Throughout the year, Abai University regularly hosts lectures and academic programmes featuring scholars from abroad. As part of this initiative, a public lecture is currently being held at the university by Russian historian and independent researcher Alexander Grigoryevich Yurchenko. His latest lecture focuses on the formation of symbols in medieval Turco-Mongol states, as well as their historical significance and social functions.

During the lecture, particular attention was paid to the relationship between historical symbols and the systems of governance, religious worldview, social relations, and cultural traditions of the period. The scholar emphasized that symbols should be viewed not merely as external markers of a particular historical period, but also as important historical sources that reflect the worldview, political ideas, and cultural memory of a people.

Alexander Yurchenko shared his experience in studying medieval written sources, participating in academic expeditions, and correlating historical information with the findings of field research. According to the scholar, a comprehensive understanding of historical processes requires the integrated study of written sources alongside material culture, symbolism, and other cultural markers.

Another distinctive feature of the public lecture was its approach to history not simply as a chronological sequence of events, but as a process shaped by the continuity of culture, society, and civilization. This approach helps students develop their ability to analyse historical sources and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural characteristics of different historical periods.

The academic meeting was attended by faculty members, scholars, young researchers, and students enrolled in the History and Social Studies, History and Religious Studies, and Geography educational programmes.

At the end of the meeting, students had the opportunity to ask the scholar questions and exchange views on the history and culture of medieval Turco-Mongol states. The open academic dialogue broadened the students’ perspectives and strengthened their interest in exploring historical heritage from new research perspectives.

“Media Center of Abai University”