President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the opening ceremony of the bust of the medieval philosopher and scientist Abu Nasr Al-Farabi on the territory of the Beijing Language and Culture University, El.kz reports with reference to Akorda.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Vice Minister of Education of the People's Republic of China Wang Guangyan, Secretary of the Party Committee of the University Ni Haidong, Rector of the University Duan Peng, University Professor Liu Shiqin, as well as Director of the National Art Museum of China and author of the bust Wu Weishan.
In his speech, the head of state dwelled on the contribution of Al-Farabi to the intellectual rise of world civilization.
"A great thinker of the East, who made a significant contribution to the development of the entire world civilization, Al-Farabi was born and raised on the territory of Kazakhstan. He traveled to many countries in search of knowledge, played an outstanding role in the formation of mathematics, natural science, astronomy, philology, and carried out research in other branches of science. His contribution to the development of humanity is immeasurable. In his philosophical works, Al-Farabi focused on the idea of Justice. He attached special importance to the formation of a merciful society and a harmonious state, and defended moral and spiritual values. The scientist studied such arts as music and calligraphy," the President said.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that contemporaries called Al-Farabi, who had encyclopedic knowledge, "the second teacher" after Aristotle.
The Head of State stressed that the works of the scientist are always relevant and do not lose their value.
"His works are a treasure that has entered the golden fund of world scientific thought. The 1150th anniversary of Al-Farabi, which was celebrated in 2020, was included in the UNESCO global list of memorable dates. International scientific symposia and conferences were organized. Monographs and collections were published. Documentaries were made
All this made it possible to better comprehend the works of Al-Farabi and opened up opportunities for the popularization of his rich heritage. Now a number of scientific works dedicated to the philosopher will be available to Chinese scientists and young people. I am glad that first of all, teachers and students of the Beijing Language and Culture University will be able to get acquainted with these valuable materials, the leader of Kazakhstan said.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev recalled that at one time he studied at this educational institution, so the opening of the bust of Abu Nasr Al-Farabi is a great honor for him. The head of state expressed confidence that the legacy of the great thinker will be comprehensively studied here, thereby contributing to the strengthening of cultural ties. He also expressed his gratitude to the Government of China, Beijing Language and Culture University, the National Art Museum of China and the eminent sculptor Wu Weishan for supporting this initiative.
At the end of the event, the President presented a portrait of Abu Nasr Al-Farabi to the Beijing Language and Culture University and met with Kazakh students studying at the educational institution.