to 1989, the Soviet Union conducted over 450 nuclear tests in Kazakhstan, which resulted in radiation exposure for millions of people and widespread environmental damage. The effects of these tests continue to be felt today, with higher than average rates of cancer and other health problems in the affected areas.

Despite these challenges, there were also positive developments during this period. The Kazakh Academy of Sciences played a significant role in promoting education and research in the country, and several prominent Kazakh scholars and intellectuals emerged during this time. However, the Soviet government's tendency towards centralized control and decision-making often hindered progress, with tendentious and voluntaristic actions by party officials undermining the country's development.

The period also saw significant political changes, with the criticism of Stalin's "cult of personality" period leading to the political rehabilitation of some statesmen and public figures. However, this rehabilitation was often half-hearted and incomplete, with many individuals facing ongoing discrimination and marginalization. Similarly, the reform efforts of N.S. Khrushchev in the system of party-state administration were limited and superficial, with deeper structural changes not occurring until later.

The national question remained a significant issue during this period, with the center's policies often hindering the mobility of the Kazakh population and contributing to the spread of a "shadow economy" and criminal gangs. The passport regime and language discrimination, in particular, made it difficult for Kazakhs to move from rural areas to cities or to access education and other opportunities. While the return of Kazakh repatriates to Kazakhstan in 1955 and 1962 was a positive development, command-administrative measures to improve agriculture were often ineffective, with deepening contradictions in the agricultural sector due to administrative management.

The strengthening of command-administrative rule also had a significant impact on cultural and spiritual life, with deepening contradictions in these areas. However, there were signs of a spontaneous revival of the national identity of the Kazakhs, with the emergence of informal organizations such as "Zhastulpar" and the first Kazakh dissidents. The creativity of Kazakh writers and artists such as M. Shakhanov, A. Kekilbaev, M. Magauin, O. Suleimenov, and I. Esenberlin also contributed to Kazakhstan's cultural and scientific development during this period.

Overall, the postwar years in Kazakhstan were marked by both significant challenges and opportunities, with the country facing numerous obstacles to its development while also making progress in various areas. The legacy of this period continues to influence Kazakhstan's politics, economy, and society today, with many of the issues and challenges faced during this time still relevant to the country's current situation.

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