Exploring Cultural Heritage: L.N. Gumilyov ENU Scholars Conducted Field Research in Taraz

Between 5 and 14 June 2026, within the framework of the research project “Exploring the Social Role of Folk Creativity in the Formation of Contemporary National Identity: Transformation and Reconstruction of Spiritual Culture,” Associate Professors of the Department of Political Science at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Candidates of Historical Sciences - Project Leader Tengesh Kalenova and Chief Researcher Gauhar Abdrakhmanova - undertook a research visit to the city of Taraz.

During the visit, a meeting was held with researchers from the Sherkhan Murtaza Center for Spirituality and Historical Studies. The meeting presented the Center’s key research areas, as well as its archival and collection materials. Work was also conducted with sources related to oral folk traditions, ethnography, local history, and historical heritage. Particular attention was paid to discussing the role of folk creativity in shaping national identity.

As part of the research project, meetings and interviews were organized with local artisans specializing in traditional crafts, with the aim of studying regional craft practices. Among the participants were the renowned Kazakhstani artist, sculptor, and master of decorative and applied arts, a member of the Union of Artists of Kazakhstan, Kazym Amankosov, as well as folk craftswoman Saule Musaeva. The interviews addressed the significance of national crafts in contemporary society, their role in preserving cultural heritage, and their contribution to strengthening national identity. The artisans shared valuable insights into traditional felt-making, embroidery, jewelry-making, as well as wood and leather craftsmanship.

Additionally, within the framework of the project, a meeting was held with representatives of the state institution “Qogamdyq Kelisim” under the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan of the Zhambyl Region. The representatives provided detailed information about their activities aimed at ensuring social harmony and strengthening national unity in the region. Discussions also covered the current state of interethnic relations, the role of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan in maintaining social cohesion and stability, as well as initiatives and projects designed to reinforce civic identity. Particular attention was given to fostering a culture of dialogue, enhancing mutual respect and trust among ethnic groups, and promoting youth civic engagement.

A working meeting was also organized with representatives of regional ethnocultural associations, during which interviews were conducted regarding their activities and experiences in preserving cultural heritage. The meeting brought together representatives of Uzbek, Polish, Kurdish, Tatar-Bashkir, and Azerbaijani ethnocultural associations. Participants shared their perspectives on the role of ethnocultural organizations in strengthening social cohesion and interethnic cooperation in the region.

Among the participants were Abdurakhman Zainutdinov, a veteran of the Uzbek Cultural Center; Larisa Kalkova, Chair of the Polish Language and Culture Center “Polonez”; Abdukarim Isaevich, a veteran of the Kurdish ethnocultural association; Farida Nakish, Chair of the Zhambyl Regional Branch of the Republican Public Association “Congress of Tatars and Bashkirs of Kazakhstan”; and Zamana Ismailova, a representative of the Azerbaijani ethnocultural association and an employee of the KSU “Qogamdyq Kelisim.”

The materials collected during the interviews and meetings contribute to deepening the core directions of the research project, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the role of folk creativity in contemporary society and facilitating a multifaceted analysis of the processes of national identity formation.

As a result of the research visit to Taraz, valuable empirical materials were collected, which are essential for examining the role of folk creativity in preserving cultural heritage, strengthening ethnic and national identity, and ensuring social stability.