With the support of the Culture Committee of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the “Azret Sultan” National Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve has been jointly organizing numerous events with various social groups since the beginning of the year. One such event was held on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities under the theme “Kindness is the Path to Virtue.”
In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly declared December 3 as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, to be celebrated annually. Later, on June 15, 1993, by Presidential Decree No. 1224, it was established that the second Sunday of October would be observed as the Day of Persons with Disabilities in Kazakhstan. Since then, this warm and compassionate holiday has been celebrated every year without interruption.
This day primarily aims to draw public attention to the pressing issues faced by persons with disabilities, promote their inclusion in social, political, economic, and cultural life, and protect their rights and dignity.
A group of members from the “Shapagat” Association for Unlimited Citizens in our city participated in the event organized by the “Azret Sultan” National Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve. During the event, Deputy Director for Scientific Work of the Museum-Reserve, PhD, M. Tastanbekov, delivered a speech highlighting the significance of the occasion and emphasized the museum’s commitment to further enhancing its work with social groups. At the end of his speech, he presented a letter of appreciation and the museum’s printed publications to Shaltan Erkinbai Kerimbaiuly, Chairman of the “Shapagat” Association for Unlimited Citizens.The cultural event was further enlivened by S. Konysbekov, an employee of the Turkestan City Children’s and Youth Center, who performed the song “Elge Sapar” live, lifting the spirits of the audience. Additionally, Meirlan Serikgali, a student of the Turkestan City Poets’ School and a traditional singer, performed the song “Agugai” with great finesse.
The host then invited Shaltan Erkinbai Kerimbaiuly, Chairman of the “Shapagat” Association for Unlimited Citizens, to deliver a speech. He congratulated his colleagues on the international holiday and expressed sincere gratitude to the “Azret Sultan” Museum-Reserve for organizing the event. He also expressed his willingness to strengthen the partnership between the museum and the association further.
Following the event, guests visited the exhibitions “Ozbekali Zhanibek and Museum Work” and “Tengeler syr shertedy” at the Turkestan History Museum. The tours were led by museum guide G. Zhuzbaeva and collection caretaker T. Zholdasov.
The event concluded with guests enjoying refreshments, admiring performances by local artists, and leaving the spiritual gathering deeply moved and inspired.

Berik BAIBOL,
Head of the Scientific Research Department