Visually-Impaired Version 
Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU) hosted the first exhibition within the framework of the project “Perception of Central Asia through the eyes of Western researchers and travelers of the XIX-XX centuries”. During the event, unique archival materials were demonstrated, clearly reflecting the life of the region in this historical period.
The first exhibition was organized jointly with the Embassy of Hungary to Kazakhstan and is dedicated to the works of the famous Hungarian orientalist and traveler Ármin Vámbéry. The exposition presents digitized photographic materials from his book “Journey to Central Asia” (1868), as well as a collection of historical images. The exhibition was attended by representatives of the Ministries of Science and Higher Education and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the diplomatic corps, historians, international experts and journalists.
“The exhibition at Maqsut Narikbayev University is a significant event reflecting the development of Turkology as a scientific discipline and its formation in Hungary. Ármin Vámbéry, one of the founders of global Turkology, dedicated his research to the search for the origins of the Hungarian tribes who settled in Central Europe. It was he who initiated the discussion, which remains relevant to this day: whether the Hungarian language belongs to the Turkic or Finno-Ugric language family. Vámbéry’s works laid a solid foundation for the spiritual connection between Hungary and the peoples of Central Asia, and thanks to his research, the sense of kinship between Kazakhs and Hungarians has been preserved to this day,” said the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Hungary to Kazakhstan Otto Ivan Rona.
The project aims to popularize the historical heritage of Central Asia through the prism of the views of Western ethnographers, travelers, orientalists and linguists. Thanks to the digitization of archival materials, including publications of authoritative publications such as National Geographic, visitors were able to see how the life, culture and politics of the region were perceived in different historical eras.
“Ármin Vámbéry’s journey through Central Asia opened new paths to mutual understanding between different worlds, and we are proud to share story within our university walls. At Maqsut Narikbayev University, we deeply value the spirit of research, dialogue, and respect for history. Supporting cultural initiatives like this exhibition is part of our broader commitment: building bridges between nations and inspiring our students to appreciate both their own heritage and the rich variety of global cultures,” stated Provost of MNU, Sergey Pen.
As Sergey Pen noted, this event is considered as a reflection of strong ties between Kazakhstan and Hungary. Provost MNU expressed gratitude to the Embassy of Hungary to the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the joint organization of the event. Furthermore, the importance and relevance of the exhibition were also highlighted by the Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yerkin Tukumov.
“For thousands of years, the vast steppes, deserts, and cities of Central Asia have served as a bridge between civilisations – a place where merchants, philosophers, and adventurers carried not just goods but ideas, and inspirations across continents. It is a region where East meets West, where the Silk Road stitched together civilisations, weaving a universal tapestry that continues to inspire us today,” emphasized the Director of KAZISS, Yerkin Tukumov.
It should be noted that Maqsut Narikbayev University pays special attention to the spiritual and patriotic education of young people. One of the key directions of this work is the study of the course “History of Kazakhstan” by students in a new format, where, in addition to the theoretical part, they visit historical places of the republic and participate in the organization of theatrical performances.
