A meaningful event dedicated to significant periods of national history — the international scientific-practical conference “The Historical Importance of Alimkhan Ermekov’s Legacy” — was held at Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University.
The large-scale academic gathering was dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Political Repression and Famine, and to the historical legacies of prominent Alash figures — Alimkhan Ermekov, Temirbek Zhurgenov, and Damesh Ermekova-Zhurgenova, the first Kazakh mathematician and national activists.
The opening of the plenary session was led by Deputy Akim of Karaganda Region Alibek Aldenei. “Each of us must know the fate of the Alash leaders and never forget their contribution to the nation. Honoring them is our shared responsibility,” he noted.
Advisor to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mälik Otarbaev, highlighted the significance and value of this event and emphasized several of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s initiatives aimed at recognizing and honoring national historical figures. “Leaders like Alimkhan Ermekov, Temirbek Zhurgenov, and Damesh Ermekova-Zhurgenova were foundational figures in building the Kazakh nation. Their destinies, scientific and political legacies are the spiritual core of modern independent Kazakhstan. Today’s conference is not just a scientific meeting — it is a dialogue between the nation and its history, a reflection on the past and a guide to the future,” he concluded.
Chair of the Board – Rector Saule Sagintayeva, along with public figures and members of the academic community, delivered congratulatory remarks and paid tribute to the Alash leaders. “Alimkhan Ermekov is directly connected to the history of our university. It is a great honor and responsibility for us to preserve his name and legacy within our institution. This conference is a vivid example of how the invaluable contributions of national figures can be instilled in the minds of future generations,” she said.
During the conference, prominent historians presented in-depth reports, analyzing the significance of Alash heritage for today’s generation based on concrete evidence and archival materials. Among them were Deputy Director of the Institute of State History, Professor Bürkіtbay Ayağan; Doctor of Philology and Alash researcher Aigul Isimakova; and other well-known scholars.
Members of a special delegation from Kyzylorda Region — public figures Ämir Shaimaganbetov and Zhibek Ämirkhanova — emphasized the contributions of Temirbek Zhurgenov and Damesh Ermekova-Zhurgenova to national culture and education in their speeches. Zhibek Ämirkhanova officially handed over Damesh Ermekova’s golden watch and headscarf to the Karaganda Regional Museum of History and Local Lore, stating: “These historical artifacts are valuable evidence of the life and struggle of a national figure who fell victim to political repression. It is a great honor for me that they will now be preserved in the regional museum.”
In the second plenary session of the conference, the moderator, Member of the Board – Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Bekbolat Nussupbekov, continued the series of academic presentations. Alash figure Alimkhan Ermekov’s grandniece, Gayane Tsoy, shared personal memories.
Throughout the conference, Alash researchers and public figures from across the country presented unique and thought-provoking reports. Public figure and honorary chairman of the Temirbek Zhurgenov Public Foundation, Ansat Säbi; Doctor of Historical Sciences and Professor Zhanna Kydyralina; and Doctor of Philology, Alash researcher Sagymbai Zhumagul delivered impactful presentations.
Historian and Ermekov researcher, Candidate of Historical Sciences and Professor Kanat Öskembaev, in his report titled “The Enduring Legacy of Alimkhan Ermekov”, analyzed the relevance of Ermekov’s scientific work by linking it to current processes of innovative development, highlighting the ongoing significance of his ideas.
Additionally, Bekarystan Myrzabai, a distinguished local historian from Aktobe Region, Zhurgenov researcher, and foster son of Damesh Ermekova-Zhurgenova, emphasized the courage and inner strength of this heroic woman during the years of repression in his report titled “The Fighter Personality of Damesh Ermekova-Zhurgenova.”
In the conference’s breakout sessions, D. Shormanbayeva, Head of the Department of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan and Social-Humanitarian Disciplines; V. Zhurov, Head of the Department of Higher Mathematics; and Z. Nurligenova, Senior Lecturer of the Department of History of Kazakhstan, continued developing the conference theme through their speeches.
Honoring the past is a legacy for the future. Through the commemoration of Alash leaders, the university community continues to instill national spirit and a sense of history in the younger generation.
