ENU Brings Together Young Historians at the National Student Olympiad

The L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University hosted a national olympiad for students from higher education institutions across Kazakhstan on the topic “Ulus of Jochi – The Golden Horde and the History of Kazakh Statehood”. Organised as part of ENU’s 30th anniversary celebrations, the intellectual competition aimed to deepen young people’s historical knowledge and foster greater interest in national history.

The event featured an address by Baizhuman Kashkynbay, Director of ENU’s Academic Affairs Department, who emphasised the importance of studying the history of the Ulus of Jochi and the Golden Horde in understanding the historical origins of Kazakh statehood.

“Studying the history of the Ulus of Jochi and the Golden Horde enables us to gain a deeper understanding of the historical roots of Kazakh statehood. Competitions of this kind not only broaden young people's historical horizons but also stimulate their interest in academic research. It is particularly important for students to enhance their knowledge in this field and present the findings of their own research,” he noted.

Omirbay Bekmaganbetov, Dean of ENU’s Faculty of History, highlighted the role of intellectual competitions in deepening students’ knowledge of national history and developing their research skills.

“The main objective of the Olympiad is to encourage students’ interest in national history and develop their skills in working with historical sources and conducting academic analysis. The heritage of the Ulus of Jochi and the Golden Horde holds a special place in the history of Kazakh statehood. Therefore, it is essential for young researchers to explore this topic comprehensively,” Dean emphasised.

Maksat Alpysbes, Head of the Golden Horde Civilisation Department, outlined the objectives and format of the Olympiad. According to him, the competition provides an opportunity to assess students’ historical knowledge and reveal their academic potential.

“The national olympiad gives students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of the history of the Ulus of Jochi, the Golden Horde, and Kazakh statehood, as well as to showcase their research abilities. Participants are required to prepare a video presentation, write an essay, complete a test, and demonstrate their knowledge during a question-and-answer session. Our main objective is to increase young people's interest in historical heritage and develop their research skills,” Maksat Alpysbes noted.

The olympiad included four stages: a video presentation, an essay, a test, and a Q&A session. Participants demonstrated their knowledge of the history of the Ulus of Jochi, the Golden Horde, and the formation of Kazakh statehood, while also sharing their experience.

Students from higher education institutions all over Kazakhstan, accompanied by their academic supervisors, took part in the national olympiad. The intellectual competition provided a platform for broadening young people's historical horizons and encouraging greater academic interest in the study of national history.