On September 5, Kazakhstan celebrates the Day of Languages of the People of Kazakhstan. The connection of this date with the birthday of the nation's teacher, Akhmet Baitursynuly, holds deep historical significance. By a Government decree in 2017, the Day of Languages of the People of Kazakhstan was moved to September 5, linking this date to the birthday of Akhmet Baitursynuly.
Akhmet Baitursynuly was born on September 5, 1872, in the Torgai region. He left an indelible mark on the history of Kazakhstan as an educator, scientist, poet, translator, publicist, and public and state figure. His life's journey was inextricably linked with enlightening his native people, awakening national consciousness, and developing the cultural and spiritual life of the country.
From a young age, Akhmet Baitursynuly deeply understood the role of education and enlightenment in society. Working as a teacher, he promoted the importance of teaching Kazakh children in their native language. For him, education was not merely the acquisition of knowledge by an individual, but a force shaping the future of the entire nation.
Akhmet Baitursynuly's contribution to the development of Kazakh writing and the alphabet holds a special place. In 1910–1912, he improved the Arabic script, eliminating its inconsistencies with the phonetic features of the Kazakh language, and created a national writing system adapted to the Kazakh language. This alphabet later became known as "tote zhazu" (direct writing).
The scientist researched the nature of the Kazakh language from a scientific perspective, laying the foundation for the systematization of its sound system, grammatical structure, and spelling issues. His works had a tremendous influence on the formation of the scientific foundations of Kazakh linguistics.
Baitursynuly's innovation lay not simply in changing the script, but in striving to bring it as close as possible to the inner nature of the folk language. Thanks to this, he gave a powerful impetus to the development of the national written culture.
Akhmet Baitursynuly was not only one of the first researchers of the Kazakh language but also recognized as the founder of Kazakh linguistics. He analyzed the grammatical structure of the language and systematized linguistic concepts, creating Kazakh terms for them.
The scientist's works also had a great influence on the content of education in Kazakh schools. His textbooks and methodological works helped several generations receive an education.
The value of his scientific heritage lies in the fact that it allowed the Kazakh language to be studied based on its internal patterns. Many linguistic concepts used today were formed thanks to the works of Akhmet Baitursynuly.
For Akhmet Baitursynuly, enlightenment was one of the main paths for the nation's development. He understood perfectly that the education of the people determines the future of the country.
In modern Kazakhstan, the name of Akhmet Baitursynuly enjoys special respect. His works remain an important source for studying and teaching the Kazakh language, and researching national history and literature.
The legacy of the nation's teacher is not only a treasure of the past. It also places great responsibility on the current generation. Respect for the native language, raising the status of the state language, striving for knowledge, and preserving national values — all of this is a continuation of the principles of Akhmet Baitursynuly.
The life of Akhmet Baitursynuly helps us realize one important truth: the future of a nation is directly linked to its language, education, and spiritual consciousness.
Therefore, September 5 is not just a commemorative date on the calendar. It is an important day that encourages respect for the native language, glorification of the great legacy of the nation's teacher, and the passing of his precepts to the current generation.
The name and works of Akhmet Baitursynuly will forever be preserved in the spiritual history of the Kazakh people. His legacy is a golden bridge connecting the nation's past with its present, and the present with the future.
Glorifying the work of the nation's teacher on the path of language, education, and science is one of the manifestations of fidelity to his spiritual testament. And respect for the native language is the filial duty of every citizen to their country.