Frankfurt am Main, August 22, 2025 – A literary evening dedicated to the 180th anniversary of the renowned Kazakh poet, thinker, and enlightener Abai Kunanbaiuly was held at the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Frankfurt am Main.
The event brought together members of the Kazakh diaspora in Germany, cultural figures, and students.
The evening opened with welcoming remarks from the moderator, who emphasized the significance of Abai’s legacy as a vital source of national identity and humanistic thought. In his address, the Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Taubaldy Umbetbayev, highlighted Abai’s philosophy as a bridge between East and West, past and future, tradition and modernization.
The program of the evening was rich and multifaceted. Guests enjoyed a heartfelt performance of Abai’s song “Zhelsiz túnde zharyq ai” (“A Bright Moon on a Windless Night”) and watched a short documentary film titled “Abai – The Great Thinker,” which shed light on the key milestones of the poet’s life and philosophy.
As the evening continued, participants read excerpts from Abai’s “Words of Edification” and poetry, sharing their personal reflections on his work. During the open microphone session, live musical performances based on Abai’s poetry were presented, accompanied by traditional dombra and piano, adding a warm and soulful atmosphere to the gathering.
The event concluded with a traditional Kazakh tea ceremony. Guests were treated to national delicacies such as baursaks, kumys, kurt, and a variety of oriental sweets. Over leisurely conversation, attendees continued discussing Abai’s spiritual heritage in a cozy and welcoming setting.
The evening served as a meaningful contribution to promoting Abai’s legacy abroad, strengthening cultural ties, and advancing Kazakh identity on the international stage.