The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of tourist resources, conditions and opportunities of sacral tourism in Kazakhstan using panel data (time series and cross-sectional) regression analysis for a sample of 14 regions of Kazakhstan observed over the period from 2004 to 2022. The article presents an overview of modern methods of assessment of the tourist and recreational potential of sacral tourism, as used by national and foreign scientific works. The main focus is on the method of estimating the size and effectiveness of the tourist potential, which reflects the realization and volume of tourist resources and their potential. The overall results show a significant positive effect in that the strongest impact on the increase in the number of tourist residents is the proposed infrastructure and the readiness of regions to receive tourists qualitatively. This study is expected to be of value to firm managers, investors, researchers, and regulators in decision- making at different levels of government.

This article examines the history of Russian colonization in Kazakhstan, focusing on identity, resistance, and independence within Russia’s neo-imperial ambitions. It addresses the socio-political barriers in postcolonial Kazakhstan due to ties with Russia and explores how the Soviet migration policies shaped Kazakhstan’s demographic and political landscape. The study outlines the phases of Russian colonization, contrasting Russian narratives of a civilizing mission with Kazakh perspectives on exploitation and cultural erasure. Using postcolonial theory, it deconstructs these narratives and reveals power dynamics. Kazakh literature and poetry are analyzed as mediums of resistance, emphasizing the horse as a symbol of cultural identity. The article concludes by discussing the post-Soviet cultural transformations and the role of literature in nation-building, highlighting the importance of reclaiming cultural symbols and myths for understanding Kazakhstan’s colonial history and postcolonial transformation.

The study is devoted to the problem of processing the organic waste that is generated as a result of paper, textiles and other industries production as well as food waste. The growth of economic activity in Kazakhstan has resulted in a significant challenge with regard to industrial waste management. The accumulation of waste on the territory of the country has reached 31.72 billion tonnes, comprising approximately 2.5 billion tonnes of hazardous waste, 50 million tonnes of phosphorus-containing waste, over 2.5 million tonnes of lead-zinc waste and more than 120 million tonnes of solid domestic waste. The study object was the Shymkent-Kokys polygons. According to the research carried out, it was determined that the titer of microorganisms of the studied groups is 1–10 CFU/g in the soils selected around the garbage in the area of the Shymkent landfill. The titer of microorganisms in the soil horizons was high at a depth of 20–30 cm and the titer were 10⁹ cells/mL. The structure of the soil microbiome obtained around the Shymkent Waste Landfill consists of actinomycetes, micromycetes, heterotrophic bacteria, nitrifying, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, enterobacteria, as well as algae and protozoa. It was found that strains KPA1, KPA2 Pseudomonas sp. strains KPA3, KPA4, KPA5 Bacillus sp. isolated from the soils of the Shymkent-Kokys landfill are able to recycle domestic waste with a high content of cellulose and organic substances up to 95%–97%. The findings can be used to develop more effective organic cellulosic waste management strategies and improve the environmental sustainability of various industries.

Border areas can play a crucial role in market integration and infrastructure development between Central Asian countries, thus creating favorable economic growth and regional cooperation conditions. This study aims to assess the economic impact of border areas between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, focusing on their role in enhancing market integration and infrastructure development to foster regional growth and cooperation.  Focusing on labor and capital as essential production drivers, this study employs a sophisticated panel data regression model to explore the Cobb-Douglas production function’s application in these border territories. The research findings indicate that regions’ elasticity towards capital and labor inputs vary, necessitating differentiated economic strategies. For capital-intensive areas, we recommend prioritizing investments in infrastructure and technology to boost production outputs. Conversely, in regions where labor significantly influences production, the emphasis should be on human capital development through education, training, and improved labor market conditions. The study’s insights into the evolving trade relations between the two countries underscore the need for flexible economic policies to enhance regional integration and cooperation. This research not only fills a crucial knowledge gap but also offers a blueprint for leveraging the diverse economic landscapes of Central Asia’s border areas in future policy-making and regional economic strategy.

Urbanization process affects global socio-economic development. Originally tied to modernization and industrialization, current urbanization policy is focused on productivity, economic activities, and environmental sustainability. This study examines impact of urbanization in various regions of Kazakhstan, focusing on environmental, social, labor, industrial, and economic indicators. The study aims to assess how different indicators influence urbanization trends in Kazakhstan, particularly regarding environmental emissions and pollution. It delves into regional development patterns and identifies key contributing factors. The research methodology is based on classical economic theories of urbanization and modern interpretations emphasizing sustainability and socio-economic impacts and includes two stages. Shannon entropy measures diversity and uncertainty in urbanization indicators, while cluster analysis identifies regional patterns. Data from 2010 to 2022 for 17 regions forms the basis of analysis. Regions are categorized into groups based on urbanization levels leaders, challenged, stable, and outliers. This classification reveals disparities in urban development and its impacts. Findings stress the importance of integrating environmental and social considerations into urban planning and policies. Targeted interventions based on regional characteristics and urbanization levels are recommended to enhance sustainability and socio-economic outcomes. Tailored urban policies accommodating specific regional needs are crucial. Effective management and policy-making demand a nuanced understanding of these impacts, emphasizing region-specific strategies over a uniform approach.