
This paper explores the archetype of “home” as a sacred ethno-cultural symbol deeply embedded in the Kazakh worldview. It examines how the concept of “home” and its contrasting notion “homelessness” function in contemporary Kazakh literature, reflecting broader cultural, historical, and psychological meanings. The archetype “home” is interpreted through interconnected ideas such as “mother,” “family,” “native land,” and “light,” while “homelessness” symbolizes loss, displacement, and identity crisis. Drawing from comparative literary analysis, the study situates Kazakh representations alongside global literary traditions, uncovering both universal patterns and culturally specific distinctions. It is argued that the nomadic past of the Kazakh people, along with their mythology and oral tradition, imbues the “home” archetype with meanings that differ significantly from settled, Western interpretations. These culturally embedded meanings are revealed through symbolic landscapes, character trajectories, and narrative structures in Kazakh fiction. The paper shows how contemporary authors reinterpret ancient symbols to articulate modern experiences of belonging, alienation, and cultural continuity. By emphasizing the spiritual and existential dimensions of “home,” this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how literature reflects national identity and memory. Ultimately, the research enriches the field of cross-cultural literary studies by demonstrating how archetypes acquire diverse meanings in different cultural-historical contexts.
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 0 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
