Togyz Kumalak – an intellectual national sport: education for cultural diversity

Senior lecturers of the UNESCO Chair of Sustainable Development, K.K. Khamitova and A.T. Issanbekova, together with doctoral students of the Ecology educational program, conducted a master class on the traditional Kazakh game Togyz Kumalak for environmental students.

The event took place at Student House No. 4 and was dedicated to National Games Day. The main purpose of the master class was to introduce students to the intellectual heritage of the Kazakh people while fostering logical thinking and strategic planning skills.

During the master class, participants learned about the history and significance of Togyz Kumalak, which is rightfully considered the "chess of the steppes." Teachers and doctoral students explained the rules of the game, demonstrated basic tactics and strategies, and then allowed everyone to try their hand at playing.

Togyz Kumalak is not just an exciting intellectual competition but also an important element of Kazakhstan's cultural heritage. Its development and popularization contribute to the preservation of national identity, as well as the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 4 – Quality Education, as the game helps develop analytical thinking, patience, and planning skills.
• SDG 11 – Protection of Cultural Heritage, as preserving and passing on traditional knowledge is a key aspect of sustainable development.

The master class was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere, with participants enthusiastically engaging in the process and expressing a desire to explore traditional intellectual culture further.

We would like to thank all the students and organizers for their active participation and interest in our national heritage! We look forward to seeing you at future events!