MEMORY IS MORE THAN HISTORY
Elmira Abylbek (Nogoybayeva), head of the research platform Esimde, spoke at the Germany-Central Asia Partnership Forum held in Berlin, Germany, from November 25 to 27.
In her speech, she shared insights into Esimde’s work:
“We focus on researching and reflecting on identity and memory in Central Asia. Our primary interest are memory studies and memory activism. For us, memory is more than history. History is written by the victors, creating a monopoly on knowledge. Often, history highlights events favorable to the victors while intentionally silencing others. Many pages of history have been, and continue to remain, taboo. Traditional approaches to culture, language, and our past have been altered.”
Elmira Abylbek
📌 The forum also featured a booth showcasing the platform’s publications, journals, books, research works, and exhibition posters.
The Esimde research platform expresses its gratitude to the Foundation for West-Eastern Encounters (Stiftung West-Östliche Begegnungen) for providing this opportunity
