The international round table “the Meridian of Saka: History, Science and Modern Challenges”

On May 16, 2025, the international round table “the Meridian of Saka: History, Science and Modern Challenges” was held at the Turan University. It was organized by the Center for Regional Studies at the Higher school of international relations and diplomacy of the Turan University, and the Esik State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve.

An organizing committee was elected to hold the conference, which included:

• Chairman: Alshanov Rakhman Alshanovich, President of the Association of Universities of Kazakhstan, Rector of the Turan University, doctor of economics, professor.
• Deputy Chairman: Razakova Dina Ibragimovna, Vice-Rector for strategic development, science and innovation, candidate of economic Sciences, PhD.

Members of the organizing committee:

• Mukhambedyarova A.T., Director of the Higher school of international relations and diplomacy, doctor of political sciences, professor;
• Kamalov A.K., Director of the Center for regional studies, doctor of historical sciences, professor;
• Karimova Z.K., associate professor of the Higher school of international relations and diplomacy, candidate of historical sciences;
• Orzhanova U.K., associate professor of the Higher school of international relations and diplomacy, candidate of historical sciences;
• Kulumzhanov N.E., associate professor, PhD, Head of the Philosophical Community “Zholshy”.

The event brought together leading experts from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and other countries, facilitating an in-depth discussion of issues

The welcoming speech was given by Alshanov R.A., President of the association of universities of Kazakhstan, Rector of the “Turan” University, doctor of economics, professor.

Key reports:

• Omarova G.S., Director of the Center “Institute of Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies” SC of the MES of the RK, candidate of philological sciences (Kazakhstan). Topic of the report: “Alyp Er Tony Turkic Epic and Cultural Memory”.
  The report revealed the significance of the figure of Alyp Er Tony in the Turkic epic and cultural memory, as well as his role in the formation of national identity.
• Oshan Zhanymkhan, candidate of historical sciences, Head of the Department of Ancient and Medieval History of Kazakhstan and Neighboring Countries, Institute of History and Ethnology named after Ch.Ch. Valikhanov.
  In his speech, the author emphasized the importance of the Saka civilization as the basis of historical continuity in the territory of Central Asia.
• Khodjaev Ahad, head of the Center for the History of Central Asia, Abu Raykhon Beruniy Institute of Oriental Studies, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, doctor of historical sciences (the Republic of Uzbekistan). Topic of the report: “Information from ancient Chinese sources about the Sakas”. Analysis of Chinese sources allowed us to reconstruct important aspects of the Saka history, as well as to identify international connections and cultural borrowings.
• Dzhumaniyazova Feruza, Senior Researcher, Institute of Oriental Studies named after Abu Rayhon Beruniy, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, PhD, (the Republic of Uzbekistan).
  Topic of the report: “On the Sakas of North-Eastern India”.
  The report was devoted to a little-studied aspect – the influence and presence of the Saka tribes in the north-eastern regions of India. The author examined written and archaeological evidence that reveals the crossroads of cultural contacts in South Asia.
• Hamit Aitkul, Scientific Secretary, State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “Esik” (Kazakhstan).
  Topic of the report: “Sarytogay – saktar alkaby”. The study is dedicated to the Saka archaeological sites in the Sarytogay Valley, indicating their significance in the historical and territorial structure of the Saka world.
• Gasanov Zaur, Deputy Director for scientific affairs, Institute of archeology and anthropology, National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, doctor of historical sciences (the Republic of Azerbaijan).
  Topic of the report: “The Problem of the Ethnic Origin of the Scythian-Sakas”
  The presentation caused a lively discussion on the issues of ethnogenesis, at the intersection of linguistic, archaeological and historical approaches.
• Torlanbaeva K.U., doctor of historical sciences, associate professor of Higher School of international relations and diplomacy.
  Topic of the report: “Historical Milestones of the Scythian-Saka Period in the History of the Great Steppe”.
  The report highlights the key stages in the development of the civilization of nomadic tribes and their contribution to the civilizational development of the steppe Eurasia.

Following the conference:

• A resolution was adopted with recommendations for the preservation of the cultural and natural heritage of the region;
• An agreement was reached on regularly holding the event in the format of a scientific forum;
• The importance of an interdisciplinary approach in the research and development of the Saki region was emphasized.

The conference organizers express special gratitude to all conference participants.