Expedition ’25’ — Off-Road Expedition Across Kazakhstan Dedicated to Independence and the 150th Anniversary of Alikhan Bokeykhanov
The ’25’ automobile expedition, organized by the Kazakhstan National Geographic Society, became one of the most significant patriotic and scientific-educational projects of the year. The large-scale auto rally in specially prepared off-road vehicles was dedicated to two major milestones: the 25th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the 150th anniversary of the birth of Alikhan Bokeykhanov—an outstanding public and statesman, liberal thinker, and leader of the Alash movement.
A Route Connecting Generations and Regions
The expedition team overcame thousands of kilometers of roads and off-road terrain, traveling through key historical and geographical points inextricably linked with the life, struggle, and legacy of A. Bokeykhanov, as well as crucial stages in the formation of the modern Kazakhstani state. The participants visited memorial complexes, historical museums, and remote villages in Central, Northern, and Eastern Kazakhstan, holding meetings with local historians, elders, and youth.
Preserving Historical Memory
The main idea of the project was not merely conquering a challenging route, but deeply comprehending the historical path of the country through the prism of the ideas of national revival, enlightenment, and statehood championed by the Alash figures. The ’25’ expedition clearly demonstrated how a keen interest in the history of one’s homeland can strengthen national identity, showcase the continuity of generations, and unite people around the values of freedom and creation.