Bucharest, June 20, 2025 — a ceremonial conference dedicated to the 180th anniversary of the great Kazakh poet, philosopher, and educator Abai Kunanbayev was held at the National Library of Romania, one of Bucharest’s main cultural centers. This significant event became a true bridge of cultural understanding between Kazakhstan and Romania, bringing together members of the diplomatic corps, scholars, artists, and public figures.

The conference opened with a welcome address by Mr. Yerlik Ali, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Romania. In his speech, he emphasized the exceptional significance of Abai as a symbol of the spiritual awakening of the Kazakh people and a universal humanist whose ideas remain relevant at all times.

The event participants were shown a documentary film that reveals the life of Abai, his contribution to the development of Kazakh literature, philosophy and national identity.

Particular attention was drawn to the speech of Professor of the Faculty of Turkology of the Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Mrs. Margareta Aslan. With academic depth and sincere admiration, she presented to the audience the rich philosophical heritage of Abai, emphasizing his contribution to the world dialogue of cultures.

An integral part of the evening was the moving artistic reading of Abai’s Words of Edification by renowned Romanian actor Mr. Eugen Cristea. His expressive performance brought the ancient Kazakh wisdom to life in the Romanian language, evoking genuine interest and heartfelt responses from the audience.

The program concluded with a musical performance by award-winning pianist Mrs. Dana Ali, a laureate of international competitions. She performed some of Abai’s most renowned compositions, filling the hall with an atmosphere of elevation, tenderness, and deep reverence for the great poet.

As part of the event, all participants received copies of Words of Edification in Romanian — a gesture of cultural dialogue and the pursuit of mutual understanding. Moreover, copies of this landmark publication were officially donated to the collection of the National Library of Romania, where they will take their rightful place among the masterpieces of world literature.

It is also worth noting that in 2021, a monument to Abai Kunanbayev was solemnly unveiled in the heart of Bucharest, in Astana Square. This monument has become a symbol of the enduring friendship and cultural mutual respect between Kazakhstan and Romania.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-bucharest/press/news/details/1022453?lang=kk