On 10 August, the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the United Kingdom hosted a cultural and literary evening marking the birthday of Abai Kunanbaiuly, the great Kazakh poet, philosopher and educator.

The event brought together Kazakh students studying in London, members of the Kazakh diaspora, as well as British and international professors and researchers specialising in Kazakh literature, history and culture.

Representatives of the Embassy gave a presentation on Abai’s life and intellectual and literary legacy, highlighting his outstanding contribution to the development of Kazakh written literature, education and culture. Particular attention was given to Abai’s philosophical ideas, including his renowned Words of Edification (Qara sozder) and the concept of Tolyk Adam, or the “The Complete Person” – his vision of a person who strives for intellectual, moral and spiritual development.

The evening also featured a presentation on the work of AbaiCenter.org, an international virtual cultural and educational platform dedicated to promoting Kazakh culture, literature and Abai’s legacy. Representatives of the Embassy spoke about the Centre’s projects and its role in bringing together researchers, writers and members of the academic community, as well as organising lectures, discussions, publications and other cultural events.

Guests were also introduced to international efforts to promote Abai’s legacy and to the work of cultural initiatives abroad. Particular attention was given to the publication in 2020 of the first complete English-language collection of Abai’s works by Cambridge University Press, with the participation of the National Bureau of Translations and the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the United Kingdom.

The cultural programme continued with readings of Abai’s poetry, performances of his songs and a traditional Kazakh kui – an instrumental composition performed on the dombra. Guests shared their reflections on Abai’s work and spoke about the continued relevance of his ideas in the contemporary world.

The evening concluded with an informal gathering, providing guests with an opportunity to engage in open conversation, ask questions, share personal experiences and get to know one another better. The event also served as a valuable opportunity to strengthen engagement between the Embassy and Kazakh citizens in the United Kingdom, fostering closer communication and a stronger sense of community.

The celebration of Abai Day in London provided an important platform for cultural dialogue and for introducing British and international audiences to the rich literary and philosophical heritage of Kazakhstan.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-london/press/news/details/1272510?lang=ru