Sustainable cities and communities

As part of the 85th anniversary celebration of Atyrau University named after Kh. Dosmukhamedov and the national environmental campaign Taza Kazakhstan, a clean-up event (subbotnik) was held. The main purpose of the event was to clean and landscape the university grounds, promote environmental culture, increase students’ and staff members’ responsibility toward the environment, and foster a careful attitude toward nature. Objectives: • Strengthening environmental awareness and team spirit within the university community; • Creating a clean and comfortable learning environment; • Enhancing and developing environmental culture among young people through environmental care.

An international symposium titled “The Golden Horde as a Model of Steppe Civilization: History, Archaeology, Culture, and Identity” was held in the capital city of Astana.

At the opening ceremony, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, delivered a speech emphasizing the historical significance of the Golden Horde in the nation’s history and its important role in steppe civilization. The Head of State highlighted the importance of scholarly research on historical heritage in strengthening national historical consciousness.

The large-scale international gathering brought together historians-medievalists, archaeologists, Turkologists, orientalists, cultural scholars, and representatives of international organizations from more than 20 countries around the world. The symposium became an important platform for reviving historical memory, promoting national values, and scientifically discussing the continuity of civilizations across the Eurasian region.

Scientists from  Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University- Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Saipulla Sapanov Zhumabayuly, and Candidate of Historical Sciences Marat Kassenov - participated in the symposium and delivered meaningful presentations.

Professor Saipulla Sapanov presented a report titled “The Legacy of the Golden Horde and Historical Continuity in Kazakhstan’s Modern Foreign Policy.” In his presentation, he extensively discussed the historical and political influence of the Golden Horde across the Eurasian region. The scholar noted that the Golden Horde’s governance system, diplomatic practices, and trade relations directly influenced the formation of the Kazakh Khanate. He also examined Kazakhstan’s modern multi-vector foreign policy, cooperation with Turkic states, and integration initiatives within the Eurasian space from the perspective of historical continuity.

The professor further emphasized that the international diplomacy of the Golden Horde played an important role in establishing relations with the Mamluks of Egypt, Byzantium, the Russian principalities, and European states, and that these diplomatic traditions continued within Kazakh statehood. He also noted that studying the legacy of the Golden Horde not only strengthens national historical awareness but also allows for a deeper understanding of Kazakhstan’s role in the international arena.

During the symposium, UNESCO Assistant Director-General Ernesto Ottone Ramírez described the Golden Horde as a symbol of historical unity, cultural exchange, and dialogue among civilizations. According to him, UNESCO’s primary goal is to present the Golden Horde not only as a historical state but also as a unique example of steppe civilization that united the peoples, cultures, and traditions of Eurasia.

The scientific conclusions and discussions presented during the international symposium contribute to a renewed understanding of the Golden Horde’s legacy, a deeper study of national history, and a modern evaluation of historical continuity.

Today, large-scale landscaping activities were carried out across all regions of the country within the framework of the nationwide environmental campaign Clean Kazakhstan. The initiative was organized live with the participation of the Head of State and implemented simultaneously throughout the country.

Khalel Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University actively participated in this important initiative. More than 130 participants, including students and faculty members, took part in the campaign.

Participants planted tree saplings in Zhastar Park, contributing to the improvement of the environmental condition of the city.

Protecting nature is a shared responsibility for everyone. Through active participation in such initiatives, the university’s students and faculty demonstrate not only a high level of environmental awareness but also their responsibility toward the country’s future.

At Atyrau University named after Khalel Dosmukhamedov, an очередная Science Café session was held in honor of National Book Day on the topic “Ways to Educate Children and Youth through Traditional Games and Folklore Sports Competitions.”

The meeting focused on promoting national values, highlighting the importance of traditional games in youth education, and discussing the educational and cognitive roles of folklore sports.

The speaker of the Science Café was historian, local studies expert, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, and Professor Shakhman Nagimov.

Special attention was given to traditional Kazakh games and sports. In particular, games such as asyk atu, togyzkumalak, kokpar, and oramal tastau were discussed in terms of their role in developing children’s thinking, teamwork, agility, and national spirit.

