MCTAU hosts a lecture on the history of Kazakhstan
Vilnius, January 30, 2025 – Medardas Cobotas University of the Third Age (MCTAU) hosted a lecture on the history of Kazakhstan in honour of the publication of the book “Mamluk” by Kazakh author Ermek Tursunov in Lithuanian.
Among the speakers of the event were Professor of Vilnius University A. Smetona, Lecturer – Master of History and Law S. Daugirda, Dean of the MCTAU Faculty of History – Professor V. Kniuraite, Director of publishing house “Žara” R. Zhandariene.
Professor Smetona, who translated the novel “Mamluk” into Lithuanian, told the audience about the difficulties of translation.
“The process of translation was not easy. Despite E. Tursunov’s rich and vivid language, the novel turned out to be truly historical - complex, multidimensional, multicultural. The novel is rich not only in artifacts of the Kipchak steppe and Middle Eastern life, the realities of the lives of rulers and warriors, but also in numerous allusions to the Koran, the Bible and the Egyptian Book of the Dead. The work widely covers the connections between the Turkic nomads, Mongols, Arabs and ancient Chinese culture. I hope I managed to translate this difficult material into Lithuanian,” the professor said.
In turn, R. Zhandariene stressed a long-term cooperation with the Embassy of Kazakhstan on the publication of books of Kazakh literature, including “The Path of Abai” by M. Auezov, “The Return of the Teacher” by A. Alimzhanov, “Mamluk” by E. Tursunov, collection of Kazakh fairy tales, as well as the textbook “History of Kazakhstan”.
Former Consul of Lithuania to Kazakhstan V. Bruneiko shared with the audience his impressions about the dynamic life in our country, spoke about business opportunities, as well as the Central Asian republic’s colorful nature.
In his welcoming speech, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Lithuania T. Urazayev noted the importance of developing cultural and humanitarian cooperation, which is an integral part of Kazakh-Lithuanian relations. He emphasized the significant contribution of the Kazakh diaspora in Lithuania and the Lithuanian diaspora in Kazakhstan to strengthening cultural ties between the countries. Particular attention was paid to the unique experience of Kazakhstan in the field of interethnic and interfaith harmony, as well as the role of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan and the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
In the context historical memory, the diplomat told about the assistance of the Kazakh government to the activities of the Lithuanian Center for Genocide and Repression and the “Mission Siberia” expedition dedicated to preserve the memory of repressed Lithuanians.
Urazayev focused on the tourism potential of our country, as well as informed about the ambitious initiative “Kazakhstan Born Bold”.
The participants of the event expressed gratitude to the Kazakh side for its contribution to the development of culture-humanitarian cooperation between Kazakhstan and Lithuania.