On March 4, 2026, the Central Library named after S. Seifullin of the Zhetysu Region hosted the grand opening of the book exhibition “Thought. Spirit. Intellect: Thinkers of the Great Steppe.” The event was organized within the framework of the initiatives put forward at the National Kurultai by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, aimed at promoting the country’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

The main objective of this large-scale cultural event was to widely promote the legacy of the great thinkers who have become the spiritual pillars of the nation, introduce their profound works to the younger generation, and popularize national values. The exhibition featured works reflecting the deep philosophical traditions of the Kazakh steppe, spiritual continuity, and historical consciousness.

During the ceremonial event, the official opening of the book exhibition “Thought. Spirit. Intellect: Thinkers of the Great Steppe” took place. Invited members of the intelligentsia delivered substantive presentations, including Doctor of Philosophy, Abai scholar and theologian Dosym Kairbekuly Omarov; Candidate of Philological Sciences and lecturer at Zhetysu University named after I. Zhansugurov, Sailaukhan Kazhybekuly Kozhagulov; as well as Master’s degree holder and lecturer of the Department of History and Socio-Humanitarian Disciplines of the Faculty of Humanities at the same university, Önerbek Kuangan. In their speeches, the presenters comprehensively highlighted the role of the Great Steppe thinkers in shaping the national worldview and emphasized the importance of preserving and revitalizing spiritual values in the context of modern globalization.

Special attention was given to the legacy of outstanding thinkers such as Al-Farabi, Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, and Abai Kunanbayev. A bibliographic overview of their philosophical, religious-cognitive, and educational ideas was presented. Library staff introduced visitors to selected quotations from their works, scholarly studies, rare editions from the library’s collection, and contemporary research publications.

During the event, students, teachers, librarians, and field specialists engaged in open discussions about the role of spiritual values in society. The active participation and thoughtful questions from young attendees reflected a growing interest in the nation’s heritage.

The meaningful gathering became an important cultural platform aimed at strengthening historical memory, renewing national consciousness, and fostering spiritual education among the younger generation.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/zhetysu-archive/press/news/details/1175932?lang=kk