On October 8, 2024, the Ch. Ch. Valikhanov Institute of History and Ethnology hosted an international scientific-practical conference titled “Kazakhstan in the 1960s-1980s: D.A. Kunayev’s Contribution to the Socio-Economic Development of the Republic.” The forum was organized and held by the staff of the Ch. Ch. Valikhanov Institute of History and Ethnology, with the active participation of researchers representing domestic and foreign sciences (Russia, Poland). Close relatives of D.A. Kunayev—E.A. Kunayev, D.A. Kunayev, and Zh.D. Serikbayeva—participated in the conference, creating a particularly warm and heartfelt atmosphere.
With opening remarks symbolizing the cooperation between Kazakhstani and Russian historians and the mutual interest of scholars from both countries in studying the life and activities of the prominent party and state figure of the entire Soviet Union, the Director General of the Ch. Ch. Valikhanov Institute of History and Ethnology, academician of the NAS of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Z.E. Kabuldinov, and the academic supervisor of the Russian State University for the Humanities, academician of the RAS, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor E.I. Pivovar, addressed the audience. Reports were prepared by leading scholars and young specialists from Kazakhstan, as well as workers in the field of public education. Each speaker emphasized D.A. Kunayev’s special place in the history of the Kazakh people, the Kazakh statehood, and the socio-economic, cultural, and scientific development of Kazakhstan. The role of D.A. Kunayev in defending the territorial integrity of the republic and in the return of several previously lost territories to Kazakhstan was highlighted. Attention was drawn to the Kazakh leader’s role in bringing hundreds of thousands of compatriots from neighboring regions of China back to their historical homeland and their subsequent successful adaptation.
The special involvement of D.A. Kunayev in the development and further mastery of virgin lands was emphasized. His unique “Kunayev style” in leadership and interpersonal relations played an important role in developing friendly, partnership relations between Kazakhstan and its fraternal neighbors in the region (in particular, the Kyrgyz SSR) and other Soviet republics. D.A. Kunayev’s ability to listen to people, hear them, use their strengths, and demonstrate his own was the essence of the “Kunayev style,” which contributed to the accelerated development of the republic and its comprehensive support from the Union leadership.
Polish researcher Krystian Pachutsky-Wlosek drew interesting parallels between the fate and resignation of D.A. Kunayev and Polish communist leader E. Gierek, highlighting the similarities in their legacies and their compatriots’ attitudes towards them.
After the participants’ presentations, discussions ensued, with participants expressing great interest in the reports. All conference participants noted D.A. Kunayev’s exceptional contributions to the development of Soviet Kazakhstan and his role in laying the foundations for today’s independent sovereign state.
K.V. Cherapanov
Candidate of Historical Sciences,
Senior Researcher,
Department of World History and External Relations,
Ch. Ch. Valikhanov Institute of History and Ethnology.
