100th Anniversary of Temirbek Kozhakeyev: ENU Discusses the Future of Journalism

The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University hosted an International Research and Practical Conference “The Legacy of Temirbek Kozhakeyev and the New Media Era: Traditions, Transformation, Innovation.” The large-scale event was dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of Temirbek Kozhakeyev, one of the founders of the theory of Kazakh journalism and a prominent scholar and professor.

The main focus of the conference was the development of Kazakhstani journalism amid digitalization and rapid technological transformation in the media sector. Participants discussed how Temirbek Kozhakeyev’s scholarly and creative legacy can remain relevant to contemporary journalism, as well as issues related to training specialists who meet the demands of a changing labor market.

Particular attention was paid to the scholar’s works that have become part of the golden heritage of national journalism, including “Qazaq Satirasy,” “Satira Negizderi,” “Zhas Tilshiler Serigi,” “Adam Zhane Zaman,” and other research works, textbooks, and teaching materials. Their significance was considered not only from the perspective of the history of journalism, but also in the context of contemporary approaches to professional education.

The conference brought together representatives of the academic and professional communities. Participants included members of the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan, government and public figures, civil servants, poets and writers, scholars, faculty members, as well as students and followers of Temirbek Kozhakeyev. Researchers from Türkiye, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Karakalpakstan, along with international professors and scholars, also joined the discussion.

Opening the conference, Nurzhan Kuantayev, Director of the ENU Higher School of Journalism and Social Sciences, emphasized the importance of Temirbek Kozhakeyev’s 100th anniversary for understanding the history and current state of Kazakh journalism.

According to him, turning to the scholarly legacy of the distinguished academic not only helps preserve historical continuity but also allows for identifying new directions for the development of journalism amid digital transformation. Nurzhan Kuantayev also emphasized the importance of preserving and passing on Temirbek Kozhakeyev’s rich scholarly and literary legacy to future generations.

Doctor of Philology and Professor Namazaly Omashuly spoke about the scholar’s life and pedagogical legacy.

“Temirbek Kozhakeyev was a remarkable individual who educated several generations of Kazakhstani journalists. He was a legendary figure. As Dean of the Faculty of Journalism, he lived up to the great trust placed in him. Even after retirement, he continued to lecture future specialists in Kazakh journalism, remaining a true Teacher. The bright memory of his worthy and exemplary life will forever remain in the memory of our people,” said Namazaly Omashuly.

During the conference, researchers examined key aspects of the scholar’s legacy. Topics included “Temirbek Kozhakeyev: Citizen, Scholar, Public Figure,” “T. Kozhakeyev and the Theoretical School of Kazakh Journalism: Traditions, Continuity, New Paradigms,” and “The Theory and Poetics of Kazakh Satire: From Temirbek Kozhakeyev’s Research to Contemporary Media Satire.”

Dikhan Kamzabekuly, Member of the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan and ENU Professor, highlighted the scholar’s significant contribution to the study of Kazakh satire and the legacy of the figures of the Alash movement.

Nurtore Zhussip, a member of the National Council of Public Trust, shared personal memories of Temirbek Kozhakeyev, from his first encounter with the scholar to the final years of his life.

Doctor of Philology Serik Negimov, speaking about the scholar’s pedagogical legacy, cited examples from his lectures and concluded his presentation with Temirbek Kozhakeyev’s words: “Those who do not know the history of the press know nothing.”

Bibigul Zheksenbai, President of the Club of Chief Editors of Kazakhstan, also shared her memories of the distinguished educator. She noted the active participation of young people in the conference and emphasized the importance of preserving the younger generation’s interest in the history and traditions of Kazakhstani journalism.

One of the memorable moments of the conference was the presentation of commemorative medals specially issued to mark Temirbek Kozhakeyev’s 100th anniversary. The scholar’s son, Madet Temirbekuly, presented the commemorative awards to his father’s students and followers.

Following the international conference, participants adopted recommendations aimed at improving contemporary journalism education and further developing professional training for specialists amid the transformation of the media environment.