On June 18–19, 2009, in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the International Conference Kazakhstan on Silk Road was held by the R.B. Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies of the Committee of Science, Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan in collaboration with the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the International Liaison Committee for Dunhuang Studies.

At the conference scholars from Kazakhstan, Russia (St Petersburg), China, Japan, India and Iran took part. The IOM RAS was presented with papers by Prof Dr S.G.Klayshtornyj, Prof Dr I.F.Popova, Dr A.V.Zorin.

Kazakh, English and Russian were the working languages of the conference.

After the conference was over, a trip to Kyrgyzstan  was organized for the participants, supported by the Head of  the R.B. Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies, Prof Dr M.Kh.Abuseitova and the vice-president of the Kyrgyzstan Academy of Sciences, acad. V.M.Ploskikh. During the trip they visited the Kyrgyz Russian Slavonic University (Bishkek), a few archaeological sites, including Krasnaya Rechka, and Lake Issyk Kul.

Here is the official programme of the conference Kazakhstan on Silk Road.

18 June 2009

09.30–10.00 Registration of the Conference participants

10.00–10.40 Conference opening

“Otrar” hotel’s Conference-Hall

Book Exhibitions:

• The Republic of Kazakhstan’s «Cultural Heritage» Series;
• The «Kazakhstan Oriental Studies» Series

Opening Speech:

М.Kh. Abuseitova – Director of the R.B. Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dr., Professor (Kazakhstan)

Opening Remarks:

Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Zh.K. Zakiyeva, Counselor of the Representation of Ministry of Foreign Affaires of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty City, RK National Secretariat Member for UNESCO and ISESCO Affaires

I.F. Popova, Director of the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Dr. Professor (Russia)

Takata Тokio, Head of the International Liaison Committee for Dunhuang Studies, Kyoto University, Dr. Professor (Japan)

Hao Chunwen, Dean, the School of History at Capital Normal University, Dr. Professor (China)

10.40–13.00 – SESSION 1

Moderator: М.Kh. Abuseitova – Director of the R.B. Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dr. Professor (Kazakhstan)

10.40–11.00 I.F. Popova, Director of the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Dr. Professor (Russia). Unpublished notes of Russian Explorers of Eastern Turkestan

11.00–11.20 Takata Тokio, Head of the International Liaison Committee for Dunhuang Studies, Kyoto University, Dr. Professor (Japan). On the Chinese Toponym for Syr Darya in Xuanzang's Account of Western Regions 

11.20–11.40 S.G. Klyashtorny, Head of the Section, Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Dr. Professor (Russia). The Way to Serindia 

11.40–12.00 Zheng Binglin, Director of the Institute for Dunhuang Studies, Lanzhou University, Professor (China). A Study of Communications of Minority Nationalities between Qiang and Hu during Late Tang, Five and Song Dynasties

12.00–12.20 K.M. Baipakov, Director of the А.H. Marghulan Institute of Archaeology, Committee of Science of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Academician, Dr. Professor (Kazakhstan). The Cities of Kazakhstan on Silk Road (New Archaeological Discoveries) 

12.20–12.40 Hao Chunwen, Dean, School of History at Capital Normal University, Professor (China). New Ways, New Fields and New Methods – a Review of Study of Chinese History in the Last Three Decades 

12.40–13.00 S. Sunghatay, Researcher of the R.B. Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan). Adyrna and Kunhou: Eye-Witnesses of the Cultural Links on Great Silk Road

14.00–18.00 – SESSION 2

Moderator: I.F. Popova, Director of the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Dr. Professor (Russia)

14.00–14.20 Liu Yongzeng, Director of the Institute of Archaeology, Dunhuang Academy, Professor (China). Some Problems of the Study of the Tantra Sect in Dunhuang 

14.20–14.40 N. Kenzheahmet, Senior Researcher of the R.B. Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, PhD (Kazakhstan). “Xiyu tudi jen-yi lue” and Towns, Settlements on Silk Road in the XV-XIV Centuries 

