Kozybayev University Discusses Historical Continuity and the Development of Kazakhstan’s Statehood

Kozybayev University hosted a regional academic conference titled “Kazakhstan’s Statehood: Historical Continuity and Contemporary Development Priorities” to mark Republic Day. The conference brought together representatives of the academic community, museum and research institution staff, faculty members and students. This diverse range of participants made it possible to explore the topic from various academic and public perspectives, exchange views, and discuss issues essential to understanding Kazakhstan’s historical experience and development prospects.

“Today, we are addressing a topic of particular importance both to historical scholarship and to contemporary society. Statehood does not emerge overnight. Modern state institutions are rooted in a long historical experience, political and legal traditions, public perceptions of the state and citizens’ responsibilities, as well as the collective memory of key stages in the country’s development,” emphasised Mansur Alimkhanov, Member of the Executive Board for Internationalization and International Programs at M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University.

The participants discussed key stages in the formation of Kazakhstan’s statehood, the history of the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty, the country’s constitutional development, and the role of museums in preserving historical memory.

“The conference topic is of particular academic significance, as it involves a comprehensive study of Kazakhstan’s historical path, from statehood traditions and the formation of political and legal institutions to the current stage of independent Kazakhstan’s development,” noted Asset Zhanisov, Executive Director of the International Campus at M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University.

Presentations were delivered by Gauhar Ilyassova, Head of the Department of History of Kazakhstan and Law at M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University; Nurbolat Abuov, Director of the Petropavl branch of the C. Valikhanov Institute of History and Ethnology; Bauyrzhan Zhunusov, a specialist at the Abylai Khan Residence Museum Complex; and Aisulu Sarsenova, a specialist at the North Kazakhstan Regional Museum Association. The younger generation’s perspectives on statehood and patriotic values were presented by student Daniel Edilov and master’s student Dariga Smailova.

“The Declaration of State Sovereignty was adopted on 25 October 1990. At that time, national movements and the interests of the Soviet republics had come to the forefront. The Declaration served, in a sense, as a manifesto through which the Kazakh SSR, while still part of the Soviet Union, asserted its right to independence, the possibility of withdrawing from the Soviet Union, and the right to establish its own foreign relations. Essentially, it can be regarded as a precursor to our Independence,” explained Nurbolat Abuov, Director of the Petropavl branch of the C. Valikhanov Institute of History and Ethnology.

During the thematic sessions, participants examined current issues in the study of Kazakhstan’s statehood, from its origins to the present day. They also discussed the legal system of independent Kazakhstan and presented a political and economic analysis of the state, the market and institutions.

The conference concluded with the adoption of a resolution containing proposals to develop academic cooperation, support young researchers, and expand the University’s engagement with research institutions, archives and museums.