Publishing house “Zhardem” is a historical center for the revival of Alash’s heritage

At the scientific center "Shakarimtanu" Shakarim University, a presentation of the scientific collection "Zhardem" baspa kompaniyasy" dedicated to the study of the history of the Kazakh national book publishing of the early 20th century took place. The event was attended by the director of the publishing company “Zhardem” Aidar Gali-Arystanuly, university management, teaching staff, scientists, students and schoolchildren.

Opening the event, the rector of the university Duman Orynbekov emphasized the historical and spiritual significance of the scientific collection, noting the special role of the Zhardem publishing house in the educational life of Kazakh society.

“The presented collection is dedicated to a comprehensive scientific study of the formation of the Kazakh national book publishing at the beginning of the 20th century, in particular the historical and cultural activities of the Zhardem publishing house - one of the first publishing houses of the Alash movement, whose history goes back 115 years. The publishing house played a significant role in disseminating the ideas of Alash figures, forming a reading culture in Kazakh society, expanding opportunities for the dissemination of knowledge and scientific achievements,” the rector noted.

Duman Rymgalievich paid special attention to the historical connection between the work of Shakarim Kudaiberdiev and the Zhardem publishing house. In particular, the fact that such works of the thinker as “Kazakh Ainasy”, “Kalkaman-Mamyr” and “Enlik-Kebek” were first published in this printing house is of particular importance both for the university and for the spiritual history of the Semey region.

The rector also expressed gratitude to the director of the publishing house, a university graduate, poet, candidate of philological sciences Aidar Gali-Arystanuly for his contribution to the revival of the historical heritage and preservation of the good name of “Zhardem”.

Another important event of the presentation was the presentation of new information related to the translation heritage of Shakarim. The thinker’s letter addressed to Sabit Mukanov contains mention of the translation into Kazakh of the novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by the American writer Harriet Beecher Stowe. Considering this historical fact, Duman Rymgalievich, during a trip to New York, purchased a copy of this work in English. As part of the presentation, the book was solemnly transferred to the Shakarim Museum fund. This step is of particular value for further studying the translation heritage of the thinker.

During the meeting, the head of the scientific center “Shakarimtanu” Turdykul Shanbay also focused on the historical significance of the publishing house “Zhardem” in the history of Alash. According to him, the title of Semey as the “cradle of championships” has strong historical grounds. One of these facts is the opening in this city of one of the first printing houses on Kazakh soil - “Zhardem.”

“This printing house was not just a place where books were printed. It became a spiritual center through which the ideas of Alash leaders and their desire for national unity were conveyed to the people. The participation of representatives of the Kazakh intelligentsia, led by Alikhan and Akhmet, in the development of publishing played a special role in the preservation and popularization of national history and culture,” Turdykul Kasenuly emphasized.

He also noted that after the revival of the historical name “Zhardem”, the cooperation of the publishing house with the scientific center has continued for many years. In particular, a scientific meeting was organized dedicated to the 115th anniversary of the publishing house, and then an international scientific and theoretical conference was held. The collection presented today is the result of these scientific research and professional discussions.

The studies included in the scientific collection are devoted to the views of Alash figures on the organization of publishing, their experience in the development of book publishing, as well as the relationship between socio-political and cultural-educational activities. In addition, the works scientifically comprehend the contribution of the Zhardem publishing house to the formation of a reading culture in Kazakh society, the features of the development of national book publishing and its historical significance. The collection includes scientific works of historians and young researchers, as well as conference materials.

In turn, the director of the publishing company “Zhardem” Aidar Gali-Arystanuly spoke about the history of the revival of the publishing house and the idea of ​​preserving its historical name.

“The idea to revive the name of the publishing house “Zhardem” arose back in 2002. Then our senior colleague Turdykul Kasenuly told me: “The formation of the intellectual elite of Alash is largely connected with this publishing house. Therefore, the name “Zhardem” should not be forgotten. This will be your contribution to the legacy of Alash.” These words got me thinking. If we want to better understand the origins of the history and culture of Alash, we must turn to the history of publishing. Just as Europe honors Gutenberg, and America honors Benjamin Franklin and his contribution to the development of printing, we must also worthily preserve and popularize the history of the Alash printing house,” noted Aidar Kaliev.

He also emphasized that preserving the historical name and continuing publishing activities require great effort, responsibility and financial support. At the same time, he called the main goal of his work not material gain, but the revival and preservation of an important page in national history. The director of the publishing house expressed gratitude to the management and scientists of the university, where he himself received his education, for supporting this initiative.

It should be noted that as part of the event, a ceremony was also held to honor new employees of the university. The head of the scientific center "Shәkәrіmtanu" Turdykul Kasenuly presented sets of the magazine "Shәkәrіm" to the authorized representative of the rector Kamar Nazarbekkyzy, the head of the department of pedagogy and psychology Moldir Seydina and the head of the department of Kazakh philology Akzhibek Akhmet.

In addition, the attention of the participants was An exhibition dedicated to the history of the Zhardem publishing house was presented. Visitors were able to get acquainted with the stages of the formation of the historical printing house, the development of publishing and its special place in the spiritual history of Alash.

The main goal of the event was to introduce the scientific community and a wide readership to new research results in the field of national book publishing, open new opportunities for a deeper study of the heritage of Alash and outline the prospects for scientific research for young researchers. The scientific collection dedicated to the history of the Zhardem publishing house has become a significant contribution to the preservation of historical memory, the transfer of spiritual heritage to new generations and the popularization of national values.