Budapest, 10 August 2025 - As part of the celebration of the 180th anniversary of the great thinker, poet, and educator Hakim Abai Kunanbaiuly, Ambassador Abzal Saparbekuly solemnly presented the “Shapagat” medal on behalf of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Kemeluly Tokayev, to Hungarian national, master of the traditional instrument – the citera, and doctoral student Timea Janurik.

The award was granted to Ms. Timea for her continuous efforts in promoting Kazakh culture, introducing Kazakh songs and kyuis both in her country and abroad, and for her significant contribution to strengthening friendship between peoples.

Over the past two years, Timea Janurik has performed at numerous cultural events, masterfully playing the Kazakh song “Ak Bayan” and the kyui “Alqissa” on the citera, capturing the hearts of listeners. In 2024, she participated in the V World Nomad Games in Astana as part of the Hungarian delegation, performing Kazakh songs and kyuis on the “Great Steppe Melody” stage, bringing joy to the guests.

Today’s “Shapagat” medal is a well-deserved recognition of her dedication to art, culture, and building bridges of friendship.

Timea Janurik graduated from the University of Nyíregyháza (Hungary) with a degree in Music and Folk Culture. She is currently a doctoral student at the Catholic University in Esztergom. As a master of the citera, she has participated in ethnic music projects in Ireland, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Malta, and Spain. Since 2022, she has been teaching the citera at the F.Chopin Music School. She makes a special contribution to strengthening cultural ties between peoples through folk songs and traditional music.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-budapest/press/news/details/1048846?lang=kk