Shezhire as a Code of Sustainability: Traditional Kazakh Wisdom for Sustainable Futures

Abstract

Shezhire is the voice of our ancestors, a reflection of their wisdom honed over centuries. Today, in an era of change, it can become key to fostering harmony between humanity and nature. Every story in the shezhire teaches us that if we destroy nature, our lives will be destroyed. This knowledge remains relevant today, as global resources face increasing threats. Shezhire (genealogies) of the Kazakh people are not only a system of tribal ties but also a unique cultural, social, and historical phenomenon that has shaped the identity and structure of Kazakh society for centuries. In this article, Shezhire is viewed not only as a family history but also as a critical source of ecological, migratory, and anthropological data relevant to contemporary discourse on sustainable development. The study substantiates this claim using a combined approach that integrates archival analysis, ethnographic fieldwork, and a nationwide sociological survey involving 1,000 respondents across five regions of Kazakhstan. These methods provide a comprehensive understanding of how Shezhire records reflect ecological adaptation, migratory processes, and genetic diversity, which together contribute to the resilience of communities in changing conditions. Thus, Shezhire is not only a chronicle of the past but also a cultural bridge to the future. By preserving and reinterpreting the legacies of our ancestors through interdisciplinary research, we contribute to building a sustainable world for future generations.