Commemorating Abai: The Way Astana Honors the 180-Year Anniversary of Scholar and Poet
Celebrating Abai's Legacy: A Nationwide Tribute
On August 10, 2025, Kazakhstan will honour the life and legacy of Abai Qunanbaiuly, a foundational poet, philosopher, and cultural reformer, with a series of solemn ceremonies, musical performances, poetry readings, and exhibitions. Here's a roundup of the events taking place across the nation.
In Astana
The day's celebrations will commence with a solemn flower-laying ceremony at the Abai monument, located at the corner of Abaya Street and Baibitshlik Street. State officials, artists, and the public will gather to pay tribute to Abai's enduring legacy.
Later in the day, a Dombyra Party will take place on Nurly Zhol Boulevard, featuring live performances of Abai’s songs on the traditional Kazakh string instrument, the dombyra. This open-air event promises to be a vibrant celebration of Kazakh musical heritage.
The festivities will culminate with the concert “Abai’s World” at the Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev State Philharmonic. Honored Artist Azamat Zhyltirkhozov will headline this grand event, honouring Abai’s literary and philosophical contributions.
Across Kazakhstan
Throughout the country, libraries and cultural centers will stage poetry readings, open lessons, literary contests, and themed roundtables celebrating Abai's legacy. In Almaty, a new exhibition titled "Repressed Relatives and Descendants of Abai Kunanbayev" will be held at the Abai Museum, while the Saken Seifullin Museum in Astana will launch a photo exhibition under the theme "Abai's World".
In the Alzhir memorial-museum complex in Akmola Region, Tselinograd District, 2B Lineyniy Street, another exhibition dedicated to Abai's relatives and descendants will be held. Meanwhile, in the Nura and Saryarka districts, flash mobs, poetry nights, and public readings are scheduled for August 8.
A poetry quiz at Arbat on the Yessil embankment is planned for August 9, and an open mic poetry session will take place on Barayev Street on August 7. More than 5,000 schoolchildren across Astana are expected to join in choral performances of Abai's songs.
International Recognition
Abai Day is also recognized internationally, with events such as the celebration in Ankara, Turkey, supported by the Turkic World Research Center, and a recent highlight at Kazakhstan's National Day in Expo 2025 in Osaka. These activities collectively emphasize Abai’s role in shaping Kazakhstan’s cultural and moral consciousness through literary and musical tributes, public commemorations, and cross-cultural recognition.
Online Initiatives
A parallel initiative is unfolding online, inviting people of all ages to post video recitations of Abai's poetry under the hashtag #АбайдыОқыЖалықпа. This digital platform serves as a testament to the enduring appeal and relevance of Abai's works in contemporary Kazakh culture.
In conclusion, the Day of Abai celebrations offer a unique opportunity to honour a national treasure and to celebrate Kazakhstan's rich cultural heritage. Whether in person or online, these events promise to be a fitting tribute to Abai Qunanbaiuly's profound impact on Kazakh literature, music, and philosophy.
[1] Honored Artist Azamat Zhyltirkhozov [2] Abai Museum [3] Saken Seifullin Museum [4] Turkic World Research Center [5] Expo 2025 Osaka
At the Astana celebrations, Honored Artist Azamat Zhyltirkhozov will lead the grand concert "Abai’s World," showcasing Abai’s literary and philosophical contributions. The Abai Museum in Almaty will host a new exhibition titled "Repressed Relatives and Descendants of Abai Kunanbayev." Meanwhile, the Saken Seifullin Museum in Astana will launch a photo exhibition under the theme "Abai's World." The Turkic World Research Center in Ankara, Turkey, will celebrate Abai Day with a series of events. Kazakhstan's National Day at Expo 2025 in Osaka also recognized Abai Day. People can participate online by posting video recitations of Abai's poetry under the hashtag #АбайдыОқыЖалықпа.