At the end of the meeting, participants exchanged views and presented suggestions on promoting traditional games and incorporating them more widely into the upbringing of the younger generation.

A roundtable titled “Kumarshyk - The Essence of Life” was held to promote the significance of kumarshyk, a plant that occupies a special place in the historical heritage of the Kazakh people.

The main objective of the event was to comprehensively examine the historical, social, nutritional, and cognitive aspects of kumarshyk, determine its role in people’s lives, and pass on knowledge about its importance - particularly its role in helping the population survive during periods of famine.

During the discussion, participants explored the importance of kumarshyk in traditional Kazakh life, its distribution in natural environments, and its nutritional value. Special attention was given to its role during times of hardship, when it served as a vital food source and saved many lives. In addition, its spiritual and cultural significance in national memory, its representation in literature and journalism, and scientific conclusions based on archival data were discussed.

The event was opened with an introductory speech by Candidate of Agricultural Sciences and Associate Professor Khansulu Kuspangaliyeva, who emphasized the relevance of the topic.

Journalist and author of the “Kumarshyk Grain” commemorative monument, Tursyn Zhumabekovna Kalimova, delivered a presentation titled “Kumarshyk - The Rooted Life,” highlighting that kumarshyk is not only a food source but also a symbol of resilience and vitality.

Member of the Writers’ and Journalists’ Unions of Kazakhstan and author of the book “Kumarshyk,” Murat Bektenov presented a report titled “Kumarshyk That Saved the People from Famine,” where he thoroughly explained its decisive role in the nation’s history based on historical evidence.

At the end of the meeting, an open discussion platform was organized, where scholars and participants exchanged views on the historical, social, and nutritional importance of kumarshyk. Suggestions were also made on promoting this national value and raising awareness among young people.

This event served as an important platform not only for studying history but also for revitalizing national heritage and fostering respect for the homeland’s past among the younger generation.

On March 27, representatives of Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University, including professors and Media Center specialists, took part in a press tour organized by the Saraishyk State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve.

The event focused on the topic: “Research, Preservation, Restoration, and Future Prospects of Medieval Saraishyk.”

During the press tour, participants and media representatives were introduced to the results of recent scientific research, archaeological excavations, restoration, and museum development carried out at the site of the medieval city of Saraishyk.

In particular, an exhibition featured unique artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations conducted between 2021 and 2025, as well as restored historical objects. In 2025, museum-reserve archaeologists carried out large-scale research at the Saraishyk, Karagaily, Ushkan, and Ashysai sites.

The event also showcased the museum-reserve’s latest scientific publications. It was noted that in 2025, research conducted by the institution’s scholars gained international recognition and was published in journals indexed in the Scopus database.

These works have been distributed to leading scientific institutions worldwide, including the Library of Congress (USA), libraries in Rome (Italy), Ankara University (Turkey), and research organizations in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Uzbekistan, contributing to the international promotion of Saraishyk’s heritage.

Digitalization efforts are also actively underway at the museum-reserve. QR codes containing historical information have been installed for 382 exhibits and excavation sites at the Saraishyk Visitor Center.

As part of the press tour program, participants ознакомились с restoration projects at the medieval Saraishyk settlement and the “Khan’s Necropolis” site.

Today in Atyrau, a large-scale National Costume Parade was held as part of the Nauryznama ten-day celebration, dedicated to March 18 - National Costume Day.

The ceremonial procession began at Sultan Beibarys Square and continued to Isatay-Makhambet Square. Approximately 4,000 people took part in the parade, showcasing a vivid display of national unity.

The staff and students of Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University actively participated in the event, contributing to the promotion of national values.

During the event, the university administration, faculty members, and students wore traditional Kazakh national costumes, presenting a vibrant display of the rich culture and traditions of our people.

Thousands of Atyrau residents dressed in national attire witnessed the beautiful celebration and shared the festive spirit together. The parade continued with a concert program, creating an uplifting atmosphere for all attendees.

We express our gratitude to all participants who supported this meaningful initiative and contributed to the development of our national culture.

Happy holidays!