22 January 2026
AMANZHOLOV UNIVERSITY AND THE LEGACY OF ABAY: A STEP TOWARDS INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
The issue of preserving and promoting Kazakhstan’s spiritual heritage is currently a central focus at the state level. The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has repeatedly emphasized that special attention should be given to the works of Al-Farabi, the spiritual teachings of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, and other fundamental works that have shaped national spirituality over the centuries. According to the Head of State, the regular organization of scientific conferences and research dedicated to these works will help Kazakhstani citizens gain a deeper understanding of the country’s history, culture, and spiritual roots.
In this context, scholars, philologists, and educators of Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University believe that the philosophical and spiritual heritage of Abai Kunanbayev, as represented in his Words of Edification, also deserves inclusion on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. They argue that such an initiative would be an important step in preserving and internationally recognizing the nation’s cultural values.
University faculty stress that the ideas embedded in Abai’s work go far beyond the national context and resonate with representatives of different cultures and generations. Today, Words of Edification are actively studied in educational programs, used in scientific research, and considered within the framework of current humanitarian and philosophical discussions.
Associate Professor Bakytzhan Kelgembaev of the Department of Kazakh and Russian Philology and Journalism at Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University participates in the discussion and promotion of Abai’s heritage. University educators note that such initiatives help strengthen cultural dialogue, foster interest in literature, and cultivate stable value orientations among young people.
The university pays special attention to modern approaches to classical texts, including analytical discussions, interdisciplinary methods, and the integration of new technologies into the educational process. This allows for a fresh understanding of Abai’s heritage and makes it relevant in the context of the 21st century.