Kazakh Embassy intends to hold in South Africa commemorative events devoted to the 1150th birth anniversary of Abu Nasr Al-Farabi

PRETORIA, 24 July, 2020 - The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of South Africa held a round table meeting with some local and international activists from the scientific and media community, while arranging interesting exchange of views with them. The meeting was attended by Professor of Arabic Studies and Philosophy Asadullah Abdulкarimzada from the Al-Ghazali Educational Institution, Mr. Abdulaziz Yigit, Director of the Yunus Emre Institute in Johannesburg, Ms. Susan Novella, CEO of the «Diplomatic Informer Magazine» (DIM), Mr. Calvin Modirapula from the DIM, as well as diplomatic staff of the Embassy.

H.E. Mr. Kanat Tumysh, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to South Africa, as the host of the said event, informed that as part of the celebration of the 1150th birth anniversary of Abu Nasr Al-Farabi at international level, supported by UNESCO, the relevant commemorative events are under way in many countries throughout  the year of 2020.

In his briefing the Ambassador informed participants about the life of the medieval scientists and philosopher Abu Nasr Al-Farabi and his legacy to future generations, including his book entitled "The Perfect State". Mr. Tumysh also added that the Embassy of Kazakhstan is planning to organize a number of events in South Africa in order to raise awareness of its citizens, especially young generation, about the masterpieces of Al-Farabi. In particular, the Embassy intends to publish one of the books of Al-Farabi (in original Arabic with translation into Kazakh, English and Russian) by the end of the year. Additionally, it plans to organize a contest among school students from Gauteng province and also to hold a special event in December 2020 to be coincided with the Independence Day of Kazakhstan.

During the meeting, Mr. Abdulkarimzada noted that proposal to assign the name of Al-Farabi to one of the streets in the Erasmia district of the City of Tshwane has been promoted further by a number of South African citizens, living in that area. He also expressed his willingness to render his assistance to the Embassy with researching and publishing Al-Farabi’s book entitled “The Perfect State”. 

Mr. Abdulaziz Yigit, Director of the Yunus Emre Institute in Johannesburg, expressed readiness to participate and jointly contribute to the events to be organized by the Embassy, while suggesting to consider signing a Memorandum of cooperation in order to pave the way for enhanced interaction in the future.

Ms. Susan Novella also expressed her intention to extend necessary support in the publication in South Africa of relevant articles about Al-Farabi and his book throughout the rest of this year, as well as to provide her expertise for the Embassy’s initiatives and their practical promotion.