Today, Abai University hosted an international symposium dedicated to the 75th anniversary of an outstanding figure – renowned artist, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, and Professor Berikzhan Almukhambetov, who devoted his life to the integration of science and art as well as to the promotion of national education. The meaningful gathering, titled “National Art as the Foundation of National Education: Modern Transformation of Education and Cultural Heritage in the Context of Professor B.A. Almukhambetov’s Scholarly Views,” became a platform for profound reflections on the role of national culture within the spiritual and cultural space and its educational potential.

The creative exhibition titled “Patterns of Life,” which enriched the ceremonial event, attracted special attention from the public. The exhibition featured works by the master artist and his talented students who followed in his footsteps, vividly demonstrating the enduring continuity between teacher and student. The artist’s works clearly reflected the Kazakh worldview – the harmony between nature and humanity, historical consciousness, and spiritual depth. In particular, the combination of national color motifs and philosophical content left a strong impression on visitors.

During the symposium, the role of art and art studies in social development was widely discussed. Participants emphasized that traditional visual art is an essential value that preserves the historical culture of the people and shapes the spiritual shield of the nation. In addition, comprehensive discussions were held on preserving cultural heritage in the context of globalization, integrating visual arts with modern technologies, and fostering the aesthetic taste of the younger generation.

The Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek sent a special congratulatory letter to the юбilee, highly praising the professor’s invaluable contribution to the fields of visual arts and education. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Board-Rector of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University Bolat Tilep emphasized the scholar’s exceptional place within Kazakhstan’s pedagogical and cultural spheres.

– National art is the soul of the nation. Instilling this art into the younger generation and making it the cornerstone of education is a great civic mission. Berikzhan Aitkulovich devoted his entire conscious life to this path and established an entire school of thought, – the rector stated.

For his invaluable contribution to strengthening the continuity of generations and for dedicating his entire conscious life to teaching, Bolat Anapiyauly awarded the celebrant the “Honored Veteran” badge.

At the meeting, Hero of Labor of Kazakhstan Aygul Mirazova and Chairman of the Academy of National Values Duysebek Adilkhan highlighted the юбilee’s contributions to spirituality and education, sharing memories from his life journey. In addition, President of the Kazakhstan Academy of Pedagogical Sciences Askarbek Kusainov spoke about the professor’s contribution to the development of national didactics and methodological science, as well as his role in training highly qualified specialists.

Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences and Professor Botagul Turgynbayeva delivered a thoughtful presentation titled “A Master of Science and National Education,” providing scholarly insight into Berikzhan Almukhambetov’s works in the fields of folk education, aesthetic awareness, and art pedagogy. The scholar’s contribution to the preparation of school textbooks was also especially noted. Textbooks on visual arts and artistic labor authored by him significantly influenced the aesthetic development of several generations of young people. These books continue to strengthen the substantive content of school curricula to this day.

Candidate of Philological Sciences and Associate Professor Nurtas Akhatuly presented a meaningful study titled “Issues of Personality Formation through Abai’s Concept of the ‘Complete Human” focusing on the importance of moral and ethical values in modern society.

The international symposium also brought together art scholars and professors from Turkey, China, and Belarus. Professor Liu Wenbin discussed “The Transformation of Craftsmanship and Technical Methods in Kazakh and Chinese Engraving Art,” while Belarusian representative Alexander Zimenko shared insights on the role of neural network technologies in the modern visual arts education system. Turkish professor Omer Zaymoglu reflected on the “Historical and Cultural Parallels in the Carpet Art of the Turkish and Kazakh Peoples.” In addition, congratulatory letters were sent from England and African countries, while the Almaty City Department of Education and the staff of Ilyas Zhansugurov Zhetysu University extended their warm wishes to the юбilee.

As part of the event, the professor’s books “Edifying History” and “School of Kazakhstan” were officially presented, and the significance of his scholarly and pedagogical works was widely promoted.

At the end of the evening, a symposium resolution was adopted, outlining specific proposals to strengthen research in the fields of national culture and artistic education, preserve cultural heritage in digital format, support young artists, and advance art pedagogy at the international level. In his closing remarks, Berikzhan Almukhambetov stated that serving ethnic art has been his lifelong mission and emphasized that efforts toward the spiritual education of future generations would continue. The meaningful event once again underscored the exceptional role of traditional art in the future of the nation.

Media Center of Abai University