Ambassador Dauren Karipov Presents State Award to Renowned German Literary Scholar Leonhard Kossuth
BERLIN, 14 September 2020 – Today, acting on the instructions of the Kazakh Head of State and on the occasion of the 175th Jubilee of the great philosopher, poet and founder of Kazakh written literature Abai Qunanbajuly, Ambassador Dauren Karipov presented Leonhard Kossuth with the Order of Dostyk (Friendship) of the 2nd degree for his translations of the work of Abai. Mr. Kossuth is a renowned author and literary historian hailing from Germany.
During the award ceremony, which was hosted by the Embassy, Ambassador Karipov conveyed his country’s gratitude to Mr. Kossuth for his years-long creative contribution to the strengthening of relations between Kazakhstan and Germany, having introduced Abai’s masterworks to German readers.
Leonhard Kossuth was born on 25 July 1923. Throughout his professional career he was involved with promoting and translating classic Russian and 20th century Soviet literature into the German language.
Within the framework of the Embassy of Kazakhstan’s "Kazakh Library" project Mr. Kossuth translated Abai's "Words of Edification" into German in 2007 together with his professional associate Mr. Herold Belger, and in 2018 he published a German-language collection of Abai's poems called "Zwanzig Gedichte".
In addition, Mr. Kossuth was involved of the German-language translation of the compendium work of Olzhas Suleimenov "Azimuth of the Nomads".
For reference: The Order of Dostyk is the highest state award of the Republic of Kazakhstan, presented to foreign citizens for their contribution to the strengthening of peace, friendship and cooperation between nations. The corresponding decree on awarding Leonhard Kossuth was signed by the President of Kazakhstan on 4 August 2020.