Abai’s legacy is gaining wider recognition abroad. In the UAE, his work is being promoted through Arabic translations, research publications, and a cultural and educational hall at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Abu Dhabi, DKNews.kz reports.
This was highlighted by Rauan Zhumabek, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Arab Emirates, during the scientific and practical conference “The World of Abai – An Eternal Legacy,” organized by the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan to mark the great Kazakh poet’s birthday.
Abai’s Works Were Translated Into 10 Languages
One of the key tools for introducing Abai’s legacy to audiences outside Kazakhstan has been the translation of his works into foreign languages.
Rauan Zhumabek recalled that in 2020, on the occasion of the poet’s 175th anniversary, Abai’s works were translated into 10 languages at the initiative of the Head of State.
Arabic was among them. The book “Abai’s Legacy – A Universal Human Value”, bringing together works by the great thinker, was published in Arabic.
The Arabic edition gives audiences across the region an opportunity to discover Abai’s writings in one of the region’s principal languages.
An Abai Hall Operates in Abu Dhabi
Kazakhstan’s efforts in the UAE are not limited to translations.
The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Abu Dhabi operates an Abai Cultural and Educational Hall, which houses books by Kazakh and international researchers about the great thinker in Arabic and English.
The venue provides a permanent platform for introducing foreign audiences to Kazakh literature and academic research on Abai.
Kazakhstan Presents Its Culture Through Abai
In his welcoming remarks, Rauan Zhumabek said Abai made an invaluable contribution not only to the spiritual heritage of the Kazakh people, but also to the cultural and intellectual heritage of humanity.
According to the Ambassador, promoting Abai’s legacy internationally helps raise the profile of Kazakhstan’s national culture and literature abroad.
In the UAE, two practical instruments are already being used for this purpose: Arabic-language editions of Abai’s works and a dedicated hall in Abu Dhabi featuring literature about him in Arabic and English.
Concluding his remarks, the Ambassador expressed confidence that continued efforts to promote Abai’s work abroad would bring closer the day when international audiences recognize Kazakhs as the people of Abai.
