Abai Day celebrated in Tehran

Tehran, August 15, 2024 - At the initiative of the Embassy of Kazakhstan and the Institute of Culture under the Economic Cooperation Organization, an event entitled «Abai's Heritage - the World Pride of Kazakhstan» was organized to coincide with Abai Day.

The event was attended by heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations, representatives of the local intelligentsia and literary observers of Tehran.

During the event, the Director of the Institute of Culture, Dr. Said Khan, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Iran, O. Onalbayev, Kazakh scientists I. Zhemenei, S. Abdollah, B. Ospanova, M. Shapiyan, G. Omarbekova, Iranian writers A. Khabibi, H. Agazade, Z. Aslani and others spoke in detail about the rich legacy of the great Kazakh poet, educator, founder of Kazakh literature, philosopher Abai Qunanbaiuly.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event, Ambassador Ontalap Onalbayev, referring to the special connection of the Great Kazakh poet with Eastern literature, noted that Abai Qunanbaiuly is the founder of Kazakh written literature.

The Kazakh diplomat voiced the words of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: «Abai is a world-class genius from the Kazakh land. He gave the fruits of the mind to the entire human race» adding that Abai defined the place of wisdom.

The Ambassador drew particular attention to the fact that Abai’s works never lose their relevance, and stated that Abai’s attitude towards the East is a topic that requires extensive research.

He also stressed the importance of presenting the great thinker to the world at the proper level.

It is worth noting that there is currently a bust of Abai in the National Library of Iran. In addition, there is an Abai corner at the Consulate General of Kazakhstan in the city of Gorgan.