Dr. of Science in History, Professor, President of Central Eurasian Studies Society (CESS)
Contact
16-A Satpayev St., Almaty
050013 Republic of Kazakhstan
Telephone: 260-40-29
E-mail: a.kamalov@turan.edu-kz
The Center for Regional Studies was established in 2020 to study problems of regional studies and international relations and to strengthen the academic component of the relevant educational programs of the university.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE “AT THE CEOSSROADS OF CULTURES: JEWS OF CENTRAL ASIA AND THE CAUCASUS”, 6-8 JUNE 2025
On June 6-8, 2025, the Center for Regional Studies of Turan University, together with the Research Center of the Jewish Museum and the Center for Tolerance (Moscow, Russia) and the Ben-Zvi Institute (Jerusalem, Israel), will organize the III International conference “At the Crossroads of Cultures: Jews of Central Asia and the Caucasus.”
The conference will focus on the interaction and mutual influence of various Jewish groups and their neighbors, other ethnic groups and faiths in Central Asia and the Caucasus during the “colonial era” of the 19th and 20th centuries and at present time. The first stage of this international conference will be held on June 4 at the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center in Moscow, where 11 reports will be discussed. The second stage of the conference will be organized at Turan University in Almaty. 21 reports of researchers from around the world will be heard here: they will cover a wide range of issues related to the impact of modernization and migration on the life of Jewish communities, political activism and interaction with the authorities, relations and interaction with local and foreign (Jewish and non-Jewish) populations, as well as related to cultural history and assimilation processes and language policy.
The conference will feature a round table on the topic “Studying the minorities of Central Asia and the Caucasus in the 19th–20th centuries: is there a place for Jews?”, as well as a presentation of a special issue of the journal “Central Asian Survey” (London), dedicated to the history and culture of Jews in Central Asia and the Caucasus (No. 44 (2), 2025) edited by Zeev Levin (Jerusalem).
The conference participants will be offered a cultural program, including a trip to the Medeo alpine skating rink. The organizing committee of the conference includes Svetlana Amosova, Elena Fomenko and Elena Deka (Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center, Moscow), Zeev Levin (Ben-Zvi Institute for the Study of Jewish Communities in the East, Jerusalem) and Ablet K. Kamalov, Director of the Center for Regional Studies, Turan University. Check the program of the Conference here.
On June 6–8, 2025, the Center for Regional Studies at the Higher School of International Relations and Diplomacy of Turan University will host the 3rd International Conference «At the Crossroads of Cultures: Jews of Central Asia and the Caucasus.» The conference is organized by the Research Center of the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center (Moscow) in collaboration with the Ben-Zvi Institute (Jerusalem) and Turan University (Almaty), with the support of the Central Eurasian Studies Society (CESS). The conference will focus on the interaction and mutual influence of various Jewish groups and their neighbors—different ethnic and religious communities—in Central Asia and the Caucasus during the «colonial era» of the 19th–20th centuries and in modern times. A wide range of topics will be discussed at the conference, including:
The impact of modernization and migration on Jewish communities;
Political activity and interaction with authorities;
Relations and interactions with local and foreign (both Jewish and non-Jewish) populations;
Cultural history and assimilation processes;
Languages and language policy.
Additionally, a special session will be dedicated to demographic crises and migration to Central Asia during World War II. Scholars researching topics beyond Jewish studies are also welcome to participate in this session.
Applications are accepted in Russian and English (simultaneous interpretation will be provided).
Application deadline: March 20, 2025
Selection results will be announced by: March 27, 2025
The Organizing Committee of the International Conference includes Professor Ablet Kayumovich Kamalov, Director of the Center for Regional Studies.
Goal
Conducting academic and applied research on problems of regional development in the historical past and at present stage within the framework of innovative and entrepreneurial activities of the University.
Tasks
working out of the issues of theory and practice of regional development;
cooperation with state authorities and local executive bodies, with business, professional associations and other interested parties for the joint design and implementation of regional development initiatives;
integration of educational, scientific, methodological, innovative and entrepreneurial activities of the University teaching staff and students;
development of the content of educational programs (EP) “Regional Studies” and “International Relations”;
attracting extra budgetary funds for the development of the activities of the Center;
creation of scientific, innovative and other means in the form of academic publications and other copyright objects;
development of international cooperation for the joint design and implementation of initiatives within the framework of the Center’s activities;
provision of scientific and methodological, consulting, expert and other types of service within the framework of research and expertise projects of the Center.
