Astana (TDI): The Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Secretariat launched its “CICA Talks: History and Heritage of Asia” lecture series at its Astana headquarters, bringing together ambassadors, senior envoys, and officials from international organizations for a deep dive into medieval Eurasian history.
The series was inaugurated by CICA Secretary General, Ambassador Kairat Sarybay, who underscored the relevance of cultural and historical awareness to modern diplomacy.
The initiative rests on the premise that shared heritage is not merely a subject of academic inquiry, but a practical instrument for shaping mutual understanding, bridging differences, and cultivating the trust that underpins lasting international partnerships.
The inaugural lecture was delivered by Dr. Yerzhan Issakulov, Doctor of Political Sciences, whose presentation centered on Jamig at-tauarih “The Compendium of Chronicles” the monumental 14th-century work by Persian scholar Rashid-al-Din Hamadani.
Delighted to host 1st lecture of “CICA Talks: History & Heritage of #Asia,” launched as part of celebrations marking 20th anniversary of #CICASecretariat
Initiative brought together diplomatic community of #Astana for informal intellectual exchange @ #CICA_HQ pic.twitter.com/7S7Q7rsHbO
— Kairat Sarybay (@KairatSarybay) May 21, 2026
Widely regarded by the global academic community as the definitive encyclopedic account of the era of Chinggis Khan, the text spans cultures and major historical events from China to Europe, offering a sweeping panorama of the medieval world.
Dr. Issakulov offered a nuanced analysis of the historical narratives of the Great Steppe, addressing the inherent challenges of interpreting medieval Persian and Mongol manuscripts.
Drawing on ancient maps and documentary sources, his research constructs a comprehensive account of the Turkic tribes and the vast empire of Chinggis Khan, and illuminates how these centuries-old texts continue to inform contemporary understanding of Eurasian history.
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The lecture series is designed as an informal but substantive platform for the diplomatic community accredited in Astana.
Future sessions are expected to feature scholars, historians, and experts from across CICA’s member states, reinforcing what the Secretariat describes as the “human and intellectual dimensions” of multilateral cooperation.
The initiative forms part of a broader calendar of events marking the CICA Secretariat’s 20th anniversary, all oriented toward strengthening intercultural dialogue among member states spanning a region that stretches from the Mediterranean to the Pacific.
The Secretariat’s turn toward history as a diplomatic resource signals a considered bet; that understanding where Asian civilizations have intersected across centuries may offer a steadier foundation for cooperation than political agreements alone.
