ANCIENT TOPONYMS OF EAST KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

The article examines the linguistic nature of ancient toponyms in East Kazakhstan from historical-chronological, etymological, and semantic perspectives. The study focuses on a number of oronyms and hydronyms that belong to the pre-Kazakh statehood layer, including Arkat, Kalba, Berel, Shar, Karagem, Urzhar, Bukhtyrma, and Ayagoz. The purpose of the article is to analyse ancient toponyms of eastern Kazakhstan linguistically and to determine the role of regional ethnic groups and languages in the naming of geographical objects. The research compares the theoretical views of T.Zhanuzak, E.Koishybayev, B.Abdualiuly, A.Abdirakhmanov, and B.Biyarov on the historical stratification of Kazakh toponyms, as well as on their motivational and etymological interpretation. The diachronic dynamics of place-name change are demonstrated through concrete examples. The analysis shows that some ancient toponyms of East Kazakhstan belong to the common Turkic-Mongolian layer, some are connected with Old Turkic hydronymic and oronymic terms, while others are motivated by natural and geographical features. Names such as Arkat, Kalba, and Shar reveal Mongolian or common Turkic-Mongolian elements; Berel, Karagem, Ayagoz, and Bukhtyrma demonstrate the semantic role of water, mountain relief, colour, flow, and landscape features in naming. These toponyms should therefore be viewed not only as lexical units, but also as linguistic monuments reflecting the long-term interaction of ethnic, historical, and cultural processes in the region.

The article may be useful for students in the humanities, researchers in toponymy, and specialists dealing with historical onomastics and regional linguistic history.