Legal sources of military authority in traditional kazakh society

This article examines the legal foundations of military authority in traditional Kazakh society. The study traces the origins of military regulations from early nomadic eras Huns, Usuns, and Turks followed by their systematization in Chinggis Khan’s “Yasa” and subsequent development under Kazakh khans Kasym, Yesim, and Tauke. The aim is to identify the core directions and conceptual ideas behind the formation of legal norms governing military administration. The central thesis emphasizes that military legal norms were not only instruments of warfare but also mechanisms for maintaining state integrity, discipline, and social order. The scientific and practical relevance lies in demonstrating how military regulation contributed to building early Kazakh statehood and shaped the institutionalization of governance. The methodology applies historical-comparative analysis, source review, and legal interpretation. Key findings: norms of military responsibility and discipline were formally codified; strict penalties were imposed for violations; military law evolved – from rigid frameworks under Kasym and Yesim to partial liberalization under Tauke. The study’s value is in revealing how military legal culture shaped political structures and served as a foundation for governance in the nomadic state. Practical significance includes the potential use of these findings in modern legal research, military policy, and institutional history.

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