A Literary and Educational Event Dedicated to the Novel The Last Migration Held as Part of the Republican Marathon “Кітап оқитын ұлт”

On November 12, 2026, a literary and educational event dedicated to the novel Соңғы көш by Kabdesh Zhumadilov, an outstanding representative of Kazakh literature and People’s Writer of Kazakhstan, was held at the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University as part of the republican marathon “Кітап оқитын ұлт” (“A Nation That Reads”). The event was organized by N.Zh. Baitenova, Professor of the Department of Religious Studies and Cultural Studies, and Zh.A. Baigarayev.

The special guest of the event was Arman Zhumadilov, historian and Chairman of the International Foundation named after Kabdesh Zhumadilov. During the meeting, participants discussed the writer’s literary legacy, the historical and educational significance of the novel Соңғы көш, and the historical destiny of the Kazakh people as portrayed in the work. Particular attention was given to migration processes, national identity, and historical memory. Arman Zhumadilov shared insightful reflections on the novel’s ideological and artistic dimensions and emphasized the importance of the writer’s literary heritage in the development of national literature and the formation of historical consciousness.

Kabdesh Zhumadilov’s novel Соңғы көш is one of the significant works of Kazakh literature, portraying, through artistic expression, the historical destiny of the Kazakh people, their sociocultural identity, historical migration processes, and national identity. An examination of the historical events and social phenomena presented in the novel contributes to deepening readers’ historical awareness, understanding the continuity of national values, and fostering respect for historical and cultural heritage.

The primary objectives of the event were to enhance students’ historical and cultural literacy through the educational and formative potential of fiction, promote national literary heritage, foster a culture of reading, and contribute to the intellectual development of young people.

This literary and educational event is closely aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) – Quality Education. This goal aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

In this regard, literary and educational events serve as important cultural and educational platforms that complement the formal learning process. Such initiatives contribute to the development of students’ critical thinking, historical awareness, cultural competence, and intellectual potential. Furthermore, they support efforts to foster a culture of reading, preserve national literary heritage, and transmit it to future generations.

Overall, the event held as part of the republican marathon “Кітап оқитын ұлт” was an important cultural and educational initiative aimed at enhancing the social and cognitive significance of fiction, revitalizing national historical memory, and promoting the principles of quality education.

We express our sincere gratitude to Arman Zhumadilov, historian and Chairman of the International Foundation named after Kabdesh Zhumadilov, for his participation in the event and for sharing his valuable insights and perspectives.

Promoting a culture of reading is an essential prerequisite for building a society characterized by strong intellectual potential, well-developed historical consciousness, and a commitment to spiritual and cultural values.