Main directions of activity
conducting theoretical and applied research and implementation of projects on regional development, on the issues of historical, cultural, social development of the regions of Kazakhstan and their relations with foreign countries.
creation of a platform for discussing topical issues of historical and modern development of the Central Asian region and adjacent parts of Eurasia through organization of seminars, conferences, symposiums, round tables, etc.
development of international cooperation for the joint design and implementation of initiatives on regional studies and international relations in the region.
Scientific projects
Oral history of migration of the 1950-1979s from China to Kazakhstan (2020-2022) Grant financing project of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Seminars on methodology of research in the sphere of oral history. Publications of results in the high impact journals (Scopus, Web of Science). Publication of collective monograph. Participation of a researcher from Indiana University (Bloomington, USA). Scientific supervisor: Ablet Kamalov.
Particularities of formation of civil Kazakhstani identity in the conditions of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict (2022-2024) Grant financing project for young scholars “Zhas ghalym” (Assyltayeva E.B.)
Identity aspects of qandas in the Kazakhstani society (2023-2025) Grant financing project for young scholars “Zhas ghalym” (Shakeyeva B.)
“Migration factor in Kazakhstan-Chinese relations ” (2023-2025)
Porject funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Conducting research of the
Chinese migration in Kazakhstan in the past and present. Organization of the International conference, seminars, publication of articles in
the journals with high impact factor. Publication of the collective monograph. Supervisor: Ablet K. Kamalov.
International projects
Towards alternative model of cultural heritage: mashraps in Kazakhstan (2018-2022)
Joint project with the University of London with financial support from the British Academy. Partner – School of Oriental and African Studies of the University of London (Prof. Rachel Harris). Publication of results in the high impact journals (Scopus), creation of a documentary film, holding seminars and round tables, cooperation with the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan.
“The Future of the Eurasian Migration System” (9-10 October 2023)
The International conference jointly held with the University of Lisbon (Portugal) and the Central Eurasian Studies Society (CESS).
Conveners: Prof. Ablet K. Kamalov and Dr. Antonio Eduardo Mendonca (Lisbon)
Conferences, seminars, round tables
Global Trialogue Forum “How to conceptualize, study and engage with state borders?” Central Eurasian Studies Society (CESS). Online webinar, April 7, 2023.
Speakers: Ablet Kamalov (Kazakhstan), Madeleine Reeves (UK), Decha Tangseefa (Japan)
Central Eurasian Studies Summer Institute, Summer school. University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA. June 12, 2023. Paper “Migration of 1950-1960s from China to Kazakhstan in the context of Great Game” (Prof. Ablet Kamalov)
Central Asia, Mongolia, Caucasus, Afghanistan (CAMCA) Regional Forum, Almaty. June 15-16.Participant: Ablet Kamalov.
Round table discussion devoted to the 300th anniversary of the birth of the Turkmen poet and thinker of the XVIII c. Makhtumkuli Fragi. March 1, 2023.
International Round table discussion with participation of the Consul of Turkmenistan in the city of Almaty, diplomatic representatives of Central Asian countries and Turkey, ethno-cultural associations of the Assembly of people of Kazakhstan. In collaboration with Foundation “Turan duniyasi” and Chair of Assembly of people of Kazakhstan of Turan University.
Phenomenon of the Kyrgyz epic work “Manas” in the world culture. April 25, 2023. International Round table discussion with participation of the Consul of Kyrgyzstan in the city of Almaty, diplomatic representatives of Central Asian countries and Turkey, ethno-cultural associations of the Assembly of people of Kazakhstan. In collaboration with Foundation “Turan duniyasi” and Chair of Assembly of people of Kazakhstan of Turan University.
Enlightening activity of the Uzbek jadids in the context of Intellectual history of Eurasia. May 25, 2023. International Round table discussion with participation of the Consul of Uzbekistan in the city of Almaty, diplomatic representatives of Central Asian countries and Turkey, ethno-cultural associations of the Assembly of people of Kazakhstan. In collaboration with Foundation “Turan duniyasi” and Chair of Assembly of people of Kazakhstan of Turan University.
Innovation discourse of development of teaching Regional studies in contemporary conditions, 2021. Online Round table discussion with participation of representatives of nine Kazakhstan universities training specialists in Educational program “Regional studies”. Recommendations on enhancement of research and education in the field of “Regional studies” are formulated.
