Kazakhstan is marking the 180th anniversary of Abai Kunanbayuly – the great poet, thinker, and founder of modern Kazakh literature. The celebrations are taking place in his homeland, a place that also gave the world Shakarim Kudaiberdyuly, Mukhtar Auezov, and other towering figures of Kazakh culture, DKNews.kz reports.
Photo author: Аkorda
In his address to participants, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid tribute to Abai’s enduring influence.
“Abai is a figure of global stature – a great poet who made an invaluable contribution to the development of our culture and the renewal of our national consciousness. His ideas continue to shape the creation of a new, modern nation, while his life serves as an example of love for the Motherland and selfless service to society” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
A legacy that never loses its relevance
According to President Tokayev, Abai did more than write immortal verses and his famous “Words of Wisdom.” He became a moral compass not only for the Kazakh people, but for humanity as a whole. His calls for young people to be educated, hardworking, and responsible still resonate powerfully today.
“His thoughts and precepts will never lose their relevance. That is why it is so important to study and promote Abai’s work, delving into the deep meaning of his writings” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
The sacred land of great names
The celebrations are being held in a region that Tokayev described as “a cradle of national culture.” Alongside Abai, it was home to Shakarim Kudaiberdyuly and Mukhtar Auezov. The state, he noted, places special emphasis on developing this territory as a cultural heart of the nation.
Inspiration for future generations
The President expressed confidence that Abai’s immortal works will continue to nourish the spirit of many generations of Kazakhstanis.
“We will always remain faithful to the legacy of the great Abai!” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
