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May 18th marks International Museum Day. This date celebrates not only the custodians of the exhibits, but also the places where national memory takes shape, voice, and space. In Semey, such a place is the "Alash Arystary – Mukhtar Auezov" Museum, a branch of the Zhidebai-Borili State Historical, Cultural, and Literary Memorial Museum-Reserve of Abai.The history of this building extends far beyond its typical museum biography. Over the years, Abai, Shakarim, Alikhan Bokeikhan, Mirzhakyp Dulatov, Mukhtar Auezov, and other representatives of the Kazakh spiritual and social elite have all been associated with it. The history of Abai studies, the Alash movement, the memory of political repression, and Kazakhstan's path to independence are intertwined here. We spoke with the museum's director, Kuat Kiykbai, about the museum's past and current mission.- The "Alash Arystary - Mukhtar Auezov" Museum is located in a historic building. What is its special significance?- This building is known in the history of Kazakh culture as the home of Aniyar Moldabayev, one of the first Kazakh financiers, a banker, and a contemporary and student of Abai. He was an educated and respected man. When the regional committee of the Alash party was established in Semey under the leadership of Alikhan Bokeikhan, Aniyar Moldabayev was elected its treasurer. This demonstrates a high degree of trust, as the movement's financial affairs could only be entrusted to a person with an impeccable reputation.Aniyar Moldabayev's home was one of the places where Abai stayed during his visits to Semey. A separate room was specially prepared for him. Another important episode in the history of this house is the fact that it was here that work related to the first edition of Abai's collection of poems was carried out. The printed sheets were sent from St. Petersburg to Semey, then sent for proofreading and returned to the printing house. Therefore, this building is directly connected not only to Abai's life but also to the dissemination of his poetic legacy.Later, the families of Alikhan Bokeikhan and Mirzhakyp Dulatov lived here. This house was frequented by Shakarim, Kokbai, Abai's sons Akylbai, Magaviya, and Turagula, as well as Akhmet Baitursynuly, Zhusipbek Aimauytov, and Mukhtar Auezov. Therefore, for us, this is more than just an architectural monument. It is a space that preserves the memory of an entire era.– How did this building become part of Kazakhstan's museum history?– From 1944 to 1967, this building housed the Abai Museum. Therefore, it holds a special place in the development of the country's museums. The first Abai Literary Memorial Museum opened in 1940 in the home of Bekbai Bayisov, and in 1944 its exhibits were moved to the former home of Aniyar Moldabaev.In 1947, the museum was transferred to the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR. Under the leadership of Kanish Satpayev, the museum's scientific structure was established, and a plan for literary research activities was developed. During this period, a new exhibition was created, housed in five rooms on the second floor of the building.The years when the renowned Abai scholar Kayum Mukhamedkhanov directed the museum are particularly significant. During this time, research was actively conducted, materials on Abai's life and work were collected, and the recollections of people who personally knew the poet and his circle were recorded.– Can we say that the scientific foundation of Abai studies was formed during this period?– Yes, this period was very important for Abai studies. Kayum Mukhamedkhanov, Boris Akkerman, Ysrayyl Akylbayuly, Akhat Shakarimuly, and other researchers worked within the museum, making significant contributions to the study of Abai's legacy.Museum staff searched for manuscripts, personal belongings, and archival information, and spoke with the poet's relatives and contemporaries. Valuable recollections were shared by Abai's granddaughter Uasila, his daughter-in-law Kamaliya, his grandson Ysrayyl, his relative Arham, and other people who knew the Abai family closely.In 1950, museum specialists traveled to the Abai district, photographed historical sites, compiled maps, and searched for archival materials. Abai's great-granddaughter Ishagy Zhagyparkyzy also participated in this expedition. All this demonstrates that the museum was not only an exhibition space but also a full-fledged research center. When did the museum receive its current status and become a space dedicated to Alash and Mukhtar Auezov?After the Abai Museum moved, this building housed a children's library from 1967 to 1988. In 1990, the building was returned to the Abai Museum, and from 1991 to 1995, it housed a temporary exhibition.From 1995 to 1997, development of a new concept began. On September 23, 1997, to mark Mukhtar Auezov's 100th anniversary, the "Alash Arystary – Mukhtar Auezov" Museum opened in Semey as a branch of the Abai Museum. It was the first museum in Kazakhstan dedicated to the Alash movement.At that time, the Alash theme was just beginning to systematically return to scholarly and public discourse. Museum staff collected archival documents, photographs, publications, and first editions of the works of Alash activists. The exhibition aimed to highlight the Semipalatinsk period of Mukhtar Auezov's life, his connection with the Alash movement, and his relationships with members of the national intelligentsia.Today, the museum explores several important historical stages: from the late 19th century and the beginning of social awakening to the Alash movement, the tragedy of repression, the Soviet period, and the events leading up to Kazakhstan's independence.– Interest in the Alash theme has grown significantly. But along with this, controversial interpretations are emerging. How does the museum respond to these challenges?– Interest in Alash is indeed high. This is evident in books, publications, social media, and public discussions. But there is a problem: sometimes people seek sensationalism rather than study history. Superficial assertions, unverified theories, and sweeping phrases about "betrayal" or "denunciations" appear, which have no bearing on the serious study of history.Such approaches do not diminish the dignity of the Alash figures. Rather, they demonstrate the importance of developing historical culture and working with sources. The history of Alash requires not emotion and rumor, but archives, documents, scientific analysis, and professional responsibility.In this sense, the role of museums is especially important. A museum should not replace history with myths. It should help society see the facts, understand the context, and distinguish scientific knowledge from arbitrary interpretations.– This year marks the anniversaries of several Alash figures. What projects is the museum implementing?– This year is rich in important dates. We are celebrating the 160th anniversary of Alikhan Bokeikhan, the 150th anniversary of Zhakyp Akbayev, the 170th anniversary of Aniyar Moldabayev, the 140th anniversary of Mannan Turganbayuly, and the 135th anniversary of Alimkhan Yermekov. All these names are associated with the history of Alash, the Semey region, and the spiritual space of Abai.The Abai Museum-Reserve "Zhidebay-Borili" and the "Alash Arystary - Mukhtar Auezov" Museum regularly host educational events, lectures, roundtables, and meetings with schoolchildren, students, and teachers. We strive not only to commemorate these dates, but to reveal the significance of these figures in the history of the state, education, law, science, and social thought.The traditional "Alashtyn Aldaspany" competition holds a special place. Last year, it was dedicated to the 140th anniversary of Mirzhakyp Dulatov and was held among teachers of specialized educational institutions. This year, in the context of the 160th anniversary of Alikhan Bokeikhan, the competition was organized among school teachers in Semey.This is an important format for us. When a teacher gains a deeper understanding of the history of Alash, this knowledge is passed on to students. This means that children and young people come to the museum not as casual visitors, but as people who want to understand their own history.– What is the museum's main mission today?The museum's mission is to preserve the living connection between generations. Here, Abai is not separated from Alash, Alash is not separated from Mukhtar Auezov, and the history of the national intelligentsia is not separated from Kazakhstan's path to independence.The museum demonstrates that national memory consists of more than just dates and names. It is made up of homes, manuscripts, archives, human destinies, scholarly work, and a respectful attitude toward the past. Therefore, our task is not simply to preserve exhibits, but to help society understand the value of education, freedom of thought, and service to the people.