A scientific and practical conference titled “Professor Sharapi Alzhanov and KazNPU” was held to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the birth of Professor Sh. Alzhanov — a distinguished representative of Kazakh pedagogical science, a prominent figure in the formation of the present-day Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, and a victim of political repression during the period of the “Red Terror,” when he was unjustly accused of being an “enemy of the people” and executed.

The conference brought together the university leadership, representatives of government agencies, specialists in archival and library sciences, as well as scholars and researchers from various regions of the country.

The commemorative events dedicated to the eminent son of Alash began in the village of Zhanalyk. With the support of the Akimats of Akmola and Almaty regions, as well as Abai University, a memorial headstone marking the 125th anniversary of Sharapi Alzhanov was installed at the Memorial to Victims of Political Repression. A memorial prayer was offered in his honor.

The events then continued at Abai University with a scientific and practical conference devoted to a comprehensive discussion of the scholar’s educational legacy and his role in the development of national pedagogical science.

Opening the session, Vice-Rector for Social Development Maksat Zhakau noted: “This conference is an important step that gives new impetus to the development of national science and to the research endeavors of young scholars.”

During the plenary session, speakers thoroughly examined the scientific and pedagogical legacy of the prominent representative of national pedagogy, his contribution to the formation of the Kazakh education system, and his role in the development of the national school.

Murаt Ydyrysuly, an honorary citizen of the Birzhan sal district and author of the project “In the Footsteps of Sharapi,” presented materials related to the scholar’s birthplace. Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences Rymshash Kameshkyzy delivered a report titled “Sharapi Alzhanov and the Institutional Formation of Abai KazPI and the Department of Pedagogy.” Marziya Ganykyzy, Deputy Director of the Central State Archive of the Republic of Kazakhstan, introduced historical materials based on archival documents, while Gaziza Kudaybergenkyzy, Director of the National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan, emphasized the importance of preserving and studying national heritage.

PhD doctoral student Ertai Bilal presented a paper titled “Public Figure Sharapi Alzhan and Kazakh Enlightenment,” analyzing his educational activities. Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor Daulet Abenov shared newly discovered archival materials concerning the life and work of the Alash figure. Other speakers also comprehensively examined the scholar’s academic legacy, highlighting his invaluable contribution to the development of national pedagogical science, his dedicated educational work, and his civic stance.

At the conclusion of the scientific forum, special awards were presented on behalf of the Akimat of Akmola Region to the leadership and staff of Abai University. A memorial meal was also held in honor of the repressed scholar and distinguished representative of national pedagogical science.

Media Center “Abai University”