Participation in partner’s projects
Turkic renaissance of the X-XVI cc. in the context of intellectual history of Central Asia, 2020-2022. Project of the Institute of Oriental studies named after R.B. Suleimenov, CS MSHE of RK (A.Kamalov, R. Karimova).
“History of Kazakhstan since ancient times until nowadays” in 7 volumes, 2021-2023. Project of the International Turkic Academy and the Institute of History and Ethnology named after Ch. Valikhanov, CS MSHE of RK (K. Torlanbayeva, A. Kamalov).
Written civilization of the ancient Turkic and Uyghur epochs in the history of Central Asia, 2021-2023. Project of International Institute of culture financed by the US Embassy in Kazakhstan (A. Kamalov)
Our partners
School of Oriental and African studies of the University of London, UK
Department of Eurasian studies of Indiana University, Bloomington, USA
International Turkic Academy, Astana
Institute of Oriental studies named after R.B. Suleimenov, CS MSHE of Kazakhstan
Institute if Philosophy, Political science and Religion studies, CS MSHE of Kazakhstan
Foundation of culture of Turkic peoples “Turan duniyasi”, Almaty
International research Institute of culture, Almaty
Kazakh Center for Humanitarian and Political conjuncture
Publications
1. PUBLICATIONS IN THE JOURNALS INDEXED IN SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE
Камалов А.К. (ред.) Устная история миграции 1950-1970 гг. из Китая в Казахстан. Алматы: Мир, 2022. – 252 с.
Kamalov A. Review. Soviet policy in Xinjiang: Stalin and the national movement in Eastern Turkistan by Jamil Hasanli, Lanham, Lexington Books, 2021, 283 pp. // Central Asian Survey. 2023. Vol. 42(1). P. 214-217.
Kamalov A. He seized all qaghan’s sons and grandsons and presented them to the court”: on genealogical accounts of the Sino-Turkic epitaph of Kari cor tegin // Manuscripta Orientalia. 2022. 28(1). P. 31–39
Kamalov A. Identity of Kazakhstan’s Uyghurs: migration, homeland, and language // Central Asian Affairs. 2021. №4. Р. 319-344.
Kamalov A. Links Across Time: Taranchis During the Uprising of 1916 in Semirech’e and the “Atu” Massacre of 1918 // The Central Asian Revolt of 1916. A collapsing Empire in the age of war and revolution. Ed. Cloé Drieu, Aminat Chokobaeva, Alexander Morrison. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2020. P. 227-255.
Tolen Zh. The tolerance principles in works of Kazakh Poets and Story tellers // Man in India. 2017. 97(20). P. 357–363 (co-authored with Nurmuratov S., Dariyabekov D.)
Tolen Zh. The role of outstanding personalities in the Kazakh society: Comparative analysis of the Kazakh traditional social culture // Anthropologist, 2016. 25(1-2). P. 95–102 (co-authored with Mantayeva T., Alimzhanova A., Gabitov T.)
2. OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Kamalov А.К. “Ustnaya istoriya migratsii iz Kitaya v Kazakhstan v period ‘kulturnoi’ revolyutsii’ (1966-1976),” Vestnik Karagandinskogo universiteta. Seriya “Istoriya. Philosophiya”. 2022. №3. P. 91-99. (co-authored with R. Yussupov)
Kamalov А.К. “O nachalnom etape formirovaniya sovetski repatriatsionnoi politiki,” Vestnik Karagandinskogo universiteta. Seriya “Istoriya. Philosophiya”. 2021. №4. P. 65-73.
Kamalov А.К. “Migratsiya 1950-1970 gg. iz Kitaya v Kazakhstan: factory i osnovniye etapy”, Otan tarikhy. 2021. №3 (203). P. 144-152.
Kamalov A. “Migration and Memory: A Woman Repatriate’s Recollections of Life on the Soviet-Chinese Frontier,” Community Still Matters. Ed. by A. Mirsultan, E. Schluessel, A. Suleiman. Copenhagen: NIAS Press, 2022. P. 108-123.
Tolen Zh. M., Alisherova A.B. “Qazaqstandaghy zhastardyng sayasi qatysuyndaghy zhanga medianing roly,” Vestnik Evraziyskogo natsionalnogo universiteta im. L. Gumilyeva. Seriya “Politicheskiye nauki. Regionovedeniye. Vostokovedeniye, Tyurkologiya.” 2023.
