August 25, the regional Abai Readings competition entitled “Abai’s Teachings - A Spiritual Treasure” was held with the aim of promoting the rich legacy of the great Kazakh poet, thinker, educator, and prominent figure of national spirituality, Abai Kunanbaiuly, as well as introducing his meaningful works to the younger generation.

      Abai’s creative legacy, including his profound Words of Edification and artistically expressive poems, contributes to instilling national values in the younger generation and fosters respect for their homeland, native language, literature, and culture.

      A total of 12 school students aged 13-15 took part in the competition and competed in three stages. During the competition, the participants’ knowledge of Abai’s legacy, their ability to recite his works by heart, their deep understanding of their content, their skills in artistic and expressive reading, language culture, and quick thinking were assessed.

      The judging panel consisted of Doctor of Philosophy and Abai scholar Dosym Kaiyrbekuly Omarov; Riza Nabigazhinovna Kabazova, a Kazakh language and literature teacher at the “Bilim” Humanities and Technical College; Arshyn Aydynbekuly, journalist and editor of “Zhetisu” Radio; and Sholpan Maratovna Suleimenova, Head of the Information and Bibliographic Department of the S. Seifullin Central Library of Zhetisu Region.

      Stage I: “Abai’s Words of Edification.” At this stage, the participants recited all 45 Words of Edification of the great poet by heart, striving to convey Abai’s philosophical reflections with artistic skill. The jury evaluated the students’ knowledge of the Words of Edification, their understanding of the content, expressive reading skills, as well as their ability to convey the author’s ideas clearly and effectively to the audience.

       At the second stage of the competition, the participants were asked to recite 30 poems expressively by heart according to a list approved in advance by the organizing committee. Particular attention was paid to the correct and expressive performance of the poems, a deep understanding of their content, the ability to perceive the poet’s artistic way of thinking, and the purity of language. Each participant sought to convey to the audience not only the content of Abai’s poetry, but also its inner spirit, sincere emotions, and civic message.

       Based on the results of the first two stages, the participants who demonstrated the highest results and outperformed their competitors advanced to the decisive third stage of the competition - “Questions and Answers on Abai’s Creative Legacy.”

        At the third stage, the participants’ knowledge of the life and creative work of Abai Kunanbaiuly, his Words of Edification, poems, songs, and literary legacy in general was tested. While answering the questions, the young participants demonstrated their knowledge, level of preparation, ability to think, and comprehensive understanding of Abai’s legacy. The competition allowed the participants not only to assess their knowledge but also to deepen their interest in the creative work of the great poet.

      According to the results of all three stages, I place was awarded to Adilet Talgatuly, Alakol District; II place went to Ayana Abdualieva, “Mizam Mektebi”; and III place was awarded to Zhanbota Almaskyzy, Taldykorgan. The winners of the competition were presented with valuable prizes. Certificates of appreciation were also awarded to all participants and their supervisors.

      The winners were presented with special diplomas and valuable prizes. In addition, all participants of the competition received certificates of appreciation, and their creative abilities and skills were highly praised.

      The spiritual legacy of the great Abai is an eternal heritage passed down from generation to generation. Promoting, preserving, and passing this legacy on to the younger generation is a shared responsibility for all of us.

      The regional Abai Readings competition “Abai’s Teachings - A Spiritual Treasure” became a meaningful cultural and educational event that brought the younger generation closer to the exemplary life and immortal creative legacy of the great poet, while promoting national spirit and moral values.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/zhetysu-archive/press/news/details/1280585?lang=ru