A grand event dedicated to Kazakhstan’s Independence Day was held at the Faculty of Oriental Studies

Achieving state independence is a crucial stage in the history of any country. For Kazakhstan, this date is closely associated with December 16, 1991, when state independence was declared. Since then, December 16 has been celebrated as a national holiday, symbolizing freedom, unity, and the revival of the Kazakh state. Independence is significant for every citizen.

On the eve of this important date, students of the Faculty of Oriental Studies at KazNU, under the guidance of the Head of the Department of Turkology and the History of Eastern Countries, Khalel Agnur, organized a ceremonial event titled “Deep Roots – Independence.”

All departments of the faculty participated in the organization and implementation of the event: the Department of Near and South Asian Countries, the Department of Sinology, and the Department of the Far East. The audience included students from all study groups, as well as master’s and doctoral students.

The program included both informative and creative presentations. Participants presented a video dedicated to the December 1986 events and the chronology of Kazakhstan’s path to independence. Archival materials and historical facts were shown, reflecting the spirit of the time and the people’s aspiration for freedom.

Students performed patriotic songs, recited poems dedicated to the bravery of the youth who went out to Almaty’s Zhashtar Square in December 1986, and performed musical pieces on the dombra, conveying the national color and emotional depth of this historical moment.

The closing speech was delivered by the Deputy Dean for Academic, Methodological, and Educational Work, Shynar Yerlanovna Kanafieva. She emphasized that Kazakhstan’s path to independence was not easy and required courage, unity, and faith in the future. The December 1986 events were an important milestone on this path, leaving a deep mark in the history and hearts of Kazakh citizens. According to her, remembering these events is the patriotic duty of every citizen, as they symbolize the nation’s aspiration for freedom and self-identity.

Faculty members also gave informative speeches on the significance of Independence Day. Professor Daulet Fatimabibi from the Department of Sinology noted:
            “Independence Day is not just another holiday; it is a symbol of courage, unity, and national consciousness. Kazakhstan’s independence is the result of a long historical journey, and preserving it requires respect for cultural values, language, and traditions. Every generation is responsible for the country’s future. Young people, as carriers of knowledge, patriotism, and strategic thinking, must strengthen independence and develop international cooperation.”

Senior Lecturer Zaure Yerenovna Iskakova from the Department of Middle East and South Asia emphasized the role of youth in strengthening independent Kazakhstan and fostering patriotic consciousness:
        “Youth are the driving force of society. Remembering history means understanding your role in the present and the future. Educated and patriotic young people can strengthen independence, develop the country, and preserve spiritual and cultural traditions.”

Both speakers stressed that Independence Day is not only a historical date but also a symbol of national unity, peace, and sustainable development of the state.

At the end of the program, all active participants in organizing the celebration were awarded letters of appreciation. The event became an important educational and nurturing occasion, allowing young people to gain a deeper understanding of the value of independence, respect for the past, and responsibility for the future of their country. https://www.instagram.com/turiktanu_farabi?igsh=OWVqeDExMGcxdnZu

Faculty of Oriental Studies, Department of Turkish and the History of Eastern Countries
Dulaeva E.Z., Khalel A.