Assyltayeva E.B. “Economicheskiy factor v formirovaniy grazhdanskoi identichnisti v Kazakhstane, ” Vestnik Universiteta ‘Turan’. 2022. № 4(96). С. 143-153.
Turan University hosts the Annual Conference of the Central Eurasian Studies Society (CESS). This event will be the first Annual Conference of the organization to be held in the region of Central Eurasia, rather than North America. Turan University holds the Conference of this global professional organization in its premises acting as one of the leading higher education institutions of Kazakhstan.
The CESS has been holding its conferences since 2000 at the universities of North America and since recent times in the format of regional conferences at the universities of Central Eurasia.
These conferences became a platform for communication and exchange of opinions for scholars and experts of Central Eurasia from all over the world.
Central Eurasian Studies Society is a non-governmental organization uniting scholars and experts of history, culture and modern development of Central Eurasia – a region, that embraces alongside with the Central Asian state (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan), also Iran, Afghanistan, Mongolia, the Caucasus, Southern Siberia, the Volga region, Eastern and Central Europe, and other adjacent areas. The Society aims at promoting interrelations and cooperation between scholars of Central Eurasia, enhancing the level of academic knowledge and developing education in the region, promoting and spreading general knowledge and public interest of the region in the world.
Turan University invites all scholars and experts to contribute to the development of social science disciplines studying Central Eurasia. In the frame of the Conference of the Central Eurasian Studies Society more than 130 panels on history, culture and current development of the countries and peoples of Central Eurasia, as well as round tables on urgent academic issues, discussion of new books on the region, will be held. Turan University will offer a cultural program to the participants, which will give insight into the culture of Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries.
More than 450 scholars from different countries of the world (USA, Canada, Central Asian and European countries, China, India etc.) will deliver their papers at the Conference. The keynote talks at the CESS Conference will be given by Sara Cameron, a well-known expert in the history of Soviet Kazakhstan, Professor of the University of Maryland, the US, and Gulnara O. Abikeyeva, leading expert on Kazakhstan’s cinematography, Doctor of Art, Professor of Turan University.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER 1
PROFESSOR SARAH CAMERON (UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, USA)
Date: June 7, 2024
Time: 16:45-17:45
Place: Assembly Hall
Sarah Cameron is Associate Professor of History at the University of Maryland, College Park (USA). Her research interests include genocide and crimes against humanity, environmental history, and the societies and cultures of Central Asia. At present, she is at work on a book, Aral: Life and Death of a Sea, about the causes and consequences of the disappearance of Central Asia’s Aral Sea. Additionally, she is the author of The Hungry Steppe: Famine, Violence, and the Making of Soviet Kazakhstan (Cornell University Press, 2018), which examines one of the most heinous crimes of the Stalinist regime, the Kazakh famine of the 1930s. The book won numerous awards in the United States. It has been translated into Kazakh, Russian and Ukrainian (forthcoming). Her research has been supported by the Carnegie Corporation, the Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars, the Davis Center for Historical Studies at Princeton and others. She received her PhD from Yale University.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER 2
PROFESSOR GULNARA O. ABIKEEVA (TURAN UNIVERSITY, KAZAKHSTAN)
Date: June 8, 2024
Time: 16:45-17:45
Place: Assembly Hall
“Why is the Central Asian cinema rethinking the establishment of Soviet rule thirty years after the countries gained independence?”
The first wave of this process took place in Central Asian cinema in the 1990s, followed by a twenty-year pause. This topic has been raised again in the last two or three years on several fronts. The Uzbek film “Two Thousand Songs of Farida” and the Kazakh film “Talak” reinterpret the Soviet ideologeme of “Oriental Woman Emancipation”. The theme of the Asharshylyk (the 1930-1933 famine in Kazakhstan) is explored in “Qash” and “The Land that Stopped the Wind.” “Kanysh” reflects on industrialization. What influenced this new revision of history and the activity of filmmakers?
Gulnara Abikeyeva is Professor of Cultural Studies at Turan University in Almaty. She is the author of twelve books on Central Asian cinema. Her book Nation-Building in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian States, and How This Process is Reflected in Cinematography’ (2006) was awarded the National prize “Kulager”. He other works include Cinema in Central Asia. Rewriting Cultural Histories (2013) co-edited by Michael Rouland, Birgit Beumers and The Unknown New Wave of Central Asian Cinema (2013) co-edited by Kim Ji-Seok.
