Winter School for Ethnologists Successfully Held at Al-Farabi KazNU
From January 12 to 16, 2026, the Department of Archaeology, Ethnology and Museology of the Faculty of History at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted an international Winter School titled:
“Topical Issues in Ethnology (Socio-Cultural Anthropology): History and Modernity.”
The event was held online via Zoom and brought together over 197 active participants from across Kazakhstan. The goal of the Winter School was to explore current scientific directions in ethnology and socio-cultural anthropology and to establish a platform for international academic exchange.
The program included lectures by renowned scholars from Kazakhstan and abroad, such as:
- Prof. Gábor Bitzó (University of Debrecen, Hungary) – Contemporary theoretical approaches in socio-cultural anthropology
- Prof. Ronald Wiley (USA) – Informal conflict resolution practices among Kazakhs
- Anna Cieslewska (University of Łódź, Poland) – Ethnographic study of an Azerbaijani family
- Barno Ubaydullaeva (Uzbekistan) – Ethnopedagogy of Turkic peoples
- Breno Alencar (Brazil) – Digital culture and epistemic justice
- Efilina Kissia (Indonesia) – Traditional ecological knowledge
- Prof. Robert Langer (Germany) – Religion in space and mixed methods
Leading scholars from Kazakhstan, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan also presented their research.
Participants had the opportunity to become acquainted with modern approaches in socio-cultural anthropology, fieldwork methodology, and relevant aspects of intercultural analysis. All lectures were delivered according to the planned schedule, with high levels of engagement and interest shown by attendees.
The Winter School was a complete success, receiving highly positive feedback. Participants emphasized the importance of such scientific platforms for professional development. The organizing team ensured a high level of preparation, with both technical and content components carried out in a structured manner.
The event was held in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 – “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” The Winter School served as an inclusive space for knowledge and experience exchange among scholars and young researchers from various countries.
It also exemplified SDG 17 – “Partnerships for the Goals” by fostering international academic cooperation and interdisciplinary dialogue.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the department team and the working group for their excellent organization. Special thanks to our international partners for their insightful lectures and contributions – your involvement elevated the program to a new academic level!
