Kazakhstan in the Dialogue of Archival Oriental Studies

From November 20 to 22, 2024, the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) hosted the VI International Scientific Conference: "Archival Oriental Studies". The  researchers, archivists and orientalists from different countries took part in the conference.

Deputy Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences Natalia Gennadyevna Romanova, Editor-in-Chief of the journal "Eastern Archive" Vladimir Vladimirovich Belyakov addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. In their speeches, they noted the importance of working with archives for the study and preservation of the cultural heritage of the East, and also emphasized the significance of international cooperation in the field of oriental studies. At the plenary session, a welcoming address was read by the Chairman of the Board - Rector of al-Farabi Kazakh National University  Zhanseit Kanseitovich Tuimebayev. In his address, he emphasized the importance of scientific cooperation in the field of oriental studies and the significant role of archives in preserving the historical heritage.

The conference included nine thematic sessions covering a wide range of issues: from the methodology of working with archival documents to the study of rare manuscripts and modern approaches to digitalization of archives. More than 100 authors from different countries took part in it which became a clear indication of the global interest in the topic. Among them there were Kazakhstani researchers who made a significant contribution to the discussion.

Doctor of Philology, Professor of al-Farabi Kazakh National University  Shaimerdenova Nursulu Zhamalbekovna presented a report on the topic: "Scientific Epistolary Heritage of Kazakhstani Turkologists in the Context of Bilingualism". She revealed the features of working with archives and correspondence of Kazakhstan scientists, studying the influence of bilingualism on their scientific work. Candidate of Historical Sciences, Professor, Academy of MAIN, Professor of the Department of History of Kazakhstan and Social Sciences of Temirbek Zhurgenov Kazakh National Academy of Arts  Shaimerdenova Mendyganym Zhamalbekovna made  a report "Filmography of B. Kairbekov as a historical and cultural source and educational resource." Her research emphasized the importance of documentary cinema as a key tool for preserving historical memory and forming cultural consciousness.

Candidate of Philological Sciences, Assistant Professor of Astana IT University Amanzholova Dzhemma Bulatovna shared the results of her research in the report: "The History of One Photograph, or Alma-Ata in the Life of Samuil Marshak". This presentation aroused  a keen interest among the participants, as the author immersed the audience in the historical context and spoke about the role of archival photographs in restoring little-known pages in the biographies of famous figures.

The participation of the Kazakhstan delegation in this event was implemented within the framework of the project "Turkic Languages ​​of Kazakhstan in the Context of Spiritual Modernization of Society: from Graphics to Epic Text" (IRN AP23486380).

Particular attention was paid to the presentation of new archival materials that shed light on little-known aspects of the history of the East. The list of the topics discussed at the conference included  unique sources on the history of Central Asia, the archeography of ancient texts, as well as the challenges of preserving archival funds in the context of modern technologies. The conference "Archival Oriental Studies" once again confirmed its role as a platform for the exchange of experience, ideas and knowledge.  The participants noted the high level of organization and friendly atmosphere conducive to fruitful work.

Shaimerdenova Nursultan Zhamalbekovna

Doctor of Philology,

Professor of the Department of Russian Philology and World Literature,

Executive Director of the Research Institute of Turkology and Altaic Studies