Zhetysu University hosted an event dedicated to the 190th anniversary of the outstanding scholar, ethnographer, traveler, and Kazakh national diplomat Shokan Ualikhanov.
The event was attended by guests including M.S. Simakova, Head of the Foundation “Rossotrudnichestvo”; R.B. Botabekov, General Director of Turan TV; I.A. Iminov, member of the Writers’ Union of Kazakhstan; A. Nikulin, a well-known Russian documentary filmmaker; M.O. Rakhatova, Head of the “Altynemel” branch of the Sh. Ualikhanov Memorial Museum; as well as faculty members and students of the Humanities Faculty.
At the beginning of the event the Rector of Zhetysu University, E.A. Buribayev welcomed the distinguished guests and emphasized that the legacy of Chokan Valikhanov continues to play an important role in the development of the humanities and intercultural dialogue in Central Asia.
During the event M.S. Simakova presented a book titled “Russia and Central Asia: History and Culture” to the Zhetysu University Museum. This chronological collection is devoted to the development of friendly, cultural, and humanitarian relations among the peoples of the region. The first page features an image of Shokan Ualikhanov, symbolically highlighting his contribution to strengthening mutual understanding among nations.
Special attention was given to the unique expedition undertaken by Kazakh scholars (guests of the even) who traced the journey of Ualikhanov to Kashgar. The research team visited key historical locations described by Ualikhanov: the Aitkakh Mosque, local bazaars, the ancient cities of the Altyshahr region, as well as the areas of Hotan, Yarkand, and Atush. The researchers noted that their goal was not only to retrace the route of the nineteenth-century expedition, but also to understand the cultural and historical context in which Ualikhanov worked, and to observe how the region has changed over the past 150 years.
Ualikhanov’s legacy remains a model of scholarly courage, humanitarian vision, and genuine patriotism. His works continue to inspire researchers in Kazakhstan and around the world.
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