AN INTERNATIONAL DIALOG ON THE HERITAGE OF THE GREAT STEPPE WAS HELD

At the Sarsen Amanzholov, East Kazakhstan University, historians, culturologists, state and public figures at the international level discussed the historical and cultural heritage of the Great Steppe, its experience, problems and research prospects. The important topic was raised during the international scientific-practical conference dedicated to the memory of the famous Kazakh scientist-historian Irina Erofeeva.

The organizers of the large-scale event were the Akimat of East Kazakhstan, S. Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University together with the International Public Foundation “Ketbukya- Tolegetai” and Pushkin Regional Library of East Kazakhstan.

For guests and participants prepared a rich program, which consisted of a documentary film about the life and scientific path of Irina Erofeeva, informative panel and breakout sessions, during which heard about 50 informative reports.

The conference was attended by Mr. Erlan Tekeshov, Head of the East Kazakhstan region Akim’s Office, Mr. Kairat Musin, Head of the International Public Foundation “Ketbuka-Tolegetai”, Mr. Amerkhan Rakhimzhanov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of East Kazakhstan University, guests from China and Poland, Professors Zhang Jianhua, Agnieszka Michalska and Leszek Zekszewski. And also representatives of the Institute of History and Ethnology named after Sh. Maral Satenova and Altyn Ualtaeva, professor of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Nabizhan Mukametkhanuly, professor of Kazakh-German University Tamara Volkova.

-I express special gratitude to foreign and domestic opinion leaders, scientific community, who took part in this significant event. I am sure that the exchange of knowledge, ideas and views within the framework of today’s conference will contribute not only to the development of the humanities, but also to the strengthening of mutual understanding between the peoples of our multinational country, – said Yerlan Tekeshov.

Within the framework of the event was organized an exhibition “The Gold of the Great Steppe”, which presented artifacts found by archaeologists at the excavations of necropolises of Yeleke Sazy, Shilikty, Berel, characterizing the cultural and material achievements of our ancestors.

– The Great Steppe is a unique phenomenon that played a crucial role in the formation of world civilization. Of special importance in the study of the Great Steppe are the works of an outstanding scientist – Irina Viktorovna Erofeeva. She is a graduate of our university. Fundamental researches of Irina Viktorovna in the field of history of Kazakh khanate, genealogy of steppe nobility, source study and historical anthropology became an integral part of her scientific heritage, – said Rector of East Kazakhstan University Mukhtar Tolegen.

The significance of Irina Erofeeva’s work was also noted by candidate of historical sciences Amerkhan Rakhimzhanov.

– The scientific heritage of Irina Viktorovna includes a huge number of publications devoted not only to the history of Kazakhstan in XVIII-XIX centuries, but also many other topics, such as genealogical pedigrees of the Kazakh ruling elite, the history of Russian and Kazakh Germans, the study of religion. The apogee of Irina Viktorovna was the publication “Epistolary heritage of the Kazakh ruling elite” – a colossal work, where for the first time 811 letters of 25 Kazakh khans are presented, – emphasized Amerkhan Rakhimzhanov.

During the conference, experts also spoke about the history of Kazakhs of the Elder Zhuz, the concept of Abylai Khan’s ethno-territory and the history of Germans in Kazakhstan. The intellectual dialog between East and West was opened during his speech by Zhang Jianhua, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor of Beijing Pedagogical University. He revealed the peculiarities of the perception of the history of Central Asia in Chinese historiography.

– Chinese historiography focuses on the Silk Road, emphasizing Kazakhstan’s cultural and economic ties with China. Your country is portrayed as an important transit hub of the ancient and medieval period, through which caravans traveled, ideas and technologies moved. Contemporary Chinese historiography often redefines the role of Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, under the “One Belt, One Road” initiative. We emphasize the common destiny and mutual benefits of cooperation,” explained Zhang Jianhua.

At the end of the international event, a resolution was adopted.