“Shakarim” Kazakh-Chinese Cultural Research Center Opened at Xi’an Jiaotong University
Scientific and innovative cooperation between Kazakhstan and China has entered a new stage.
On November 6, a significant event took place at one of China’s leading universities — Xi’an Jiaotong University — with the participation of Shakarim University: the grand opening of the “Shakarim” Kazakh-Chinese Cultural Research Center.
The event was held within the framework of the international conference dedicated to the “Belt and Road” initiative, symbolizing a new milestone in academic and cultural partnership between the two nations.
Established with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and through the partnership between Shakarim University and Xi’an Jiaotong University, the center is named after the great Kazakh philosopher Shakarim Kudaiberdyuly. It is the first institutional center abroad dedicated to promoting his intellectual and spiritual legacy.
The opening ceremony was attended by the official Kazakh delegation: Vice Minister of Science and Higher Education Gulzat Kobenova, Consul General of Kazakhstan in Xi’an Zhoshykhan Kyraubaev, Rector of Shakarim University Duman Orynbekov, Vice-Rector Yerasyl Dulatbai, and Head of the Shakarim Studies Center Turdykul Shangbai.
The key mission of the international center is to introduce Chinese audiences to the spiritual heritage of the Kazakh people — particularly the philosophical ideas of Shakarim — and to deepen cultural and scientific collaboration between Kazakhstan and China.
Visitors can explore unique bilingual materials about Shakarim’s life and works, as well as exhibits showcasing the evolution of Kazakh culture from ancient times to the present day.
Rector Duman Orynbekov expressed his sincere gratitude to President Zhang Liqun of Xi’an Jiaotong University and to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan for uniting the academic and cultural initiatives of both nations under a shared strategy based on trust, scientific progress, and mutual development.
“The opening of the ‘Shakarim’ Kazakh-Chinese Cultural Research Center is a historic milestone. For our university, which proudly bears Shakarim’s name, this collaboration is a great achievement. The partnership between Shakarim University and Xi’an Jiaotong University fosters a space of trust and friendship that connects cultures and generations. I am confident that the center will promote the scientific and cultural achievements of both countries,” he said.
Vice Minister Gulzat Kobenova noted:
“The establishment of the Shakarim Center aligns with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s strategy to advance intellectual economy and cultural diplomacy. Culture and education are the essence of human capital and the driving forces of progress. The Shakarim Center is a symbol of trust, partnership, and the pursuit of knowledge.”
The opening of the “Shakarim” Kazakh-Chinese Cultural Research Center marks a new milestone in educational and cultural cooperation between Kazakhstan and China. This initiative aims to promote Shakarim Kudaiberdyuly’s spiritual heritage globally.
Through its activities, scholars and students from both countries will have opportunities for joint research and cultural exchange, making the Center a new spiritual home of Kazakh culture abroad and a bridge connecting East and West.