On June 10, an International Scientific and Practical Conference titled “Abylai Khan and National Identity” was held as part of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of prominent public figure Murat Qazhy Ydyrysuly.
Murat Qazhy Ydyrysuly is an academician of the Academy of Social Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, recipient of the “Veteran of Labor” medal, holder of the honorary badges “Excellence in Public Education of the Kazakh SSR” and “Best Local Historian,” and Honorary Professor of Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University and A. Myrzakhmetov Kokshetau University. He has devoted his life to the study of national history, the promotion of spiritual heritage, and the education of younger generations. His scholarly and educational contributions have played a significant role in preserving and promoting Kazakhstan’s historical legacy.
During the conference, scholars, historians, and public figures discussed issues related to national history, cultural continuity, and national consciousness. Particular attention was given to the historical development of the Kazakh people from the era of the Turkic Khaganate to the Kazakh Khanate, as well as the relevance of Abylai Khan’s legacy to contemporary society.
The first session, dedicated to the 315th anniversary of Abylai Khan’s birth, focused on his historical role, his contribution to strengthening Kazakh statehood, and his place in shaping national identity. Presentations included topics such as “Abylai Khan and National Identity,” “Integration of Central Asian Nomadic Peoples during the Era of Abylai Khan,” “The Route of Abylai Khan: Historical Sources and Regional Studies,” “The Educational Significance of the ‘Route of Abylai Khan’ Expedition,” “Relations between the Kazakh and Uzbek Peoples in the 15th–18th Centuries,” and “Kokshetau: A City with a Thousand-Year History.”
The second session highlighted the life, scholarly achievements, local history research, and educational activities of Murat Qazhy Ydyrysuly. Special emphasis was placed on his role as the founder and organizer of the unique historical and educational expedition “The Route of Abylai Khan,” a project unparalleled in Kazakhstan. Participants also noted the large-scale national and international expeditions conducted between 2018 and 2023, as well as the four-volume publication “The Route of Abylai Khan,” produced as a result of these extensive studies.
The event concluded with a cultural program featuring the K. Kumisbekov Kazakh Folk Instruments Orchestra, which performed Abylai Khan’s kyui “Shandy Zhoryq,” K. Kumisbekov’s “Waltz,” and M. Bekseitov’s “Kokshetau March.” Artists of the Shakhmet Kusainov Akmola Regional Musical Drama Theatre presented a monologue of Abylai Khan, while students of the Zh. Musin Higher Pedagogical College performed “Karailama Qaragym” by K. Sakai and “Tau Ishinde” by S. Seifullin.
As part of the conference, a special book and photo exhibition was organized in the Philharmonic foyer, introducing visitors to the works of Murat Qazhy Ydyrysuly and a collection of historical and educational materials related to his research and public activities.
