SUMMARY:

The authors of the article explore the process of creation of regional Russian identity in the region of Altai of present day republic of Kazakhstan. The majority of the population of this regions continues to be Russian. Being one of the regions of a new state of Kazakhstan, Altai territory is distinguished by a peculiar history and strong feeling of regional identity. The combination of these two factors led to different consequences. One of them is the emergence of fervent separatist movements on this territory, whose leaders demand the integration of Altai into the Russian Federation. Other consequences include sparks of unrest on the side of the Cossack population of the region and the development of historical discourse, which claims the ancient roots of this region to the Russians. The case of Altai deserves attention not only because of its peculiarity in the context of Kazakhstan nationbuilding and relationship between the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan. Using the case of Altai, the authors aspire to provide a theoretical perspective on such general issues as development of Russian national identity outside of imagined national homeland (in Siberia and Central Asia) and formation of regional historical memory.