THE REPUBLICAN FORUM OF ABAI SCHOLARS WAS HELD

A republican forum titled “A New Stage of Abai Studies and Zhabal Shoinbet” was held, dedicated to the 180th anniversary of Abai Kunanbayuly and the 70th jubilee of the prominent Abai scholar Zhabal Shoinbet. The forum was attended by leading scholars of the country, representatives of the intellectual community, teachers of the “Abai Studies” course in secondary schools, and students.

The event was opened by the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Banu Narbekova, who emphasized the importance of researching Abai’s heritage in the development of national spirituality. To deepen the scientific and practical content of the forum, the moderator was the well-known Abai scholar Dauren Mukhamadiev.

During the event, two scientific collections compiled by Zhabal Shoinbet were presented: “Study Abai, Be Amazed” and “Mekemtas Myrzakhmetuly – Along the Path of Abai.” The books were presented by State Prize laureate of Kazakhstan Orazaly Sabden, Deputy Chairman of the Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan Akerke Abylaikhan, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Banu Narbekova, and notable scholars Dandai Iskakuly and Baltabai Abdigaziuly. These works were recognized as important tools that bring fresh impetus to the teaching of Abai studies.

The forum featured insightful presentations devoted to relevant areas of Abai studies. In her report “The Foundation of the Perfect Human — Justice,” Akerke Abylaikhan linked the concept of justice in Abai’s teachings with state development strategies, citing the statements of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the rule of law. She highlighted the significance of Zhabal Shoinbet’s work “The Perfect Human” in the context of modern humanities.

In his presentation “Abai and the Future of Kazakhstan,” Orazaly Sabden comprehensively discussed the impact of Abai’s legacy on the country’s development and outlined proposals for its further advancement. Literary critic and scholar Dandai Iskak focused on the distinctive aspects of Zhabal Shoinbet’s research, while Törali Kydyr, Director of the Islamic Research Institute under the SAMK, examined Islamic values in Abai’s worldview. Zhandos Aubakir offered new concepts regarding contemporary scientific directions in Abai studies, and Eldar Kakenuly analyzed the legacy of writer Kamen Orazalin in connection with the intellectual world of Abai.

These reports provided highly valuable and insightful information for “Abai Studies” teachers from secondary schools of Almaty and the Almaty region, specially invited to the forum. They were also presented as effective methodological approaches to teaching the subject.

At the conclusion of the event, adviser to the Chairman of the Board–Rector of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Khairulla Nyshanuly, delivered a congratulatory speech on behalf of the university, draped a traditional chapan over Zhabal Shoinbet, and presented him with the “Abai” badge on the occasion of his 70th anniversary. In addition, distinguished scholars and guests attending the forum presented jubilee gifts on behalf of their institutions.

This scientific gathering at the republican level became an important forum that provided an opportunity to reinterpret Abai’s heritage, identify a new stage in Abai studies, and discuss the place of the national idea “The Perfect Human” in modern humanities. By outlining future directions for comprehensive research of Abai’s creative work, participants formed a shared vision regarding the prospects for the development of Abai studies in Kazakh spirituality.

Press Service
Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University