Today, September 5, is the birthday of Akhmet Baitursynuly - the founder of Kazakh linguistics, the teacher of the nation, and one of the first professors of the Kazakhs and Abai University. In our honor of the Alash figure's birth, this day is officially established in our country as the Day of Languages of the People of Kazakhstan. Having dedicated his meaningful life to enlightening the public and eradicating illiteracy, the great educator delivered lectures within the walls of Abai University and contributed to the establishment of this foundational pedagogical institution.

The great educator argued that reforming the country begins with educating children. For instance, in his article "On the State of Kazakh Education," he writes: "We must first begin reforming the country by reforming the education of children. Because district governance, judicial authority, and the people themselves are all improved through education... Most of the various flaws within Kazakh society, when corrected, are corrected through education." The statesman and public figure not only laid the foundations of Kazakh linguistics, literary studies, and turkology, but also made an immeasurable contribution to the fields of enlightenment and education.

According to historical records, on October 1, 1928, at the opening of the then Kazakh State University - now Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University - Akhmet Baitursynuly delivered a speech. Oraz Jandosov, the People's Commissar of Public Education of the Kazakh ASSR, specially invited the teacher of the nation to the grand opening ceremony of the historic institution. In his speech, he analyzed the fundamental meaning of the word "university": "A university is the self-awareness of a high culture, and a high culture is the sum of the immense achievements attained by humankind in science and technology. Therefore, the opening of the Kazakh University is proof that the Kazakh people have reached a stage of ascent in the current of high culture."

One of the key tasks during the creation of this seat of learning was the formation of the teaching staff. Accordingly, in the rector's order No. 14 dated October 15, 1928, regarding the approval of the university's teaching staff, positions were assigned to 9 instructors. Among them were 3 professors: university rector Sanzhar Asfendiyarov, N. N. Fatov, and Akhmet Baitursynuly. In accordance with the order, the title of "university professor" was conferred upon A. Baitursynuly and Sanzhar Asfendiyarov starting October 1, 1928, and upon N. N. Fatov starting June 19. On November 3 of the same year, another order was issued by the rector, entrusting A. Baitursynuly with the establishment of the "Kazakh Language" office.

The Alash figure worked at Abai University for a total of 8 months. Akhmet Baitursynuly was relieved of his duties at the educational institution starting June 10, 1929, because in June the educator was wrongfully arrested on false charges and imprisoned. Such is the history of the teacher of the nation’s service at the first Kazakh higher education institution.

Today, the names of national figures and Alash members are deeply revered within the academic institution, with dedicated lecture halls and classrooms established in their honor. For example, classroom No. 10 at the Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology - where the educator worked during his lifetime and lectured students - has been named after Akhmet Baitursynuly. On September 2, 2025, the office was officially opened, featuring the scholar's books and scientific works.

Akhmet Baitursynuly is the pinnacle of Kazakh spirituality and a unique personality who paved the way for the awakening of national consciousness. The grand dream of the great teacher was a literate, educated generation that honors its native language. Realizing that dream is the duty of today's students and teachers at Abai University. The path of Akhmet is the path of the nation. The path of the nation is the path of knowledge. Happy Akhmet Day!

 

Media Center «Abai University»