Seminar "French Studies of Central Asia: Participants and Current State"

On 21 September 2023, a scientific seminar "French Studies of Central Asia: Participants and Current Status" was held at the Sorbonne-Kazakhstan Institute (SKI) of Abai KazNPU. The event was organised with the support of the French Institute for Central Asian Studies (IFEAC) and the French Embassy in Kazakhstan.

Abai University on its platform brought together leading domestic and French research scientists, with the aim of enriching the scientific dialogue and expanding the horizons of knowledge, exchange of experience and active exchange of knowledge and experience between French researchers.

The event was attended by the Chairman of the Board-Rector of Abai KazNPU Bolat Tlep, Regional Attache for Cooperation in education of the Embassy of France in Kazakhstan, Xavier Le Torrivellec, Director of SKI, member of the National Kurultai under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, member of the Commission on Human Rights under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Ainur Sabitova, French scientists: Catherine Pujol, a prominent scholar of the region and one of the founders of the SKI, Adrien Fauve, Director of IFEAC, Olivier Ferrando, SKI partner professor, Xavier Allez, author of many works on the history of Central Asia, young researchers and doctoral students.

Bolat Tlep noted the importance of the seminar. As you know, 9 years ago the Sorbonne-Kazakhstan Institute was opened. No doubt, it was a unique joint project, which has no analogues in the whole Central Asia. During this time the Institute has achieved great success. Namely: the experience of two-diploma programs and mutual exchange of students has grown to a new level; the Institute has become a platform for international events of the highest level; the atmosphere formed in the Institute has become a new professional ladder for our graduates. Nevertheless, today we have our own requirements, real interests of the university and the country. This is the training of teachers of a new formation, which places a special responsibility also on the Sorbonne-Kazakhstan Institute. "I think it is time to initiate big initiatives in the field of research and training programs, including in the field of linguistics, together with our French colleagues", - said the rector.

Current research topics were discussed, research papers and projects related to Central Asia were presented, and an overview of current research trends in the field was given. Discussions and dialogues among the participants served to exchange experiences and ideas. It was noted that the seminar was very fruitful and useful for both sides.