Youth of the Turkic World Glorified Abai

Ankara, August 6, 2025 – Abai Day was celebrated in Ankara with the support of the Turkic World Research Center at Hacı Bayram Veli University, the International TÜRKSOY Organization, and the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Metin Orbay, Vice-Rector of the University, highlighted that Abai was not only a poet and writer, but also a profound thinker, a keen observer, and a powerful social analyst. He pointed out that Abai guided society through his satirical words, noting that he remains a relevant spiritual guide for today’s youth.

The Director of the Turkic World Research Center Cemile Kınacı Baran, emphasized that Abai is a unique figure whose literary personality and intellectual legacy have transcended centuries without losing their significance. “Abai is the shared conscience of not only Kazakh literature but of the entire Turkic world. The issues he addressed in his poems and “Words of Edification” remain relevant today. His calls for knowledge, humanity, and social responsibility will always guide us.” she said.

In their speeches, Kazakhstan’s representatives focused on the importance of not just reading Abai’s legacy, but of understanding it. They reminded the youth that knowing Abai is to know themself, and to loving Abai is to love their country.

The event included a short documentary about Abai’s life and ideas. Following this, youth from Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan recited excerpts from Abai’s poems and works, and faculty members gave a special lecture on Abai’s recognition in Türkiye and the West.

This meaningful event, organized to commemorate the 180th anniversary of the birth of the great Kazakh poet, thinker, and enlightener Abai Kunanbaiuly, brought together the youth of the Turkic world around shared cultural values.