Large-scale events dedicated to the 180th anniversary of the great thinker and educator Abay Kunanbayev were held in Shymkent. The celebration began with a flower-laying ceremony at the poet's monument in Abay Park.

The event was attended by Akim of Shymkent Gabit Syzdykbekov, representatives of the intelligentsia, public figures, scientists, rectors of universities, leaders of political parties and public organizations, representatives of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan and ethnocultural associations, active youth and city residents.

During the ceremonial event, children recited Abai's poems expressively, giving the audience special emotions. The participants also visited the Khakim Abai Museum, opened in 2009, where they got acquainted with the poet's works and translations, as well as with the life of the Kazakh people of that time.

The festive program continued at the Exhibition Center, where the exhibition “The Great Abai of the Great Steppe” was held, presenting valuable exhibits about the life and work of the poet.

The spiritual and cultural festival ended with the republican competition “The World of Abai” and concerts, as well as literary evenings, which were held in all cultural institutions of the city.