In the city streets of Astana, the verses penned by Abey resound
On a sunny day in Astana, a gathering of around 100 active pensioners from the Active Longevity Center came together to celebrate the 180th anniversary of Abai Kunanbayev, a foundational figure in Kazakh culture. The celebration took place on the square by the Abai monument, a fitting location to honour the man who is regarded as the father of modern Kazakh literature.
The occasion was marked by a heartfelt performance, where the pensioners read several of Abai's works, including "Közimniñğ qaraşy," a poignant love poem-song that has become a classic, "Jelsiz tünde jarıq ai," a romantic poem about nature, silence, and the poet's soul, and "Ğylym tappai maktanba," a philosophical admonition about the value of knowledge and the harm of empty pride.
Ermek ata, a participant in the celebration, stated that they read Abai's works not out of duty, but out of the call of their hearts. Ermek ata shared that Abai's Words of Admonition provide them with support in life, and even in their advanced years, they draw strength, motivation, and hope from his lines.
Abai Kunanbayev's legacy is a pillar of Kazakh national consciousness and cultural pride. His work bridged traditional Kazakh oral literature with Islamic philosophy and Western thought, promoting moral uplift, education, and cultural modernization among the Kazakh people. He introduced new poetic forms and translated important Russian literature into Kazakh, encouraging his people to embrace education and progressive ideas while preserving their heritage.
His 180th birthday anniversary is being celebrated through various cultural, academic, and diplomatic events both in Kazakhstan and across Central Asia. These celebrations emphasize Abai’s role in strengthening cultural integration and mutual understanding among Central Asian peoples, highlighting his enduring spiritual and moral influence.
Abai's vision of educational and cultural reform as essential for Kazakh national awakening and modernization remains relevant today. His poetic and philosophical works, such as Words of Edification (Kara sozder), which remain central to Kazakh identity, continue to inspire and guide.
International scholarly recognition and cultural events commemorating his impact on Kazakh and Central Asian society are a testament to his legacy. His synthesis of local and foreign intellectual traditions helped pivot Kazakh culture from nomadic oral traditions to written literary forms, a significant shift that continues to resonate.
As the sun set on the square by the Abai monument, the vibrant performance served as a poignant reminder of Abai's enduring influence. His legacy, celebrated extensively on this milestone, continues to be a beacon of Kazakh cultural pride.
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