More than 350 cultural, scientific, educational and sports events will be organized across the country to mark the 181st anniversary of the great poet, thinker, educator and composer Abai Kunanbayev. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
On August 7, the National Academic Library hosted the international scientific and practical conference "The World of Abai – Eternal Heritage" dedicated to the study and promotion of the thinker's legacy. The National Library in Almaty organized the intellectual contest "The Great Abai of the Great People." The National Museum held a museum lesson "Abai's Word – a Legacy to Generations" and a thematic excursion "Abai's Heritage – the Eyes of the Past."
The State Museum-Reserve of Abai in Semey also prepared a special program for the occasion. On August 10, exhibitions "Abai in Fine Arts" and "Facts of Abai's Life..." will open there. A literary quest and a festival of Abai's songs will also be organized, and flowers will be laid at the monument "The Great Poet Abai with His Sons."
The National Museum of Arts named after Abylkhan Kasteyev, the National Central Museum, the museum-reserves "Berel" and "Tanbaly" and other cultural institutions will present their thematic projects. Theaters and film organizations will showcase musical projects and video materials, as well as excerpts from performances based on Abai's works. On August 10, Almaty will host the official premiere of the documentary film "The First Book," made by order of the Ministry of Culture and Information with the support of the State Center for Support of National Cinema.
Events for Abai Day will also be held in Beijing. On August 10, the cultural center of Kazakhstan, together with the "Jintai" museum, will hold a round table "Abai – a Great Personality." The meeting will discuss the thinker's literary and philosophical heritage and the promotion of his ideas abroad.
Astana will also offer an extensive program. From August 8 to 10, the Alley of Writers will host the poetry evening "The King of Words...", and in city parks, as part of the event "If You Love a Song, Love It My Way," Abai's songs will be performed. Young writers from all regions of the country will gather at the republican forum "The Art of the Word. Young Pen." In addition, literary and musical evenings, lectures, quizzes and book exhibitions will be held.
In Shymkent, poetic and educational programs will be organized, and the "Khakim Abai" museum will hold an open day, a thematic exhibition and excursions. In the regions, there will be aitys and concerts, theater performances, "Abai Readings" contests, poetry evenings, exhibitions and various educational projects.
In the Abai region, on August 8-9, the republican ultramarathon "Abai Joly – 100 miles" will be held, and on August 10, the aitys of poets "Abai of Humanity" will take place. Festive events will cover not only regional centers, but also cities, districts and villages.
On August 10, flowers will be laid at monuments to Abai Kunanbayev in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent and regional centers. The ceremony will be attended by representatives of the intelligentsia, cultural figures, youth and the public.