Anthologies of Contemporary Kazakh Literature

The translation of the Contemporary Kazakh Poetry and Prose anthologies, is a project under the ‘Modern Kazakh Culture in the Global World’ programme. Aimed at introducing to the world the Kazakh literature and culture since its independence, this programme is one of the pillars of Rukhani Zhangyru, an initiative designed by the First President of Kazakhstan, to spur the country’s development to become more competitive in the global economy.

The anthologies are published by the National Bureau of Translations in partnership with Cambridge University Press. The British Council served as the strategic partner of the project through providing expert support. This important and exciting project sees the translation of poems and stories from over sixty Kazakh authors into English for the first time – giving an opportunity for readers from across English speaking countries to learn about the Kazakh culture.

The poetry anthology explores an impressive breadth of subjects and styles, from strident verse exploring Kazakh nationhood, to intimate and fragile inner dialogues. Informed by Kazakhstan’s often turbulent history and its unparalleled natural landscape, the anthology offers universal insights into the human condition, filtered through Kazakh wisdom, openness and kindness.

From lyrical realism to mythical storytelling and comedy to tragedy, the prose anthology takes readers into the heart of Kazakh culture and outlook. Each author brings to life characters, beliefs and locations that embody Kazakh identity as they traverse vast landscapes, noble wildlife, deep family traditions, musicality, kindness, and a restless history (including the struggles under Soviet rule). Yet beyond such borders, there is a profound comment on universal themes of existence.

These reflective and thought-provoking texts reveal a nation in progress, identities in transition and shifting attitudes to modernism. They allow international readers to access Kazakh literature – in most cases for the first time – and grow more familiar with its style. They will teach us to understand that despite our cultural and linguistic differences, through literature we become one.