Turar Ryskulov and the idea of united Turkestan

The Kazakh National University named after Al-Farabi hosted a republican scientific conference “The idea of united Turkestan in the XXI century” dedicated to the 130th anniversary of the state and public figure, an outstanding fighter for the unity of Turkic peoples Turar Ryskulov.

Historians and prominent scientists, experts from different parts of the country gathered at the event, which provides ample opportunities for a comprehensive study of the life, scientific research of Turar Ryskulov and his legacy to future generations.

Advisor to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Malik Otarbayev, Chairman of the Board - Rector of Al-Farabi KazNU Zhanseit Tuimebaev, member of the National Kurultai, academician Orazaly Sabden, academicians of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, professors Mambet Koigeldiev and Hankeldy Abzhanov, writers Beibit Koishybaev and Mukhtar Kazbek, teachers, students of the university took part in it.
Advisor to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Malik Otarbayev read out the congratulatory letter of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kasym-Jomart Tokayev.
“Turar Ryskulov is the author of numerous articles and scientific works concerning our native chronicle, the future of our nation. In a difficult period, he tirelessly served for the good of the country and initiated many good endeavors. The great son fought hard for the sovereignty of our country, for the liberation of Turkic peoples. The name of Turar Ryskulov is inextricably linked to the idea of “United Turkestan”,” the letter reads.

Rector of KazNU Zhanseit Tuimebayev in his speech emphasized that Turar Ryskulov is not only the pride of the Kazakh people, but also a historical personality of the Turkic peoples.
“Turar Ryskulov worked hard and fought for the consolidation of Turkic peoples and the realization of the idea of “United Turkestan”. In 1920 he was elected chairman of the Central Executive Committee of Turkestan. Turar Ryskulov offered Stalin concrete proposals to save the Kazakh people from starvation. Openly opposed Goloshchekin's idea of organizing “Little October” in Kazakhstan. The idea of “Turkic world”, which was dreamed of by the Kazakh intelligentsia, has now become a reality. Having gained sovereignty, brotherly countries have united to form the “Organization of Turkic States”. There was no such thing before. Besides, today there are TURKSOY and TurkPA organizations. In 2010, the International Turkic Academy was opened in Astana. Turar Ryskulov and other prominent figures of the nation once dreamed of it all,” the rector said.

In turn, Professor Mambet Koigeldiev made a report, where he spoke about the vision and position of Turar Ryskulov, noting that the merits of the figure of the Kazakh people have never lost their relevance.
“Turar Ryskulov took an active part in the national liberation uprising of 1916.   He continued the moral path of the Kazakh intelligentsia, who came on the historical stage in the early twentieth century, and faithfully served his people. The outstanding man left an indelible mark in the history of the entire Turkic world and the countries of Central Asia,” said Mambet Koigeldiev.

Scientists Orazaly Sabden, Hankeldy Abzhanov, Beibit Koishybaev, Mukhtar Kazbek and others also made reports.

During the conference, an exhibition of archival documents of Turar Ryskulov, prepared by the Central State Archive of the Republic of Kazakhstan, was presented to the attention of visitors. There were presented photos of Turar Ryskulov from his student days and with friends, rare documents, appeals and letters of the figure, famous theses on the problems of the nation, prepared by him in 1921.