A peaceful night reflecting on the water's surface, the moonlight quivers slightly
Celebrating Abai Kunanbayev's 180th Anniversary in Astana
From August 7 to 10, Astana, Kazakhstan, is hosting a series of cultural and spiritual events to commemorate the 180th anniversary of Kazakh poet and philosopher Abai Kunanbayev.
The festivities began at the start of the year and will continue, according to Saken Yesirkepov, the head of the Department of Language Development and Archives of Astana. The events are being organized jointly with the "Baykonyr" district akimat, the Union of Writers of Kazakhstan, and the Department of Language Development and Archives.
On the Writers' Alley, a poetic evening titled "Sweet song and sweet voice" took place. Notable participants included Mukarbek ZHAKEYULY, Toktarali TANZHARYK, Tolkyn KABYLSHA, Zhanibek ALIMAN, Diusenaly ALIMAKYN, Kabiden KUANYSHBAI, and Ularbek DALEIULY, a laureate of the "Kurmet" Order. They recited Abai's poems, while young singer Elai Halykbek performed songs such as "Közimniŋ qarası", "Jelsiz tünde jarıq ai", and "Honorary Culture Worker of Kazakhstan" Kairat Aitbaev played the kuy "Kökeikesti" by Tattimbet.
A concert program will be held all day on August 10 in front of the poet's monument, followed by an official flower-laying ceremony. Over 5,000 schoolchildren will participate in the concert, performing Abai's songs on traditional Kazakh instruments.
In addition to the concert, various events are planned, including exhibitions, open lessons, expressive reading contests, round-table discussions, and poetry evenings. The Saken Seifullin Museum will host the photo exhibition "World of Abai," while the ALZHIR memorial museum complex will feature a special exhibition "Repressed Relatives and Descendants of Abai Kunanbayev."
City libraries, social centers, and cultural institutions are organizing events focusing on Abai’s work, such as the literary event titled "Abai great and unique" hosted by the library for the visually impaired. The Public Consent Center under the Astana akimat will host a round-table session called "Abai’s Wisdom," while the Astana conference hall will feature a discussion themed "Forty Five Teachings of Great Abai," emphasizing their contemporary relevance.
Previous cultural highlights in 2025 include a large-scale celebration at Abai’s birthplace and significant performances at the Operaliya 2025 International Music Festival in Astana, which featured renowned operas and ballet productions supported by the Ministry of Culture and Information.
An open mic format allowed residents of the capital to recite Abai's poems and share their own creations. Meetings with Abai's admirers are also taking place on the capital's Arbat, on Nurzhol Boulevard, and at "Bayterek."
As the celebrations continue, Astana is honouring the legacy of Abai Kunanbayev, a significant figure in Kazakh literature and art, contributing to the cultural life of the capital.
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- The cultural events honoring Abai Kunanbayev's anniversary in Astana aren't limited to literature and poetry; they also encompass fashion-and-beauty, lifestyle, books, entertainment, music, pop-culture, sports, and even discussions on contemporary relevance.
- In addition to the traditional events like poetic evenings and kuy performances, there are also various exhibitions, expressive reading contests, round-table discussions, and poetry evenings, showcasing the multifaceted aspects of Abai's life and work.
- Besides poetry and music, the city libraries, social centers, and cultural institutions are organizing events focusing on Abai’s work, which includes literary events, such as the one titled "Abai great and unique" for the visually impaired, making his works accessible to all.
- As the celebrations continue, Astana is not only honouring the literary legacy of Abai Kunanbayev but also creating a platform for residents to express themselves in various forms, just like the open mic format that allows them to recite Abai's poems and share their own creations.