14.40–15.00 Yang Fuxue, Director of the Institute of the Religion and Culture, Dunhuang Academy, Professor (China). Hindu Mythology among the Uighur Buddhism 

15.00–15.20 Takashi Osawa, researcher, Osaka University, the Researching Institute for World Languages, the School of Turkic Studies (Japan). The Historical Contacts between Khangar Tribe and Old Uighur Tribe under the Rule of the Tang Dynasty in the 7th Century – Through the Analysis of Old Turkic and Uighur Inscriptions 

15.20– 15.40 А.M. Dosymbayeva, Head of the Section, А.H. Marghulan Institute of Archaeology, the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dr. (Kazakhstan). The Symbol of Sacred Space of the Turks 

15.40–16.00 Coffee-Break

16.00–16.20 Zhang Defang, Deputy Director of the Institute of Archaeology of the Gansu Province, Professor (China). Study on the Wooden Slips of Dawan and Relationships between Han Dynasty and Dawan 

16.20–16.40 А.V. Zorin, Researcher of the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Dr. (Russia). The First Tibetan Texts Acquired by the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences from Ablay-yin Kyit Monastery in the 1720s 

16.40–17.00 Hao Shusheng, Director of the Institute of History, the Academy of Social Sciences of the Gansu Province, Professor (China). Brief on Bamboo Slips of Xuanquan, Dunhuang: Kangju King Emissary and Relationship between Kangju and Western Han Dynasty 

17.00-17.20 K.U. Torlanbayeva, Post-Doctorant of the R.B. Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dr. (Kazakhstan). Manichaeism on Silk Road

17.20-18.00 Discussion

19 June 2009

10.00–13.00 – SESSION 3

Moderator: Takata Тokio, Head of the International Liaison Committee for Dunhuang Studies, Kyoto University, Professor (Japan)

10.00–10.20 Ashok Sajjanhar, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan, Professor (India). India’s Contribution to Silk Road 

10.20–10.40 Ochiai Toshinori, Professor of the International School for Post-Graduate Buddhology Education, Professor (Japan). A Tendency of Research on the Lotus Sutra in the Tang-Wudai-Song Dynasties 

10.40–11.00 Raina Radha, Independent Researcher (India). Nomads and Lamas

11.00–11.20 Coffee-Break

11.20–11.40 Wei Yingchun, Secretary-Translator, Dunhuang Studies Center, Lanzhou University, (China). Study of Examination System of Sangha in Dunhuang in the Period of Late Tang and Five Dynasties 

11.40–12.00 G.A. Annakuliyeva, Ablai-Khan Kazakh University of International Relations and World Languages, Dr., Assistant Professor (Kazakhstan). Turkmans and Kazakhs along Silk Road: Exchanges and Contacts 

12.00–12.20 Lu Zhijun, Lanzhou University of Technology, Center of Studies of the Culture of the Silk Road, Assistant Professor (China). A Study of Huxuan Dance in Ancient Asia

12.20–12.40 А.K. Kamalov, Senior Researcher of the R.B. Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dr. Professor (Kazakhstan). Dunhuang and Turfan Sources on the History of the Tokuz-Oghuz Tribe Bayarqu 

12.40–13.00 Discussion

14.00–15.20 – SESSION 4

Moderator: Hao Chunwen, Dean, the School of History at Capital Normal University, Professor (China)

14.00-14.20 Li Chongshen, Center of Studies of the Culture of the Silk Road, Lanzhou University of Technology, Professor (China). The Polo in Ancient Central Asia 

14.20-14.40 N. Bazylkhan, Senior Researcher of the R.B. Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dr. (Kazakhstan). Ancient Turkic Written Monuments: Ethno-Archeologic Analyses 

