KazNU Hosts a Roundtable on Arabic-Language Sources on Kazakh Thinkers in Foreign Archives

On September 23, 2026, the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted a scientific and educational roundtable entitled “Arabic-Language Sources on Kazakh Thinkers in Foreign Archives” with the participation of research scholars from the University of Malaya (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia).

The event focused on discussing the scholarly significance of Arabic-language historical and written sources preserved in foreign archives and manuscript collections, as well as their role in studying the medieval and modern history of Kazakhstan and the scientific and philosophical heritage of prominent thinkers of the Great Steppe.

Arabic-language sources represent an important body of historical materials that can expand our understanding of the development of scholarly thought, religious and philosophical knowledge, and cultural connections in Central Asia. Their study contributes to a deeper understanding of the intellectual heritage of thinkers associated with the history and spiritual culture of the Kazakh steppe, while also placing this heritage within a broader historical and cultural context.

During the roundtable, particular attention was paid to the identification, systematization, translation, and scholarly interpretation of Arabic-language manuscripts and archival materials. Participants discussed the importance of foreign archives and library collections in introducing new sources into academic research, as well as prospects for the digitization and preservation of historical and cultural heritage.

An important part of the meeting was the exchange of scholarly views between researchers from the University of Malaya and the academic staff of Al-Farabi KazNU. The discussions addressed interdisciplinary approaches to the study of historical sources, incorporating perspectives from history, philosophy, cultural studies, religious studies, and Oriental studies.

The participants emphasized the importance of international academic cooperation in studying written heritage, developing joint research projects, preparing scholarly publications, and expanding academic interaction between researchers from the two universities.

The scientific and educational roundtable provided a platform for professional dialogue, the exchange of research experience, and discussion of new approaches to studying historical and philosophical heritage. Events of this kind contribute to strengthening KazNU’s international academic relations, advancing scholarly communication, and promoting Kazakhstan’s cultural and intellectual heritage within the international academic community.