Discussion of Ualitkhan Tanashov’s Legacy in Atyrau Based on New Research at Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University

An international scientific-practical conference titled “The Life and Activities of Alash Activist Ualitkhan Tanashov: New Data and Research” was held at Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University.

The conference focused on revisiting the life of Uälitkhan Sharafiddinuly Tanashov, a prominent public figure, lawyer, and representative of the Alash movement, who played a significant role in the formation of Kazakh statehood in the early 20th century. Scholars analyzed his contributions using contemporary scientific approaches and newly uncovered data.

The event was opened by Salamat Idrissov, Chairman of the Board and Rector of Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University, who emphasized the importance of studying historical figures through new evidence. Greetings and remarks were delivered by academics from Sumgait State University: PhD Yusufali Hasanov, Doctor of Economic Sciences Shafa Aliyev, and Gulmira Tashyanova, a member of the Tashenov family.

During the conference, historians from Kazakhstan and abroad presented research on Tanashov’s socio-political activities and the complex historical processes of the Alash Orda period. Notably, Professor Jamiga Tanatarova of Atyrau University highlighted previously unknown aspects of Tanashov’s life and career. Marina Imasheva, Senior Researcher at the Sh. Marjani Institute of History of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan (participating online), analyzed Tanashov’s life in Astrakhan based on archival materials from the Astrakhan Regional State Archive.

Key topics included land issues in the history of the Alash movement, discussed by Professor Uzakbay Ismagulov, and the integration of Kazakh lands into the Kazakh SSR, historically analyzed by Auezkhan Shashayev. Sources relating to Tanashov in Tatar and Kazakh communities were presented by Khalida Bagautdinova (online), while Professor Aldar Sarsenov discussed his state service.

Professor Akkali Akhmet addressed Tanashov’s role in resolving border issues, Serik Kuanysh analyzed the evolution of the Kazakh Soviet administrative elite, and Raisa Tastemirova introduced documents about Tanashov from archival collections. The conference concluded with a presentation by religious scholar Yernar Abzaluly on the role of Alash activists in the global Muslim movement.

The international conference provided a platform to deepen understanding of Ualitkhan Tanashov as a historical figure and to explore his contributions to the political and legal development of Kazakh society from a fresh perspective.