Kozybayev University hosted an international scientific and practical conference dedicated to the legacy of Magzhan Zhumabayev

This year marks the 133rd anniversary of the birth of the great Kazakh poet, an outstanding representative of the “Alash” movement, and one of the prominent figures of national spirituality, Magzhan Zhumabayev. In honor of this significant date, Kozybayev University hosted an international scientific and practical conference titled “Magzhan Zhumabayev: Personality, Literary Process, and Linguistics,” dedicated to the study of the poet’s creative legacy.

Before the start of the event, participants and guests paid tribute to Magzhan Zhumabayev and his father, Beken Zhumabayev. A memorial prayer was recited at the poet’s monument in the city square, after which participants laid flowers as a sign of deep respect for the great son of the Kazakh people.

The official opening of the conference began with a theatrical performance by actors of the North Kazakhstan Regional Kazakh Music and Drama Theatre named after S. Mukanov. The performers presented an excerpt from the play by the well-known writer Dulat Isabekov, “Would He Have Been Magzhan Otherwise?” (“Öytpese Mağjan bola ma?”), revealing the poet’s complex life path and multifaceted personality.

The international forum brought together scholars, researchers, and educators from various regions of Kazakhstan, as well as international experts. The conference addressed issues related to Magzhan Zhumabayev’s literary heritage, his pedagogical and philosophical views, and the significance of his work for modern education and the development of linguistics.

In her speech, Saуле Malikova, Director of the North Kazakhstan State Archive, emphasized Magzhan Zhumabayev’s special role in shaping the idea of national independence and strengthening the spiritual unity of the Turkic peoples.

“Magzhan Zhumabayev was one of the spiritual leaders of the ‘Alash’ movement. As a political figure, he opposed colonial oppression and consistently defended the ideas of national unity and solidarity among Turkic peoples. That is why we call him a great poet of the Turkic world and a spiritual guide of the idea of national independence. His life and work reflect the eternal aspiration of the Kazakh people for freedom,” said Saуле Malikova.

A special highlight of the conference program was the literary and musical composition “The Voice of Abai and Magzhan — The Heritage of Ancestors,” prepared by students of Kozybayev University together with cadets of the Academy of the National Guard of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The participants presented expressive readings of the poet’s works, emphasizing the depth and relevance of his poetry.

At the end of the event, letters of appreciation were awarded to active participants of the conference.