More than 250 scholars of philology from Kazakhstan and abroad took part in the Nurgaliev readings at ENU

The L.N.Gumilyov Eurasian National University hosted a scientific decade dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the birth of Doctor of Philology, Professor, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Academician of the International Academy of Informatization, Academician of the International Academy named after Ch. Aitmatov, laureate of the State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Honored Worker of Science and Technology of the Republic of Kazakhstan Rymgali Nurgali.

The purpose of the decade is to popularize the ideas and scientific views of the academician and to educate the younger generation of scientific researchers and philologists using the example of a Russian scientist. The international scientific and practical conference "Nurgaliev Readings- XIV: the scientific community of the 21st century. Philological sciences".

Rymgali Nurgali is known not only as a prominent scholar and the founder of the theory of Kazakh dramaturgy, but also as a writer, literary critic, and translator whose academic and creative work has had a profound impact on public discourse, education, science, and culture. His scholarly and literary contributions are recognized far beyond the borders of Kazakhstan. Translated into numerous languages, his works remain relevant to this day and continue to serve as a respected foundation for many young researchers around the world.

The decade-long forum brought together undergraduate and graduate students, as well as doctoral candidates, who competed in themed contests — from expressive reading of literary texts and essay writing to presentations and theatrical performances based on literary works. With over 150 participants, the events showcased a deep understanding of Rymgali Nurgali’s life and legacy, as well as a high level of creativity and skill across all categories.

In the Kazakh-language essay competition, first place was awarded to Alina Asylbek (Master’s program, QTÄ-11), supervised by Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor S. Aituganova, Second place went to Fariza Seitbay (Finance-17), under the supervision of Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor M. Kanafina, and third place was awarded to Daniyar Ikhsan (Doctoral program in Literary Studies), supervised by Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor K. Kemenger. In the Russian-language essay competition, first place was rightfully awarded to Aruana Rakhimzhanova (Qq-13), supervised by Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor S. Toksanova. Second place went to Damila Abigerova (QTÄ-11), supervised by Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor Zh. K. Nurmanova, and third place to Dilnaz Umarova (RYaL-36), supervised by Doctor of Philology, Professor Zh. Beysenova.

In the Kazakh-language expressive reading competition, first place was awarded to Aqylzhan Ämrenov (dedicated to the spirit of R. Nurgali) (SHT-11, Faculty of Philology), under the supervision of PhD, Associate Professor A. Auezova Second place went to Nizami Almagambetov for a performance of M. Shakhanov’s “Ghaisha Zhengei” (FQT-11, Faculty of Philology), supervised by Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor L. Mukazhanova. Third place was shared by the following participants: Akböpe Muratbekkyzy (QTÄ–15) , performing M. Zhumabayev’s “Sagyndym”, supervised by Senior Lecturer G. Zhumakasova; Akbota Erzhanqyzy (QTÄ–19, Faculty of Philology)  performing M. Shakhanov’s “Makhambet’s Last Words”, supervised by PhD, Associate Professor A. Akisheva; and Zhansaya Zhanatova (FQT–13, Faculty of Philology), supervised by Master of Arts, Senior Lecturer D. Tolbayeva. In the Russian-language expressive reading competition, first place was awarded to Aibar Gaysaev for a performance of B. Okudzhava’s “The First Day at the Front” (International Law-11, Faculty of Law), under the supervision of Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor S. Toksanova. Second place went to Asyl Zakarina for a reading of M. Tsvetaeva’s “Meeting with Pushkin” (Qq-15), supervised by Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor A. Khamidova. Third place was awarded to Inara Smailova for her performance of A. Blok’s “Carmen” (RYaL-42), under the supervision of Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor L. Mukazhanova.

The presentation competition was held in the format of video projects and slide shows created by the participants. First place was awarded to a video produced by students of group SH-01 – Daniyal Kuanyshkaliyev, Jasmin Ermekova, Amira Omarova, and Symbat Zhoraeva – under the supervision of Doctor of Philology, Professor K. Nurgali and PhD, Senior Lecturer Zh. Azkenova. Second place went to Jasmina Khamitzhan (FQT-11), supervised by Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor L. Mukazhanova. Third place was awarded to Yelaman Abdulkhamitov (QQ-01), under the guidance of Senior Lecturer G. Zhumakasova.

The most captivating and dynamic event was the theatrical performance competition. According to the jury’s decision, first place was awarded to the play “Ayaqtalmağan tragediya” (“The Unfinished Tragedy”), dedicated to the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, staged by students of group QTÄ-15 (Faculty of Philology), under the direction of Master of Arts, Senior Lecturer A. Kenzhegulova. Second place was shared by two performances: “Külpäsh” (OHM-11), supervised by Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor Z. M. Nurzhanova, and “Bayan Batyr”, performed by students majoring in Biology and Meteorology, under the guidance of Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor A. Tusupova.  Third place was also shared between two productions: “Ult ustazy. R. Nurgali: A Creative Path” (KYaL-05), supervised by Senior Lecturer G. Zhumakasova, and “Beu, qyzdar-ai!”, a lyrical comedy (QTÄ-11), under the supervision of Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor Zh. Nurmanova. In addition, the Audience Choice Award was presented to the production “Aisulu”, performed by students majoring in Law and directed by Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor Zh. Nurmanova

Another highlight of the program was the roundtable discussion titled “The Relevance of Academician R. Nurgali’s Views on Literature and Culture.” The session featured a series of thought-provoking presentations exploring the enduring significance of R. Nurgali’s scholarly and socio-cultural ideas, as well as the relevance of his academic legacy in shaping the future of the humanities today.  

The central event of the decade was the international academic conference “Nurgali Readings – XIV: The Scientific Community of the 21st Century. Philological Sciences,” held from March 12 to 14. The opening ceremony featured remarks from the university’s Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Ardaq Beisenbai, and the Dean of the Faculty of Philology, Serıkzat Düisenğazy. This annual forum has once again proven its vitality and relevance, bringing together over 250 participants from universities across Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation (Moscow, Kazan, Taganrog), Belarus (Grodno), Moldova, Uzbekistan (Karakalpakstan), Kyrgyzstan, as well as from Poland (Katowice) and Romania (Iași). Distinguished scholars in the field of philology joined forces with students, master’s and doctoral candidates to engage in meaningful discussions on pressing issues in linguistics, literature, and education at both secondary and higher levels. Special thanks were extended to long-time partner institutions, who have remained loyal collaborators and co-organizers of the Nurgali Readings for the past 14 years. Participants expressed confidence that the geographical reach of the conference will continue to expand each year, attracting new voices, uniting scholars across the humanities, and fostering a dynamic platform for dialogue between experienced researchers and emerging academics.

The decade concluded with a ceremonial closing event, where academic supervisors were honored with letters of appreciation, prize winners received diplomas and gifts from the organizers, and all participants were awarded certificates of participation.