Today, Abai University hosted a public lecture titled “Interethnic Harmony: An Excursion into Kazakh-Polish Relations”, delivered by an expert in international relations and university alumnus, Zhandos Karinbayev. The lecture was attended by the Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Almaty, Dariusz Szewczyk, Vice Consul Paweł Niedźwiecki, faculty members, and students of the university.

Held in a TEDx-style format, the lecture presented 35 interesting facts from the history of Kazakh-Polish relations. Historical, cultural, scientific, and personal ties between the two nations were substantiated with new research findings. In his speech, Zhandos Karinbayev reviewed the work “Poles of Kazakhstan: The History of Formation and the Present Day”, as well as the fundamental book “The History of Kazakh-Polish Relations Through the Examples of Prominent Figures”, co-authored with Margulan Baymukhan.

The gallery of personalities studied during the lecture included examples of such prominent figures as Adolf Januszkiewicz, Gustav Zielinski, Chokan Valikhanov, Bronisław Zaleski, Jan Kozell-Poklevsky, Severin Gross, Kazhymukan Munaitpasuly, Mustafa Shokay, Alexander Zataevich, Alexander Wat, and others.

– The history of Kazakh-Polish relations is closely intertwined with the pivotal periods in the destinies of both nations. These ties were formed not only at the political level, but also through science, culture, education, and personal interactions. Studying the mutual influence of outstanding representatives of the two peoples contributes to strengthening national unity and gaining a deeper understanding of interethnic harmony. The main purpose of today’s lecture is to promote science, national unity, and strong interethnic relations based on new historical evidence, – said international relations expert Zhandos Karinbayev.

The lecture was dedicated to several significant historical anniversaries: the 35th anniversary of the country’s Independence, the 155th anniversary of Kazhymukan Munaitpasuly, the 170th anniversary of the publication of Gustav Zielinski’s poem “The Steppe”, and the 90th anniversary of the deportation of Poles to Kazakhstan. It should be noted that Zhandos Karinbayev graduated from the Faculty of History of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University in 2004. He currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Academy of Public Administration and is a recipient of Poland’s honorary Bene Merito distinction.

During the event, the Head of the Abai University Alumni Association, Bolatbek Nurbatyrov, officially inducted Zhandos Karinbayev as a member of the Alumni Association and presented him with a special certificate. In addition, Vice-Rector for Social Development Maksat Zhakau presented a letter of appreciation on behalf of the Chairman of the Board – Rector for delivering an insightful public lecture.

“Abai University” Media Center