Recently, METU students, together with advisers from the Department of Software Engineering, attended the play “The Scent of Zhusun” at the Gabit Musirepov Kazakh State Theatre for Children and Youth. This cultural outing was not just entertainment for the students but also an educational and spiritual lesson, leaving a lasting impression.

“The Scent of Zhusun” is a performance that explores themes of family, tradition, and generational continuity. Through the delicate scent of the Zhusun flower, the play conveys ideas of moral values, respect for the spirit of ancestors, and national culture. The scenes prompted students to reflect on important life questions such as the significance of family, friendship and trust, and passing wisdom to future generations. According to the students, the play felt more like an open lesson than a typical theater performance. They not only watched the play but also participated with their advisers in discussion sessions, analyzing the characters’ destinies, decision-making paths, and social issues. Each scene served as a moral lesson and life guidance, deepening respect for national culture and traditions. This cultural event offered students an opportunity for spiritual growth, development of critical thinking, and expansion of their creative perspective. Participants expressed their intention to apply the insights gained from the play in their life principles and future professional and personal decisions. Thus, for METU students, “The Scent of Zhusun” was a unique experience in spiritual development, moral education, and cultural enrichment.