Abstract

The article covers the contribution of Akzhan Zhaksybekovich Mashanov, Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences, Professor, corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR, honored scientist of Kazakhstan, in the field of studying the scientific legacy of Abȗ-Nasr Muhammad ibn Muhammad A-Farabi. A.Zh.Mashanov was the first to explore the writings of the great Al-Farabi. Mashanov’s internal memo as of 15.11. 1960 addressed to the President of the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR, K.I. Satpayev, on the necessity to proceed with the research of the scientific legacy of Al-Farabi, gave a start to the development of Farabi-studies in Kazakhstan.
Akzhan Zhaksybekovich not only proved to the global community that the birthplace of the Second Teacher in the city of Otrar, but also discovered the burial site of the prominent ancestor at the Bab-as-Sagir cemetery in Damask. The scientist could provide solid arguments and persuade academic circles of the USSR on the need to start studying Al-Farabi’s legacy in Kazakhstan, in the native land of the genius thinker. Thanks to his efforts, in 1975, the city of Alma-Ata hosted the international scientific conference dedicated to the 1100th anniversary since the birth of Al-Farabi.

Key words: A.Zh.Mashanov, Abu Nasr Muhammad Ibn Muhammad Al-Farabi, Farabi-studies, Otrar, Bab-as-Sagir cemetery, Kitab Al-Musiki Al Kabir.