Abai’s voice resonated in London once again. Kazakh students, members of the diaspora, and British researchers gathered at the Embassy of Kazakhstan to discuss the poet’s legacy and his place in global culture, DKNews.kz reports.
The occasion was a cultural and literary evening held at the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the United Kingdom to mark the birthday of Abai Kunanbaiuly.
Abai Discussed in London as an International Author
The event brought together professors and researchers studying Kazakh literature, history, and culture.
The composition of the audience took the discussion beyond the framework of a commemorative evening. Attention focused on Abai’s philosophical ideas, his contribution to the development of written Kazakh literature, and the way his works are perceived outside Kazakhstan.
Participants paid particular attention to his Words of Edification and the concept of the “Perfect Human.”
These works make it possible to introduce international audiences to Abai not only as a poet, but also as a philosopher who reflected deeply on education, morality, and personal development.
Cambridge University Press Published Abai’s Complete Works in English
One of the most notable parts of the evening concerned the international promotion of Abai’s legacy in English.
In 2020, Cambridge University Press, with the participation of the National Bureau of Translations and the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the United Kingdom, published the first complete English-language collection of Abai’s works.
For foreign readers, such a translation has practical significance: they can engage with Abai’s writings directly in English rather than through Kazakh or Russian.
For researchers, it also provides a comprehensive foundation for studying Abai’s texts within the English-speaking academic environment.
AbaiCenter.org Brings Together Researchers and Writers
A separate part of the program was dedicated to the international platform AbaiCenter.org.
It is a virtual cultural and educational platform focused on promoting Kazakh culture, literature, and Abai’s legacy internationally.
The platform brings together researchers, writers, and members of the academic community.
Its activities include lectures, discussions, publications, and other cultural projects designed for an international audience.
Poetry, Songs and Kui Continued the Academic Conversation
Following the discussions, the program continued with live performances.
Participants recited Abai’s poetry, performed his songs, and played traditional Kazakh kui.
The literary program was therefore complemented by Kazakhstan’s musical heritage.
Guests also shared their impressions of Abai’s work and discussed the relevance of his ideas today.
Students, Diaspora and Researchers Came Together
For Kazakhstanis living and studying in the United Kingdom, the evening also became a platform for direct interaction with the Embassy.
After the main program, participants continued their conversations in an informal setting, asked questions, and shared personal experiences.
This format helps strengthen communication between Kazakhstan’s diplomatic mission and its citizens living abroad.
At the same time, the event brought together people from different communities around one cultural theme — students, members of the diaspora, and international researchers.
An English-Language Infrastructure Around Abai Is Taking Shape
The London event demonstrated that a single translation is not enough to promote Kazakh literature internationally.
A broader ecosystem is needed around an author: academic research, digital platforms, lectures, publications, and cultural events.
In Abai’s case, such a foundation already exists through the complete English-language collection published by Cambridge University Press and the international AbaiCenter.org platform.
This infrastructure allows Abai to be presented not only as a symbol of national culture, but also as an international author whose works can be directly studied by foreign readers and researchers.
