“Sayat-kora” by Shakarim is a phenomenal phenomenon

On the eve of the celebration of Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a scientific meeting on the topic “100 years of Sayat-Kore” and “125 years since the birth of Akhat Shakarimuly” was held at Shakarim University. The event was organized by the Shakari Studies Scientific Center together with the History and Archeology Scientific Center.

The scientific meeting, held at the Shakarim Museum, brought together the head of the Scientific Center "Shakari Studies" Turdykul Shanbay, the head of the Scientific Center "History and Archeology" Erkin Rakhmetullin, the head of the publishing company "Zhardem", poet, publisher-researcher Aidar Gali-Arystanuly, historian, researcher at the Shakarim Museum Gulnur Tortenova, senior librarian Aisaule Muratbaeva, deputy director for educational work at Shakarim High School Ernar Kazhenov, as well as undergraduates, students and schoolchildren.

During the meeting, a meaningful exchange of views took place, issues of promising and current directions for further research were comprehensively discussed.

It is known from history that Zhidebay occupied a special place in the life and work of the great Kazakh poet and thinker Abai. Similarly, in the life and work of the outstanding Russian writer Leo Tolstoy, Yasnaya Polyana played a special role, which he wrote about with deep emotion in his memoirs. Today Yasnaya Polyana by Leo Tolstoy and Zhidebay Abai have received world cultural recognition.

Shakarim’s “Sayat-kora” also occupied an exceptional place in his life and work. During the period of political upheaval at the beginning of the 20th century, Shakarim became a victim of repression, his name was forgotten, and Sayat-Kora also found itself in the shadows of history. However, with the gaining of independence and the rehabilitation of the leaders of Alash, the venerable name of Shakarim returned to its people, and “Sayat-Kora” began to be perceived as a significant phenomenon of Kazakh culture.

It should be noted that today researchers face many tasks related to the comprehensive study of Sayat-Kora. These questions became the subject of discussion at the last scientific meeting.

Shakarim’s “Sayat-kora” began to be considered as a historical and cultural value in the context of historical and educational research. Recently, a fundamental academic work by scientists Erlan Sydykov and Turdykul Shanbai was published entitled “Shakarim's Sayat-kora as a historical and cultural value: the problem of loneliness and freedom,” which was highly appreciated in scientific circles.

Head of the Scientific Center “Shakari Studies” Turdykul Shanbai notes:

“In adulthood, Shakarim consciously sought solitude. He built “Sayat-Kora” in a remote mountain gorge and lived there, voluntarily withdrawing from society in search of freedom. The phenomenon of his solitude has not yet been specifically considered in Kazakh philosophical thought. “Sayat-kora” is a sacred value. The fate of the outstanding thinker, classical poet and historian Shakarim Kudaiberdiev was extremely difficult. Considering the phenomenon of Shakarim in the context of the sacred “Sayat-kora”, we inevitably encounter the problem of loneliness and freedom. Shakarim with his high spirit was not accepted by either the tsarist authorities or the Soviet regime. He was concerned about the fate of humanity and the future of the nation. The revolutionary events of the early 20th century brought tragedy to the people, and death to Shakarim himself. Striving for a fair structure of human society, he developed the philosophical concept of the “Teaching of Conscience” (“Ar Ilimi”), and this wise legacy was created precisely in “Sayat-Kor”. Therefore, the significance of “Sayat-kora” in Kazakh culture is truly great. That is why we are here today to discuss this topic.”

As part of the scientific session, the life and legacy of Akhat Shakarimula, whose 125th birth anniversary is celebrated this year, was also reviewed. His feat - in preserving and collecting his father's legacy during the years of persecution, as well as in reburying his remains in Zhidebai with due honors - has special historical significance. Five years ago, under the leadership of Turdykuly Kasenula, the first academic edition of the works of Akhat Shakarimula was published, which formed the basis for the publications published this year. The first fundamental collection of his works was published by the Zhardem publishing house.

Head of the Scientific Center “History and Archeology” Erkin Rakhmetullin noted that Shakarim’s “Sayat-kora” is being actively studied from a historical and archaeological point of view, and significant results have already been achieved in this direction.

Thus, “Sayat-kora” today is considered not only as Shakarim’s personal place of solitude, but also as an important component of Kazakh spirituality, philosophy and history.

The scientific meeting held opens up new opportunities for continuing research, putting forward fresh scientific ideas and a deeper understanding of the phenomenon of Shakarim’s personality.