ROUND TABLE “KURULTAI – A COMMON PLATFORM FOR DISCUSSING THE COUNTRY’S MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES”

On 25 August 2026, the Department of Turkology and Language Theory of the Faculty of Philology at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University organized an online round table entitled “Kurultai – A Common Platform for Discussing the Country’s Most Important Issues.”

The main purpose of the event was to examine the significance of the National Kurultai in strengthening dialogue between society and the state, to discuss its historical and contemporary relevance, and to assess its role in the socio-political and socio-economic modernization of Kazakhstan. Particular attention was also paid to ways of integrating the initiatives raised within the framework of the Kurultai and the ideas proposed by the Head of State into educational and character-building processes.

During the round table, Raushan Zhumakerimovna Kondybayeva, PhD, Senior Lecturer, delivered a presentation entitled “The National Kurultai and Youth.” She highlighted the importance of the issues raised at the National Kurultai in shaping the civic position of the younger generation. The discussion focused on young people’s active participation in social processes, respect for national values, and a responsible attitude toward the future of the country.

Aigul Madiyevna Karakulova, Candidate of Philological Sciences, presented a paper entitled “Kazakhstan’s Transformation towards Socio-Economic Modernization.” She analyzed the country’s current development processes, socio-economic changes and modernization priorities, and highlighted key issues related to the new stage of Kazakhstan’s development.

Kanat Bakhtiyaruly Ashirkulov, Lecturer, delivered a presentation entitled “Kurultai: From Historical Memory to a New Political Institution.” He examined the historical roots of the Kurultai tradition and its continuity with the culture of collective decision-making in the Great Steppe. He also discussed the functions of the Kurultai in different historical periods, its transformation in contemporary Kazakhstan, and its role in linking public dialogue with state responsibility.

Faculty members of the department actively participated in the event, and a meaningful exchange of views followed the presentations. The role of the Kurultai as a platform for public dialogue, social cohesion, and the joint discussion of important state and social issues was considered from different perspectives. Participants shared their views on the impact of Kurultai initiatives on various areas of public life and put forward a number of proposals.

Special attention was also given to ways of incorporating the ideas raised at the National Kurultai and in the speeches of the Head of State into students’ educational and character-building activities. In particular, participants proposed the effective use of Kurultai-related materials in lectures, seminars, educational activities, and student research projects in order to strengthen students’ civic responsibility, historical awareness, respect for national values, and active engagement with social issues.

At the conclusion of the round table, it was emphasized that the Kurultai is not only a public platform for discussing important issues, but also a significant institution that brings together historical continuity, public dialogue, and state responsibility. Events of this kind contribute to a deeper understanding of socio-political processes among both faculty members and students, strengthen civic awareness and responsibility, and promote national and state values.

Organizers: K.B. Ashirkulov, Senior Advisor of the Department of Turkology and Language Theory; Nurgul Ismailova, PhD, Senior Lecturer; Aigul Madiyevna Karakulova, Candidate of Philological Sciences; Raushan Zhumakerimovna Kondybayeva, PhD, Senior Lecturer.