Historical and Ethnographic Aspects in Abai’s Works (Traditional Ancestral Occupations and Hereditary Livelihoods)

Abstract

The article analyzes and explores the concepts of traditional ancestral occupations and hereditary livelihoods in the works of Abai Kunanbayev. Their distinctive features are identified and examined: labor and profession are viewed as the most important factors of a person’s spiritual development, moral perfection, and the stability of national culture. Based on the research conducted, the author proposes scholarly approaches that allow for a scientific interpretation of the social, economic, and spiritual essence of the concept of profession within Kazakh tradition. The analysis demonstrates the historical and ethnographic significance of Abai’s
works, the traditional labor experience of the population, and its connection with contemporary economic theories. It is determined that labor and profession serve as the main mechanisms that integrate national culture with moral values. In addition, the paper analyzes the impact of technological breakthroughs in the era of globalization—particularly the convergence of artificial intelligence and biotechnology-on the development of humanity. It substantiates the view that modern technological transformation not only changes the economy and social structures but also has a profound influence on the psychological and spiritual dimensions of
human existence. Under conditions of technogenic evolution, models of thinking, feeling, and behavior are being reconsidered; therefore, the growing importance of spiritual teachings that provide humanity with value-based orientation is emphasized. In this context, Abai Kunanbayev’s concept of the «integral (holistic) human being» is analyzed as an anthropological model grounded in morality and reason and capable of harmonizing with contemporary transformations. The unity of reason, heart, and strength, which constitutes the of this doctrine, is assessed as a universal principle ensuring the harmonious development of personality.
The study defines the role of Abai’s ideas as a spiritual and ethical guide within modern technological civilization, aimed at preserving human existence, strengthening moral stability, and forming a conscious and responsible society. As a result, the scientific-cognitive and educational significance of Abai’s legacy at the present stage is proven, and its contribution to the intellectual and spiritual evolution of humanity is determined. In the study devoted to Abai Kunanbayev’s creative work, the professional culture of the Kazakh people-closely connected with their traditional way of life and everyday practices-is demonstrated through concrete examples. The formation of the concepts kasip (profession, occupation) and nasip (livelihood, destiny,
sustenance) as values of folk culture and elements of a spiritual code is substantiated on the basis of the poet’s works. Abai’s views aimed at comprehending Kazakh identity and human nature are examined at ethnographic, ethnological, and anthropological levels, from the perspective of national cognition. Although the term «national» was not explicitly used in Abai Kunanbayev’s time, an analysis from a modern perspective reveals the presence of a «national code» in every concept and notion corresponding to the Kazakh worldview.