Scholars of the Department of Political Science at ENU held academic meetings in Omsk on the topic of national identity

Associate Professors of the Department of Political Science at L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Tengesh Kalenova and Gauhar Abdrakhmanova, undertook a research visit to Omsk (Russian Federation) within the framework of the program-targeted funding project BR28713029 entitled “The Study of the Social Role of Folk Art in the Formation of Modern National Identity: Transformation and Reconstruction of Spiritual Culture.”

The visit was organized at the invitation of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Research Institute for Cultural and Natural Heritage named after D. S. Likhachev and aimed at implementing the key objectives of the project.

During the visit, joint research consultations were held with scholars of the institute, and in-depth discussions took place on issues of national identity, the social potential of folk art, and the transformation of spiritual culture in contemporary society.

As part of expanding academic cooperation, meetings were held with faculty members and students of the branch of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, opened on the basis of Dostoevsky Omsk State University. Officially launched in November 2024 with the participation of the Presidents of Kazakhstan and Russia, the branch became the first subdivision of a Kazakhstani university operating in the Russian Federation.

The branch currently offers educational programs in “International Law,” “Philology,” “Customs Affairs,” and “Kazakh Language and Literature.” The educational process involves leading Kazakhstani and Russian scholars and is conducted in Kazakh, Russian, and English. Upon completion of the four-year program, graduates receive internationally recognized diplomas.

Special attention during the visit was given to cooperation with public associations. The researchers met with representatives of the public organization Omsk Kazakhs and conducted joint research activities.

Founded in 2008 and officially registered in 2014, the organization plays an important role in strengthening interethnic and interfaith harmony in the region, promoting Kazakh culture, preserving traditions, and fostering patriotic education among youth.

Since 2014, the organization has published the monthly cultural and educational newspaper “Omby Qazaqtary,” distributed across 21 districts of the Omsk region.

The organization also operates creative groups, language clubs, and youth initiatives aimed at preserving cultural heritage and promoting intercultural dialogue in the Siberian region.