Commemoration of the 180th year of Abeya City: International Scientific-Practical Conference in Semey
The Abai region in Kazakhstan recently hosted an international scientific-practical conference named "Adamzattyń Abay: Ruhaniät, Parasat, Tanym" at Shakarim University. The event, held on the ninth day of a festive decade, marked the 180th anniversary of Abai Kunanbayev, a leading Kazakh poet, philosopher, educator, and founder of Kazakh written literature.
The conference was attended by scholars, literary theorists, philosophers, historians, scientists, and specialists from Turkey, the Netherlands, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and various regions of Kazakhstan. Notable attendees included Professor Nergiz Biraz from Pamukkale University (Turkey), Dutch Turkologist Robert Ermers, and Doctors of Philology Turysyn Zhurtbay and Arap Espenbetov.
The conference was opened by Berik Uali, the akim of the Abai region, and welcoming speeches were delivered by Sayasat Nurbek, the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Zifa-Alua Muratkızı, granddaughter of Mukhtar Auezov. The Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed gratitude to guests from Turkey, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and scientists.
Nine new books were presented at the conference, including a three-volume academic edition of Abai's works by Kenjehan Matizhanov, Aceat Medeuakhunuly's novel "Halilolla", and "Sheit", a collection of memoirs and new materials about Shakarim. Bazarkhan Atygay's monograph "Abai's School of Translation" was also among the new books presented.
An AR-book "Qarasoiz" was presented, prepared by specialists of the scientific center "Abai and National Spirituality" at Shakarim University. The anthology titled "Immersed in the Flame of the Heart" by Akberen Elgezek, Merey Kart, and Zhanna Adilbekkyzy was also presented.
Though specific details about the conference's programme, speakers, publications, and key thematic sessions were not readily available, it is likely that the conference focused on Abai’s literary contributions and innovations in poetic form, his philosophy and impact on Kazakh and broader Central Asian intellectual traditions, applications of his work to modern cultural identity and educational reforms, and comparative studies of Abai with other world thinkers.
The 180th anniversary celebrations of Abai Kunanbayev were marked by a series of cultural and educational events across Kazakhstan, including concerts, exhibitions, open mics, and cultural gatherings in cities like Astana. The anniversary also saw international cultural celebrations, such as concerts in Switzerland featuring Kazakh artists and the inauguration of an Abai Center in Montenegro’s National Library to promote his literary and cultural legacy internationally, supported by UNESCO and Kazakh cultural institutions.
Abai’s legacy centres on harmonizing traditional Kazakh values with modern ideas in literature, philosophy, education, and national identity. His poetry and philosophical writings emphasize cultural enrichment, moral edification, and intellectual progress.
For exact details on speakers, publications, and sessions at such a conference, official announcements from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture, the organizing academic institutions, or conference-specific websites would be the authoritative sources to consult beyond these search results.
- The international scientific-practical conference in the Abai region, focused on Abai Kunanbayev's literary contributions, philosophy, and impact, attracted scholars from various disciplines such as science, education, and self-development, including Professor Nergiz Biraz and Robert Ermers.
- The conference, commemorating Abai Kunanbayev's 180th anniversary, showcased new publications related to his works, such as Bazarkhan Atygay's monograph "Abai's School of Translation," and an anthology titled "Immersed in the Flame of the Heart," indicating a continuing focus on education and self-development in the study of his legacy.
