The article is dedicated to the socio-economic transformational processes of the Kazakh communities in the Aktobe uyezd of the Turgai region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Based on the historical and statistical data of the expedition led by F. Shcherbina in 1898–1899, the research provides a comprehensive analysis of the development of socio-economic changes in the Aktobe uyezd during this period. The primary focus of the study is directed toward the adaptation of the nomadic society to agriculture, the restructuring of land relations, and radical changes in the composition of livestock herds. The authors highlight the influence of the region's geographical and natural characteristics on its economic evolution, emphasizing their decisive role in developing the economy. Statistical data analysis demonstrates that the effective combination of animal husbandry and agriculture contributed to the transformation of the Aktobe uyezd into an economically significant area within the Turgai region. Due to its natural and climatic conditions, the Aktobe uyezd stood out from other uyezds because of its pronounced economic changes and the fully-fledged nature of its transformational processes. The gradual transition of the economic system in the Aktobe region from extensive pastoralism to market-driven intensive sedentarization and agricultural development is substantiated by concrete evidence. The internal social stratification and structural shifts within the communities are examined through the lens of the region's integration into the general imperial economic system. The study reveals that the uyezd's Kazakhs not only preserved their livestock traditions but also enhanced their capacity to produce commercial raw materials in response to local market demands.

GANIBAEVA ZH.A.

Candidate of historical sciences, senior lecturer, K. Zhubanov Aktobe regional university, Aktobe, Kazakhstan

E-mail: zganibayeva@zhubanov.edu.kz, https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5445-5815

ANDIROV N.T.

Master's student, K. Zhubanov Aktobe regional university, Aktobe, Kazakhstan

E-mail: nurlankz480@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7813-4176

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F. Shcherbina's expedition, Kazakh community, land use, volosts (districts), economic auyls (villages), agriculture, economic transformation, social stratification