Leader of Alash – Alikhan Bukeikhan

As part of a scientific conference dedicated to the 160th anniversary of the birth of the prominent figure of the Alash movement, Alikhan Bukeikhan, the Academic Library of L.N. Gumilyov ENU prepared a book exhibition titled «From Alikhan Studies to Alash Studies».

The main purpose of the exhibition – was to popularize the life and socio-political activities of the well-known public and state leader of the Kazakh people, Alikhan Bukeikhan, in his struggle for national freedom. It also aimed to broadly introduce readers to the history of the Alash movement, the formation of the national press, and the heritage of Alash figures and the Kazakh intelligentsia.

Alikhan Bukeikhan was a significant and influential historical figure who fought for the freedom of the nation and the independence of his country. His ideas and works became the spiritual foundation for the formation of modern independent Kazakhstan.

The book exhibition included the following sections: «The Heritage of Alikhan Bukeikhan», «Mass Political Repressions of the 1920-1940s», «Foundations of the Kazakh Press», «Figures of Alash Movement», and «National Leaders».

The first section introduced visitors to the 15-volume collection of Alikhan Bukeikhan’s works, published under the editorship of the well-known Alash researcher S. Akkuly. It also presented the 12-volume archival documents «The Alashorda Case. 1920-1940. Documents and Materials», based on historical sources. These works contain previously unknown information about the lives and activities of Alash figures. The publication is considered a highly valuable scientific collection based on unique archival documents gathered during the work of the State Commission for the Full Rehabilitation of Victims of Political Repressions.

The section «Foundations of the Kazakh Press» presented valuable publications reflecting the period of formation of Kazakh journalism. Among them were the newspaper «Kazakh» 1913, 1914, 1915; the journal «Aiqap» 1911, 1912; the newspaper «Saryarka» 1917-1919; and the newspaper «Birlik Tuy» 1917-1918.

At the exhibition, visitors could also see scientific collections dedicated to the history of the Alash movement and works by its prominent representatives – Alikhan Bukeikhan, Akhmet Baitursynov, Zhusipbek Aimauytov, Mirzhakyp Dulatov, Khalel Dosmukhamedov, Magzhan Zhumabayev, Smagul Sadvakasov, and others. In addition, readers were introduced to the works of researchers studying the Alash movement, including  E. Sydykov, T. Zhurtbay, D. Kamzabekuly, S. Akkuly, and other scholars.

Guests and readers who visited the exhibition became acquainted with the presented literature and gained new insights into the history of the Alash movement and the activities of the Kazakh intelligentsia in their struggle for the country’s independence.