On July 31, 2025, the Center for Active Longevity in the Saryarka District hosted a poetic and musical evening titled “The Poetry of Abai – Eternal Legacy”, dedicated to the 180th anniversary of the great Kazakh poet and philosopher Abai Kunanbayuly. The event aimed to honor Abai’s rich spiritual heritage, showcase the creative potential of the older generation, and deepen their love for literature and national culture.
Throughout the evening, Abai’s poems, songs, and philosophical writings were performed with heartfelt sincerity and emotion. The program began with a symbolic opening: a stage appearance by aksakal Dildabek portraying Abai, accompanied by dombyra player Kenzhebek ata — creating a soulful and reflective atmosphere from the start. Particularly moving were the performances of Abai’s works in three languages: Kazakh, German, and Russian.
A highlight of the evening was the appearance of Syrgagul Dutbayeva — a direct descendant of the poet and the daughter-in-law of Abai’s son Dutbai. Her participation served as a powerful symbol of generational continuity and the enduring presence of Abai’s spirit in modern life.
During the award ceremony, Syrgagul apa received the “Outstanding Advocate of Abai’s Legacy” award. Erkin Kasenov from the Almaty District was recognized with the “Best Artistic Recitation” award. Jumagat Mukanov from the Nura District received the “For Expressive Performance” nomination. Participants from the Saryarka District — Baktina Kanysha and Baktygul Zholdybaeva — were awarded for “Love for Abai’s Poetry” and as “Master of Expressive Word”, respectively.
In the music category, Yermek Turlybayev from Almaty was honored for “Heartfelt Performance of an Abai Song”. The vocal group “Zamandastar” was awarded “Best Vocal Mastery”, and Nazigul Omargalieva received the award for “Artistic Performance”.
This evening marked not only the culmination of months of preparation for the participants but also a true celebration of spirit and culture. Through their heartfelt renditions of Abai’s poetry and songs, performers and guests alike experienced a deep sense of connection to the poet’s timeless legacy. Abai is not merely the voice of the past — he is the voice of eternity. His wisdom continues to live in the hearts of the people.
