Akzhan Mashanov’s scientific and spiritual heritage

Abstract

Authors of the article try to objectively evaluate the social-scientific activity of Akzhan Mashanov in the
conditions of totalitarian regime. The authors give a historic assessment of the activities of the Kazakh
scientist who struggled for the future of his people, despite difficult times. Akzhan Mashanov, who lived in
Soviet Kazakhstan, was watching the events taking place in the country's major socio-political issues even
when the power of the totalitarian society was at its peak, and he was able to defend his point of view. In the period under review the history and culture of the Kazakh people were ideologically trained. When Sovietstyle ideology was more prominent than national values, Akzhan Mashanov risked his head and studied alFarabi's treasury and proved that his native land was a modern Kazakh land. Akzhan Mashanov studied the scientific heritage of al-Farabi and returned it to the cultural heritage of the Kazakh people. The main principle of life for A.Mashanov was to serve his nation. He proved that the works of Al-Farabi were the origin of Kazakhstan's culture and science. There by, name of this great scientist was forever included into the history of science of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The authors of the article emphasize that despite the rigid totalitarian system, risking his life, Akzhan Mashanov studied forbidden topics. His contribution is priceless and requires a new revision and redefining in domestic historiography.