HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION FOR KAZAKH MINORITY IN MONGOLIA: A CASE STUDY OF BAYAN-ULGII PROVINCE

Authors

  • Ayauli Yerlan Branch of the Institute of Philosophy, Mongolian Academy of Sciences in Bayan-Olgii Province, Mongolia
  • Javzandulam Batsaikhan Scientific Secretary, Mongolian National Institute for Educational Research, Mongolia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v13i10.7042

Keywords:

education, historical development, ethnic minority, mosaic model, language policy

Abstract

Globally, the Kazakh population numbers approximately 19–20 million, with an estimated 120,000–130,000 residing in Mongolia. The historical development of Kazakh education in Mongolia has evolved through distinct institutional phases. The first phase (1921–1940) marked the initial transition from traditional religious schooling to a modern secular educational system, establishing the fundamental right of ethnic minorities to be educated in their native language. The second phase (1940–1990) began with the establishment of Bayan-Olgii province, which provided the historical prerequisites for an independent educational structure, characterized by structured language policies and the systematic training of indigenous professional cadres. The third phase, from 1990 onward, introduced structural transformations within the educational sector driven by the transition to a market economy. This historical trajectory demonstrates that while the education of the Kazakh ethnic group conforms to the unified legal and regulatory frameworks of Mongolia, it simultaneously retains its distinct linguistic and cultural heritage, thereby conceptualizing a unique "mosaic model." By comprehensively analyzing the historical evolution and current state of Kazakh education, this study aims to scientifically identify pressing challenges and propose practical solutions to enhance the future outlook of the regional educational sector.

Author Biographies

  • Ayauli Yerlan, Branch of the Institute of Philosophy, Mongolian Academy of Sciences in Bayan-Olgii Province, Mongolia

    Ayauli Yerlan is a Junior Researcher at the Bayan-Ölgii Branch of the Institute of Philosophy, Mongolian Academy of Sciences. Since 2014, he has been actively engaged in fundamental research projects focusing on the ethnic culture of local communities, social conditions, demographic development, socio-economic issues, and the historical and contemporary development of education. His research interests include ethnic culture, social and demographic studies, socio-economic development, and the history of education, with particular attention to Bayan-Ölgii Province and its local communities. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5698-1678

  • Javzandulam Batsaikhan, Scientific Secretary, Mongolian National Institute for Educational Research, Mongolia

    Javzandulam Batsaikhan (PhD) is the Scientific Secretary at the Mongolian National Institute for Educational Research (MNIER), where she contributes to national educational research, curriculum development, policy analysis, and research coordination. Prior to joining MNIER, she worked at the Mongolian National University of Education (MNUE), from 2010 to 2026 as a lecturer and department chair.

    ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3267-0012

References

Abdikerim, A. (1989). Public education in Bayan-Olgii. Ulaanbaatar.

Bayan-Olgii Province Archive Department. Fund 1, Inventory 1, Archival File 353.

Constitution of Mongolia. (1992). Article 8. Retrieved from https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Mongolia_2001

Institute of Philosophy, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Bayan-Olgii Branch. (2020). Research report on the social condition of Mongolian Kazakhs. Bayan-Olgii.

Issues of ethnic minority rights. (2018). Ulaanbaatar.

National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia. (2009). Report compilation. Ulaanbaatar. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/eoir/legacy/2013/06/07/mongolia_2.pdf

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Published

2026-09-30

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 10 (2026)

Section

Articles

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