Difference between revisions of "Agashka (Kazakhstan)"

In Kazakhstan, an influential figure with strong personal connections enabling him to achieve objectives in informal ways. This term is formed from the word ‘aga’, the Russianised version of the Kazakh word ‘agha’, meaning an elder male relative such as an older brother or uncle, and the Russian diminutive suffix ‘-shka’. ''Agashka'' is in wide currency mostly among Russian-speaking Kazakhs in contemporary Kazakhstan, but not generally used in the Kazakh language. The term is typically associated with a wealthy Kazakh male of middle or old age. However, the most important characteristic of an ''agashka'' lies in his ability to use informal connections to circumvent official procedures and to provide favours for his closed circle of family, friends, and clients. Thus, the term ''agashka'' can be applied to any individual who functions as a patron by using personal contacts with those in official positions, irrespective of age or ethnic background. Its female version ''tateshka'' in most cases simply means an elder female relative or elder (middle- or old-aged) woman, but is also a woman with strong connections, or a spouse of an ''agashka''. ''Agashka's'' closest synonym is perhaps the word krysha (‘roof’ or ‘cover’) in Russian.