Century-spanning Influence of Abe, Felt in Every Heart

In the heart of Kazakhstan, the grand spectacle "The Pride of Humanity - Abai, the Ruler" marked the beginning of a week-long celebration honouring the 180th anniversary of Abai Kunanbayev, a great poet, composer, educator, thinker, public figure, and founder of Kazakh written literature.

Rоza Rymbaeva, the People's Artist of Kazakhstan, was warmly welcomed at the cultural-sports complex "Arena", with a 5,500-seat amphitheater and over 13,000 square meters of space. Every seat at the event was filled, and those who couldn't find a seat settled on the steps of the vast hall.

The theatrical performance was followed by a concert featuring stars of the stage. The performances of renowned opera singer Tolkyn Zhabirova, as well as those of Gulmira Sarino, Erlan Ryskali, and Ushkyn Zhamaibek, resonated with the audience. Biibigul Akhmetovna Tulegenova, an honorary resident of the region and a global icon, was the honored guest of the concert.

The regional Akim, Berik Uali, presented Biibigul Akhmetovna Tulegenova with a traditional embroidered coat and a white shawl, as per Kazakh tradition. The event was a significant cultural step in celebrating Abai's life and work, nurturing the younger generation, and promoting his enduring legacy.

Abai Kunanbayev's study focuses on the human being, questioning the purpose of human existence, the structure of the human body, the connection between humans and their environment, and the role of the Almighty in human life. His teachings suggest that people themselves have the power to influence everything. Abai extols human reason and condemns ignorance, and his teachings emphasize that the highest value is the human being, striving for noble goals and rejecting outdated, harmful prejudices.

The celebrations aimed to deepen historical awareness and promote the country's spiritual culture on a global scale. Officials and cultural representatives underscored Abai’s importance as a moral compass and an inspiration for future generations, celebrating his contributions to Kazakh spiritual and societal development.

Besides the events in Kazakhstan, the anniversary was celebrated internationally. A significant concert was held in Lugano, Switzerland, the Italian-speaking economic and cultural capital, featuring the People’s Artist of Kazakhstan Aigul Kosanova. The event commemorated both National Dombra Day and Abai’s 180th anniversary, highlighting the dombra as a symbol of Kazakh identity and celebrating Abai’s profound cultural and spiritual legacy.

In Montenegro, the inauguration of an Abai Center at the National Library emphasised the global respect for Abai’s philosophical and literary works. A mural dedicated to Abai Kunanbayev was unveiled in Petropavlovsk, North Kazakhstan region, on the wall of Kozybayev University. The mural, developed by university students and faculty, presents Abai’s portrait framed with national ornaments. This initiative aims to inspire city residents, especially youth, to embrace values like humanity, honesty, justice, and morality.

The anniversary was actively promoted via social media and news outlets, encouraging public participation and awareness of Abai’s enduring influence on Kazakh identity and culture, especially around August 10, 2025, the actual birth anniversary. The 180th anniversary celebration of Abai Kunanbayev combined international cultural performances, public art projects, national festivities, and educational initiatives to honour the poet’s enduring legacy and promote Kazakh cultural heritage globally.

The week-long celebration in Kazakhstan, honoring Abai Kunanbayev, extends beyond the borders of the country, delving into the realms of fashion-and-beauty and entertainment, as the People’s Artist of Kazakhstan, Aigul Kosanova, graced a significant concert in Lugano, Switzerland.
The humanist ideals of Abai Kunanbayev stretch beyond his native Kazakhstan, resonating deeply in the home-and-garden of every individual, as his teachings stress the importance of humanity, honesty, justice, and morality, making him a beacon for future generations.
As the 180th anniversary of Abai Kunanbayev unfolds, the focus shifts towards relationships, with respect and admiration for the great poet growing increasingly global, as demonstrated by the unveiling of a mural dedicated to him in Petropavlovsk, North Kazakhstan region.
The cultural spectacle in Kazakhstan not only captivated its audience with lifestyle performances but also delved into the food-and-drink scene, underlining the importance of Abai’s teachings in appreciating the connection between humans and their environment.
The anniversary of Abai Kunanbayev transcends the boundaries of Kazakh literature, permeating the realm of pop-culture, sci-fi-and-fantasy, and travel, as his teachings, principles, and philosophies continue to inspire and renew Kazakh identity and culture, both domestically and internationally.