Karshyga Akhmediyarov’s 80th Anniversary: Educational Conference Held at Atyrau University
Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University hosted an educational conference entitled “Karshyga — a Master of the Art of Küy”. The event marked the 80th anniversary of the birth of Karshyga Akhmediyarov, an outstanding küyshi and composer, People’s Artist of Kazakhstan, recipient of the State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan and holder of the Order of Parasat.
The conference aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the artist’s exemplary life and creative legacy and to promote the national art of küy among younger generations.
The conference brought together Mereke Kulkenov, Chair of the Writers’ Union of Kazakhstan; representatives of the regional authorities; scholars; art historians; and küy performers. Members of Karshyga Akhmediyarov’s family, as well as his relatives, friends and students, also attended the gathering. Guests from Astana, Almaty, Oral and other regions of the country shared their memories of the distinguished musician.
The conference opened with welcoming remarks by Murat Uteshov, Chair of the Atyrau Regional Council of Veterans, and Salamat Idrissov, Chairman of the Management Board and Rector of Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University. A congratulatory letter from statesman and public figure Imangali Tasmagambetov was also read at the event.
“The Atyrau region is a sacred land where the traditions of such great masters of küy as Kurmangazy, Dauletkerei, Dina and Makhambet converge. Karshyga Akhmediyarov, who emerged from this land, is a unique figure in the Kazakh art of küy. He continued the performance tradition of western Kazakhstan, particularly that of Atyrau, and established his own school of performance. Karshyga Akhmediyarov’s inspiring life and musical legacy are a source of pride not only for the people of Atyrau but for the entire Kazakh nation,” said Salamat Idrissov.
The conference was moderated by Karima Sakharbayeva, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan and Professor. The speakers reflected on Karshyga Akhmediyarov’s life, his achievements as a performer and composer, and his work as a researcher and educator.
The musician’s brother, Algi Akhmediyarov, and his wife, Nurbike Akhmediyarova, shared personal memories of his life and artistic journey. The conference featured presentations and recollections entitled “At the Crossroads of Life”, “The Origins of Talent” and “An Outstanding Composer of the Kazakh Art of Küy”. Other topics included “Karshyga — an Insightful Researcher of the Art of Küy”, “Friendship in the World of Art” and “The Teacher Who Led Me into the Caravan of Küy”.
Karshyga Akhmediyarov was an Honorary Professor of Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University. During his visits to Atyrau, he conducted masterclasses for lecturers and students of the University’s Department of Music and Arts, contributing to the professional development of young performers.
Today, the Department’s lecturers systematically analyse the musician’s compositions, performance style and the distinctive features of his dombra school in their classes. They continue to promote Karshyga Akhmediyarov’s legacy among young dombra performers.
Karshyga Akhmediyarov was an outstanding figure who advanced the traditional art of küy as a performer, composer, researcher and educator. He studied the legacies of Kurmangazy, Dauletkerei, Dina and Makhambet in depth and made a significant contribution to preserving the continuity of the national küy tradition. His compositions, including “Küy — Uran”, “Altyn Orda”, “Tolgau” and “Atyrau”, enriched Kazakhstan’s national musical heritage.
The educational conference once again demonstrated the enduring value of Karshyga Akhmediyarov’s legacy and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
