“Words of Edification” of Abai Qunanbaiuly uttered in Arabic in the capital of Saudi Arabia

On November 22, 2020, as part of the promotion of the work of the great poet and thinker, the founder of Kazakh literature, Abai Qunanbaiuly, the Embassy of Kazakhstan and the Saudi Center for Research and Intercommunication Knowledge (CRIK) with the support of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University organized a symposium in Riyadh.

In his address at the symposium opening, Ambassador Berik Aryn elaborated on the events held in Kazakhstan and abroad on the occasion of the 175th Anniversary of Abai to popularize the poet’s legacy and familiarize the world community with his work. In this context, the diplomat said that in honor of this anniversary date, the First President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and the Head of State Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev shared their thoughts on the poet’s legacy in their articles “Spiritual Testament of Abai” and “Abai and Kazakhstan in the XXI century.” In this regard, Ambassador introduced the participants with a brief content of these documents.

For his part, the Head of the Center for Research and Intercommunication Knowledge, Dr. Yahya Mahmoud bin Junaid, noted that this symposium was an important and timely initiative to popularize the outstanding poet’s work and thinker Abai in Saudi Arabia. He expressed confidence that such events serve to mutual rapprochement the two countries’ peoples and strengthen cultural ties.

During the symposium, other representatives of the Center and invited scientists spoke on cooperation between the two countries, about Central Asian scientists and cultural figures, and the life of the great poet Abai Qunanbaiuly.

In particular, the Director of the Research Department of the CRIK, Dr. Aedh Alrubayyi, made a presentation on cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia. In turn, Dr. Amin Saleman Sido started his speech with the vast contribution of prominent Central Asian scholars such as Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, and others to Islamic civilization, sharing his thoughts on philosophical ideas and artistic words in Abai’s work.

Meanwhile, the Director of the Cultural Affairs Department, Mr. Saleh Zamanan, received a standing ovation from those present by reading Abai’s “Words of edification” in the literary Arabic language.

The guests perceived with great interest and gratitude the reports of Kazakh scientists who took part in the symposium in a video conference format. Thus, Professor of the Department of Oriental Studies at the Eurasian National University, Doctor of Philology Samal Toleubaeva made a presentation on Abai’s contribution to the acquaintance of the Kazakh steppe with the achievements of Western and Eastern cultures, as well as with the works of outstanding world thinkers. At the same time, Doctor of Philology, professor of ENU Serik Negimov briefed on Abai’s in-depth Islamic knowledge and religion’s role in the poet’s work.

At the end of the event, the participants watched video clips, specially released in honor of the 175th Anniversary of Abai, namely, the “Telkara” melody performed by instrumentalist Aibek Bekbosyn, and the song “Kozimnin Qarasy” performed by artists of the national theater.

In general, the Saudi intellectuals and the media who took part in the symposium highly appreciated the Embassy’s initiative. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn about the life and work of Abai Qunanbaiuly.