INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE DEDICATED TO THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF SMAGUL SADUAKASOV HELD IN ALMATY

Today, the Faculty of History and Law of Abai KazNPU hosted an international scientific and practical conference titled “Smagul Saduakasov: Time and Legacy”, dedicated to the 125th anniversary of the birth of the statesman and public figure Smagul Saduakasov. The event brought together prominent historians and young researchers from Uzbekistan, Tatarstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.

The conference featured presentations on key milestones of the historical figure is life, his public activities, and his valuable legacy. Chairman of the Board – Rector of Abai KazNPU Bolat Tilep delivered a congratulatory message from President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The President is message stated:

“Smagul Saduakasuly was an outstanding son of our nation. During a challenging period, he honorably fulfilled important state duties and initiated many valuable undertakings. He contributed to the establishment of the first Kazakh drama theater and played a significant role in transforming the Kazakh Pedagogical Institute into a major educational institution. Our people will never forget the name of Smagul Saduakasuly. His exemplary life will always serve as an inspiration for the younger generation.”

Rector of Abai University Bolat Anapiuly highlighted Saduakasov is significant role in the history of the university and wished success to the participants of the international conference.

“This year marks the 125th anniversary of the birth of an outstanding figure of our country, Smagul Saduakasov. He was one of the historical personalities who directly contributed to the establishment of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University. Recently, we met with the Rector of the National University of Uzbekistan, which stands on the site of the former Kazakh Pedagogical Institute, where Smagul Saduakas served as the first rector. During the meeting, we signed a memorandum of cooperation. As part of the agreement, we arranged to exchange archival materials related to the figures who stand at the origins of our university is history,” said Bolat Anapiuly.

The international scientific and practical conference continued with four sectional sessions. The discussions focused on Saduakasov is significant contributions to youth policy, the development of higher education, the future of the state language, and the social sciences. Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan, renowned scholar Mambet Koigeldi, delivered a presentation titled “S. Saduakasov is Critique of Soviet Power and Its Relevance Today.” He presented archival materials reflecting the historical figure is writings on events in the Kazakh steppe in the early 20th century.

“In historiography, it was long believed that there were no opposition forces to Soviet power. In reality, alternative positions toward the Soviet regime existed in the 1920s–1930s. When discussing the historical opposition movement, the figure most often mentioned is Smagul Saduakasov. In recent years, a 12-volume collection titled ‘The Alashorda Case has been published, containing materials related to his oppositional views. If scholars and young researchers pay attention to these sources, it will help them move closer to historical truth,” noted Academician Mambet Kulzhabayuly.

The event also featured speeches by Academician of the NAS RK Khankeldi Abzhanov, Doctor of Philology Professor Aigul Ismakova, Candidate of Historical Sciences Beibit Koishybay, and other scholars who presented reports on personalistics. Researchers from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan shared their studies on Smagul Saduakasov, his contemporaries, victims of political repression, and historical periods.

Press Service

Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University