Discussion of cultural relations between Bulgaria and Central Asia

The international round table "Intercultural discussion: points of contact between Bulgaria and Central Asian countries" was held at the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

The purpose of the event is to analyze the historical and cultural influences connecting Bulgaria and the countries of Central Asia, to study modern forms of cultural exchange and to identify ways to strengthen cooperation in the future.

The meeting, which was held in a mixed format (online and offline), was attended by representatives of the university's management, prominent scientists from Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, teachers and students from KazNU and universities around the world.

Erkin Duisenov, Deputy Chairman of the Board, First Vice–Rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of the round table, which became an important platform for exchanging views, joint searches and strengthening academic ties in order to expand the horizons of intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.

"Kazakhstan attaches special importance to issues of intercultural interaction and dialogue of civilizations. Bulgaria is an important partner in discussions on ways to harmoniously combine traditions and modernization processes. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, which have their own rich cultural heritage, enhance the versatility and interdisciplinarity of our discussion", - the first Vice–rector emphasized. – We are convinced that in the context of globalization challenges, it is culture and education that become instruments not of separation, but of rapprochement. By discussing the points of contact between Bulgaria and the Central Asian countries, we are looking not only for a common historical past, but also for opportunities for a common future".

Presentations were also made at the meeting by: Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of St. Kliment Ohridski Sofia University, Doctor, Professor Madeleine Danova, Head of the Department of Religious Studies and Cultural Studies of the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor Ainur Kurmanalieva, Dean of the Faculty of Classical and Modern Philology of St. Kliment Ohridski Sofia University, PhD, Professor Gergana Petkova and others.

The meeting was moderated by the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science, PhD, Associate Professor Bekzhan Meirbayev.

During the round table, a scientific discussion took place between teachers of the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science, the Faculty of Oriental Studies and the Faculty of International Relations of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, a scientific delegation from St. Kliment Ohridski Sofia University, online participants from Bukhara State University and Makhtumkuli Turkmen State University.

The international round table was held within the framework of the ethno-cultural practice "Kazakhstan: History and Culture", organized by the Departments of Religious Studies and Cultural Studies and General and Applied Psychology of al-Farabi Kazakh National University, which will be held from September 2 to September 9, 2025.

Press-service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University