Presentation of a collection of poems by Magzhan Zhumabay at the National Library of Slovakia

Martin, March 6, 2024 - As part of the «Week of Slovak Libraries», the National Library of Slovakia hosted a presentation of a collection of poetry by Magzan Zhumabay, published for the first time in the Slovak language. The event was attended by members of the Slovak Writers' Society - poets, writers and literary critics, the oldest Slovak national, cultural and scientific organization «Matica slovenská», the Slovak Library Association and the Society of Book Publishers, students and representatives of the press.

Presenting the book to the public, Ambassador of Kazakhstan Tolezhan Barlybaev emphasized the unique poetic gift and richness of the creative heritage of Magzhan Zhumabay, as well as his outstanding contribution to the development of Kazakh and world literature. It was noted that the presentation was held in the historical building of the National Library, which in 1865-1926 hosted the Slovak organization «Matica slovenská» - an analogue of the Kazakh socio-political movement «Alash», symbolizing the closeness of views and spiritual relationship between the Kazakh and Slovak classics of poetry. The diplomat thanked the library staff and donated Magzhan Zhumabay’s books to the library collection.

Member of the Slovak Writers' Society, Director of the Literary Institute, poet Július Lomenčik highly appreciated Magzhan’s multifaceted creativity, the deep symbolism and lyricism of his works, reflecting the spiritual quest and moral ideals of the author. It is noted that the tragic fate of the Kazakh poet echoes the fate of the Slovak classics of poetry, who made an invaluable contribution to the preservation and development of national culture.

General Director of the National Library of the Slovak Republic Katarína Krištofová welcomed the first edition of the book of poems by Magzhan Zhumabay in the Slovak language, noting that this gives Slovak readers the opportunity to get acquainted with the literary and artistic traditions of the Kazakh people. She noted the importance of supporting joint cultural projects to promote reading among young people.

Translator of the poems, professor of philology Victoria Lyashuk spoke about the complex process of literary and artistic translation of the works of Magzhan Zhumabay, which lasted over eight months with the assistance of the famous poet and literary critic Ján Gavura. She noted that working on the translation was an extremely interesting creative process, given the richness and diversity of the Kazakh poetic language.

The photo exhibition «Kazakhstan – the Heart of Eurasia», organized as part of the presentation, also attracted great interest from the Slovak public.

The nationwide cultural event «Week of Slovak Libraries» is organized by the Slovak Library Association (SAK) and the Society of Slovak Librarians and Libraries (SSKK). The event is held annually in Slovakia with the aim of popularizing reading and presenting new book products. Within its framework, book fairs, literary readings, creative evenings and poetry competitions are held throughout the country.