International Conference “The Great Patriotic War: The Path of Courage and Heroism” Held at Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University

Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University hosted an international scientific and practical conference titled “The Great Patriotic War: The Path of Courage and Heroism”, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory and the 100th anniversary of war hero Kenzhebay Madenov, who was the first to raise the Victory Banner over the Berlin Town Hall.
The conference was held to promote the historical significance of the Great Victory and to honor the heroic legacy of Kenzhebay Madenov as a role model for future generations. It brought together Kazakhstani and international scholars, historians, faculty members, students, and media representatives.
The event was opened by Salamat Idrissov, Chairman of the Board – Rector of Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University, who congratulated attendees on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Victory and the centenary of Kenzhebay Madenov. Keynote speeches were delivered by Nurzhan Yermukhanov, Deputy Akim of Atyrau city; Murat Uteshov, Chairman of the Atyrau Regional Branch of the national public association “Organization of Veterans”; and Professor Sergey Neganov, Director of the State Archive of Perm (Perm, Russia).
Special attention was given to the life and heroic deed of Kenzhebay Madenov. His act of raising the Victory Banner over the Berlin Town Hall was highlighted as a pivotal moment in military history. The participants emphasized the importance of instilling patriotism and national pride in youth by honoring the deeds of national heroes.
Among the distinguished speakers were Akkali Akhmet, Research Fellow at the Kh.B. Tabildiev Caspian Regional Research Institute of History, Archaeology and Ethnology; Colonel (Ret.) Roman Maksotov, Chairman of the Atyrau Branch of the National Security Committee Veterans Association; Professor Sholpan Janzakova of the Department of Psychology and Pedagogy; Professor Nasriddin Nazarov of Chirchik State Pedagogical University (Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan); Professor Arkady Pankin, Director of the B.B. Gorodovikov Research Center of Kalmyk State University of the Russian Academy of Education (Elista, Russia); and Albert Burkhanov, Director of the Regional Studies Institute at the MGA “Europe-Asia” (Tatarstan, Russia).
“Over time, the importance of major historical events becomes increasingly clear. On the 80th anniversary of the Soviet people’s victory in the Great Patriotic War, it is evident that Kenzhebay Madenov is worthy of the title ‘Khalyk Kakharmany’ (National Hero) and Hero of Russia. He deserves these honors not only for his military heroism, but also for his noble postwar life and the values he instilled in his descendants—raising patriotic and loyal citizens. His life story serves as a shining example for future generations,” noted Professor Arkady Pankin.
During the conference, Deputy Akim of Atyrau Nurzhan Yermukhanov, Chairman Murat Uteshov, and the hero’s son, Makhambet Madenov, held a ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the launch of the book “Ratushaga tu tikken kazakh batyry” (“The Kazakh Hero Who Raised the Banner Over the Town Hall”).

 

“Today’s conference presented in-depth research into the history of the Great Patriotic War and Kazakhstan’s contribution to the Great Victory, along with a historical evaluation of the immortal act and noble life of Kenzhebay Madenov. On behalf of the Madenov family, I express our heartfelt gratitude to all the researchers, historians, and journalists who have thoroughly studied and appreciated my father’s heroism,” said Makhambet Madenov in his closing remarks.

 

At the conclusion of the event, Azhar Berikkaliyeva, Head of the Karatobe District Museum, on behalf of the Akim of Karatobe District, expressed gratitude for the high-level organization of the conference and presented letters of appreciation to Rector Salamat Idrissov and the descendants of Kenzhebay Madenov.