News

On September 16, the museum hosted a report and international teleconference entitled “Across Generations: The History of the Slobodsky Family,” held to commemorate Family Day. The event took place in an unusual format — both at the museum and online — bringing together participants from three countries: Kazakhstan, Russia, and the Netherlands.

The guests of the event were representatives of the Slobodsky family — Olga and Elena, granddaughters of Mikhail Ivanovich Slobodsky, whose life was connected with the tragic chapters of Soviet history and the system of the Karaganda Corrective Labour Camp.

During the meeting, participants explored the history of the Slobodsky family, discussed the life and fate of Mikhail Ivanovich, and reflected on how family memories are preserved and passed down from one generation to another.

The teleconference was more than just a meeting; it became a meaningful and personal dialogue. Modern technology helped overcome geographical distances and brought people together through a shared history and memory.

We express our sincere gratitude to Elena Romanovna Slobodskaya and her family for taking part in the meeting, for their trust, for the opportunity to learn about the family archive, and for helping us share the story of Mikhail Ivanovich Slobodsky with the younger generation.

Memory lives on as long as it is passed down.

On September 24, 2026, the Museum of memory of victims of political repression in Dolinka dedicated to the welcomed a high-level delegation from Germany as part of a study trip organized by the Federal Foundation for the Study of the Communist Dictatorship in East Germany (SED Dictatorship).

During the visit, the guests learned about the history of Karlag and explored the museum’s exhibitions, including the exhibition dedicated to Germans deported to Kazakhstan.

A particularly significant part of the visit was a visit to the Mamochkino Cemetery, one of the memorial sites associated with the history of Karlag.

At the end of the visit, the German delegation presented the museum a book «Museum and Memorials», dedicated to museum and memorial work. This publication will become a valuable addition to the museum’s library.

We thank our guests for their visit, their interest in the history of Karlag, and their valuable gift to the museum. Such meetings contribute to preserving historical memory, fostering dialogue, and promoting the exchange of experience between museums and memorial institutions in different countries.

Today, museum researchers Ekaterina Vozzhova and Anna Turlubekova visited the Zhartas School of the Abay District, where a round table titled “Memories Filled with Gratitude” was held, dedicated to the Day of Gratitude. During the educational event, the researchers introduced students to historical documents and archival photographs of deported peoples. The students immersed themselves in history by working with unique exhibits and interactive materials. They showed great interest in historical artifacts that helped them better understand the complex periods of the past. The tasks not only helped them acquire new knowledge but also developed teamwork and analytical thinking skills. Thanks to this format, the students not only gained new insights but also learned to appreciate historical heritage. The round table contributed to strengthening the preservation and development of unity among the multinational people of Kazakhstan, based on their shared history. At the end of the event, the students were treated to Kurt, a traditional symbol of gratitude.

On March 4, 2026, a museum lesson titled “Historical Memory: Repressions and the Legacy of Alikhan Bukeikhanov” was held at the Municipal State Institution Zhartas Secondary School. The lesson was dedicated to the outstanding public and statesman Alikhan Bukeikhanov. The event was conducted by research staff of the Museum of Memory of Victims of Political Repressions in Dolinka. During the meeting, students watched an informative video about the life and work of Alikhan Bukeikhanov. They also became acquainted with copies of archival documents from the museum’s collections reflecting his public and political activities, as well as photographs of his family members. Particular interest was sparked by the presentation of the interactive workbook “Karlag: Researching to Remember”, which was introduced to the students of the school for the first time. This interactive material helps students gain a deeper understanding of the tragic pages of history and contributes to preserving the memory of the victims of political repression.

On March 13, on the eve of the holiday, the museum hosted a local history session dedicated to one of the most vibrant celebrations — Nauryz.

During the event, students of Dolinka School learned about the history of Nauryz, its symbolism, and traditional rituals. A special part of the program featured a display of unique exhibits from the museum’s collection — traditional Kazakh household items.

The students explored national clothing, yurts, tableware, jewelry, and other elements of traditional life, which helped them gain a deeper understanding of the culture and everyday life of the Kazakh people.

This local history session became a valuable opportunity for the younger generation to connect with the history and traditions of their ancestors. May memory and love for culture help preserve and promote the rich heritage of the Kazakh people!

A joint event with the Museum and Memorial Complex “ALZHIR” was held at the Museum of Memory of Victims of Political Repressions in the Dolinka village. During the meeting, museum staff presented reports about women whose lives were tragically affected by political repression. Special attention was given to personal stories and human destinies behind the historical events of the first half of the twentieth century.

Representatives of the Museum and Memorial Complex “ALZHIR” presented a presentation about their museum, spoke about the fate of women who served sentences in the ALZHIR camp, and also demonstrated unique exhibits from the museum collection.

The event was attended by representatives of the Shakhtinsk town's library and teachers from the school of the settlement of Zhartas. For them, the meeting became an opportunity to connect with history and discuss the importance of preserving historical memory.

On the eve of the Day of the Withdrawal of the Limited Contingent of Soviet Troops from Afghanistan, a special event took place at the museum — “Living Newspaper: Chronicle of Memories.”

This was not just a meeting, but a vivid dialogue between generations. The main participants were internationalist soldiers from the Abai District of the Karaganda Region — people whose lives are forever connected with the events of the Afghan War.

In the format of a “living newspaper,” pages of history came alive through memories, personal stories, photographs, and heartfelt conversations. Participants shared what cannot be found in textbooks — emotions, experiences, and the true cost of courage and brotherhood in arms.

This meeting served as a reminder of the importance of memory, respect, and gratitude to those who fulfilled their duty.

As long as we remember, history lives on. As long as these memories are heard, the connection between generations endures.

We express our sincere gratitude to all participants for their openness, honesty, and strength of spirit.

On February 3, the museum hosted an online meeting titled “The Contribution of Qayum Mukhamedkhanov to the Development of Historical Science and Culture of Kazakhstan,” dedicated to the 110th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding public figure, scholar, educator, poet, and textual critic.

In 1952, he was sentenced under Article 58 by the Judicial Board for Criminal Cases of the Supreme Court of the Kazakh SSR. He served his sentence in Karlag.

The event brought together online participants from various cultural and educational institutions, united by their interest in the work and legacy of the renowned scholar.

The guest of honor was Dina Mukhamedkhanova — daughter of Qayum Mukhamedkhanov, PhD, and Director of the Public Foundation “Center for Education and Culture named after Qayum Mukhamedkhanov.” Dina Kayumovna shared her personal memories, family stories, and research dedicated to her father’s life and work.

As part of the "Year of Working Professions" and in honor of Agricultural Worker's Day, the museum held an event called "The Earth is warmed by the heat of labor". Graduating students of the Abay Multiprofile College met with agricultural producers of the region, learned the history of the establishment of enterprises from the 1930s to the 1950s, and listened to the story of G.R. Klimenko, a veteran of agricultural labor and manager of the Karlag Central Crop Production Department, the first branch of the Karagandinsky State Farm. From the presentation by I.V. Zhabyak, head of the “Shans” ("Chance") agro-industrial complex in the village Koksu, the college graduates learned in detail about available job vacancies and the practical training opportunities in various professions.

The event was held to promote professional self-determination among young people and encourage them to be proactive in their career choices.