14.40-15.00 S.A. Abdullo, Senior Researcher of the R.B. Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dr. (Kazakhstan). The Soghdians on Silk Road

15.00–15.20 А.E. Аsanbayeva, Expert for Scientific Documents Publications, the Archives of the President of Kazakhstan, the Post-Graduate Student of the Presidential Academy of the Governmental Management of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan). Historical continuity in the context of interrelation of cultures on Silk Road 

15.20–16.00 Discussion

16.00–16.30 Conclusion of the Conference

16.30–17.00 Closing Ceremony

POSTER SESSION

1. Sh.Zh. Тokhtabayeva, Senior Researcher of the R.B. Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dr. Professor (Kazakhstan). Silk Road and Cultural Symbiosis 

2. N.A. Alimbay, Director of the Central National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dr. (Kazakhstan). Main Trends in Current Nomadism Studies: Experience and Problems 

3. Z.Zh. Shaymardanova, Deputy Director-General of the National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dr. (Kazakhstan). French Researchers’ Ethnography Studies of Central Asia and Kazakhstani People (XIX Century) 

4. К.S. Karazhan, Chair, Faculty of History, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Dr. Professor (Kazakhstan). Ancient Taraz City and Silk Road

5. R.U. Karimova, Head of the Center of Uighur Studies of the R.B. Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dr. Professor (Kazakhstan). Infrastructure of Great Silk Road 

6. G.M. Моlоtоvа, Head of Section, R.B. Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dr. (Kazakhstan). Silk Road and Folklore Tradition 

7. U.D. Мunalbayeva, Director of Ethno-Memorial Complex “The Map of Kazakhstan” Atameken” (Kazakhstan). Reflection of the Ancient Civilization of Great Silk Way by Modern Museum Methods: The Map of Kazakhstan “Atameken” and Its Activity 

8. K.T. Kusainova, PhD Student of the R.B. Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, (Kazakhstan). Current Significance of Silk Road 

9. E.M. Molotova, PhD Student of the R.B. Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan). Silk Road in the Period of the Qarakhanid Qaghanat 

10. V.V. Velichko, Professor, Faculty of History, Kiev University «Shidny Svift», PhD (Ukraine). Guanzhoung Region of Ancient China in the Context of the Prehistory of Silk Road 

11. K.M. Murat, Researcher of the R.B. Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan). The Siberian Khanate on the Eurasian trade ways 

12. D.E. Mederova, Researcher of the R.B. Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan). Oral Historical Tradition on Silk Road 

13. Z.S. Tabynbayeva, Researcher of the R.B. Suleimenov Institute of Oriental Studies of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan). UNESCO Role in the Keeping of the Historical Cultural Heritage on Silk Road 

14. G. Babayarov, Senior Researcher of the Abou Raihan Beruni Institute of Oriental Studies of Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, PhD (Uzbekistan) 18.00 Dinner on behalf of The Institute of Oriental Studies. Bactrian Documents as a Source of History West Turkic Qaghanat.

PHOTOS 

At the opening of the conference: Dr M.Kh.Abuseitova delivers her speech

At the opening of the conference: Dr I.F.Popova delivers her speech

At the opening of the conference: Dr T.Takata delivers his speech

At session: Dr S.G.Klyashtornyj, Dr M.Kh.Abuseitova

At session: Dr K.M.Baipakov presents his paper

At session: Dr A.V.Zorin presents his paper

At session: Dr R.U.Karimova presents her paper, interpreted into English by Dr A.K.Kamalov (left), Dr Zheng Binglin presents his paper (right)

During the discussion

The city of Almaty, view from the Kok-Tobe hill

The Chinese and Japanese participants of the conference (Bishkek)

Dr S.G.Klyahtornyj, Dr I.F.Popova, Dr T.Takata (Bishkek)

The Open Air Museum, stones with petroglyphs near Lake Issyk Kul

Lake Issyk Kul

Photos by A.Zorin. I.Popova