A flower-laying ceremony was held at the monument to the great Kazakh poet, thinker and philosopher Abai Kunanbaiuly in Shymkent’s Abai Park to mark his birthday.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Akim of Shymkent Sarsen Kuranbek, representatives of the city’s intellectual community, poets and writers, media representatives and local residents.
Participants highlighted the importance of Abai’s legacy in Kazakh spiritual and cultural life, as well as the continuing relevance of his ideas on morality, education, science, hard work and national values.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Akim of Shymkent Sarsen Kuranbek noted that the spiritual heritage of the great thinker continues to grow in value over time.
“Abai lived in a challenging era and left behind an eternal legacy that continues to enlighten Kazakh society. He cared not only about his own generation but also about future generations, calling on society to pursue knowledge, science and morality. Every word and every idea of Abai serves as a spiritual guide leading individuals toward self-improvement and the nation toward progress. That is why his legacy remains relevant today and continues to be passed down from generation to generation,” he said.
Although Abai lived during a difficult period in the history of Kazakh society, he believed that the nation’s future lay in education, science, honest work and strong moral values. He not only criticized the shortcomings of society but also showed ways to overcome them.
The profound ideas expressed in Abai’s poetry and his Words of Edification encourage people to pursue self-improvement, seek knowledge, work diligently and uphold justice, honor and conscience.
This is what makes Abai’s legacy timeless. His reflections on human nature, character, education and science, national unity and social responsibility remain deeply relevant today. Promoting Abai’s heritage therefore means not only honoring the name of a great historical figure, but also passing the values he championed on to future generations.
The event continued at the “Hakim Abai” Museum, where participants took part in a guided tour and explored valuable exhibits related to the poet’s life and creative journey.
An open day titled “The World of Abai” was also organized. Visitors were presented with exhibitions titled “Abai’s Precious Legacy,” “Abai in the World of Art” and “Read Abai and Be Inspired!” The exhibitions showcased valuable materials reflecting the poet’s literary heritage, creative work and spiritual world.
During the cultural and educational programme, participants explored the profound philosophical ideas, moral principles and national values expressed in Abai’s poetry and Words of Edification.
The legacy of Hakim Abai is not merely a spiritual treasure belonging to one era. It is an enduring value that lives on with the nation. Studying, understanding and passing this heritage on to future generations remains a shared responsibility of society.