At Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, an international symposium titled «Kayym Mukhamedkhanov – 110 Years: National Spirituality, Science and Issues of Abai Studies» was held. Within the framework of the symposium, the ribbon was solemnly cut for the «Abai Studies Lecture Hall named after Kayym Mukhamedkhanov,» and several books were presented in succession. This republican-level representative gathering was dedicated to a new interpretation of the scientific legacy of the outstanding scholar, Abai studies researcher and textologist Kayym Mukhamedkhanov, who made an immeasurable contribution to national spirituality.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony of the lecture hall was performed by Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Banu Narbekova, Dean of the Faculty of Philology Alua Tanzharykova, Professor Fauziya Shamshiyakzy, and literary scholar Baltabay Abdigazin. The symposium was also specially attended by Kayym Mukhamedkhanov’s son Degdar Kayymuly and daughter Dina Kayymkyzy, who expressed their gratitude for the respect shown to their father’s legacy.

In her speech, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Banu Narbekova noted that Kayym Mukhamedkhanov devoted his entire life to Alash studies and Abai studies. «Despite being subjected to political repression, the personality who did not bow to the trials of fate served the country faithfully, and this is an example for today’s generation,» she said. She also emphasized that the opening of the Abai Studies Lecture Hall named after Kayym Mukhamedkhanov will become a historical heritage for the leading institution training literary scholars and teachers, and a solid foundation for promoting Abai’s values.

Delivering a congratulatory speech at the symposium, Director of the Auezov Institute of Literature and Art, Academician Kenzhekhan Matyzhanov, focused on Kayym Mukhamedkhanov’s scientific courage and his special contribution to Abai studies.

– Under the supervision of Kayym Mukhamedkhanov, more than 30 dissertations were defended. Today, Abai’s students and followers are studied in schools and higher educational institutions. This is a unique scientific school in Kazakh literature, a national pride. For such selfless work, in 1951 he was subjected to political repression and sentenced to 25 years of imprisonment. Despite this, throughout his life he was engaged in preserving the original text of Abai’s words, conducting textological analysis and writing scholarly commentaries. Today’s youth live in a time of freedom. The highest value of the Constitution is human freedom. And such freedom was dreamed of throughout their lives by personalities like Kayym Mukhamedkhanov. You are fortunate, – said the academician.

In addition, the Rector of Shakarim University of Semey Duman Rymgaliuly and the Education Attaché of the Consulate of the Republic of Turkey, Professor Shukir Koshe, delivered congratulatory speeches. They also highly appreciated the work of Kayym Mukhamedkhanov and noted that the work of the symposium and the opening of the lecture hall dedicated to Abai studies are a historic step for Kazakh science and culture.

The international symposium was held in offline and online formats, where well-known scholars who delivered reports presented new ideas linking contemporary Abai studies with K. Mukhamedkhanov. During the event, the works of Kayym Mukhamedkhanov and several scholarly publications dedicated to the scientist were presented. The books were donated to the university fund by the Director of the Kayym Mukhamedkhanuly Education and Culture Center, the scholar’s daughter Dina Kayymkyzy.

Media Center «Abai University»