On October 23, 2023, Professor of Faculty of Literature at Seljuk University (Turkey), Doctor of Science Mustafa Demirci visited the Institute of History and Ethnology named after Sh.Sh. Ualikhanov. During the meeting held at the institute, the researcher of medieval Islamic civilization took the first steps towards future mutual scientific cooperation with the director of the institution, Doctor of Historical Sciences, professor, correspondent member of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan Ziyabek Ermukhanovich Kabuldinov.

In his speech, the Turkish scientist raised several important topics for studying the history of Turkey and Kazakhstan, such as:

1. History of the Seljuks before their migration to Anatolia;

2. Studying the history of the Turks after their adoption of Islam;

3. Relations between the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakh Khanate;

4. Kazakhs who made a pilgrimage through Ottoman territory in the 19th century.

During the meeting, acting Deputy Director for External Relations, PhD Zhomart Zhenis spoke about the books published at the institute and presented some of them as a gift. Professor Mustafa stated that he is not aware of these scientific works, as there are barriers in terms of language and writing graphics.

Director Z. Kabuldinov on the example of the institute’s employees, Ph.D. Zhanymkhan Oshan, Candidate of Historical Sciences Zhomart Zhenis, PhD Olzhas Kuanbai noted that the institute employs specialists in Chinese, Japanese and Persian languages. Ziyabek Kabuldinov also emphasized that these scientists can work with original documents in these languages. As well as the Institute of History and Ethnology named after Ch.Ch. Valikhanov, as one of the main institutions in the study of the history of Kazakhstan, is ready for cooperation.

At the end of the meeting, the professor of Seljuk University emphasized that Kazakh historians mainly visit Istanbul or Ankara during business trips. Despite the absence of a cooperation agreement, he stated that he is always ready to help our historians if they come to Konya. The university where the professor works is located in this city. According to M. Demirci, Seljuk University has established scientific relations in the field of history with our neighboring country Uzbekistan, and now he wants to establish the same relations with Kazakhstan.