President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev published an article ‘Abay and Kazakhstan in the XXI century’.

"This year marks the 175th anniversary of Abay Kunanbayev. In order to worthily celebrate the anniversary of the great son of our people, a specially created commission has begun preparatory work. It is planned to organize large-scale events at national and international level. But all this is carried out not to mark lavish anniversary celebrations, but to expand our horizons and spiritual development", Head of State wrote in his article.

According to Tokayev, Abay Kunanbayev has left an indelible mark in the history of the country as a thinker, poet, enlightener, founder of new literature of the nation, translator, composer. His poems and prose reflected the existence, life, outlook, character, soul, religion, mentality, language, spirit of the nation.

"Last year, a relay race of reading excerpts from Abay's works took place. I also participated in and supported the flash mob. Thanks to this, all of Kazakhstan has once again studied the heritage of Abay. This is respect for Abay and an effective way to educate the younger generation," said the President of Kazakhstan.

The Head of State also stressed that preservation of national consciousness and its adaptation to modern requirements became the most important factors of the state policy.

"In the XXI century, through the revival of consciousness, we open the way to the dynamic development of our country. In this connection, I consider that the heritage of Abay is very useful. The works of the great poet have not lost their relevance even today. Abay’s thoughts can always be a spiritual guide for all of us. Therefore, it is necessary to once again comprehend his works and use them rationally in the modernization of the nation. I would like to share with the public in this article about the relevance of Abay's works for modern times, for our people," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev explained motives for writing the article.

Meanwhile, it is necessary to determine the status of Semey, which occupies a special place in the spiritual development of the people as a historical center.

The Head of state said what additional measures should be taken by the government to popularize Abay's personality at a high level.

"Semey is one of the sacral regions in the history of Kazakhs. Therefore, the status of Semey, which occupies a special place in the spiritual development of the people as a historical center, should be defined. The region where Abai and Shakarim were born, Mukhtar Auezov was given an honour. In this regard, we will conduct comprehensive social and economic development of the city, reconstruct historical and cultural facilities in accordance with new requirements. I instruct the Government to take appropriate measures," the President wrote.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also noted that under the anniversary year it is necessary to improve Zhidebay, a favourite spot of Abay, create comfortable conditions for those who come to honor the memory of the great poet.

Besides, the President of Kazakhstan ordered to pay special attention to the state historical-cultural and literary-memorial museum-reserve of Abay "Zhidebai - Borili", to turn it into a scientific and cognitive center, to build a new building "Abay Heritage" adapted for the museum.

The Head of State gave an order to provide state support to the "Abay" magazine, which was founded in 1918 in Semey by Mukhtar Auezov and Zhussupbek Aymauitov, and began to be published again in 1992. Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev also informed that the cemetery of Kunanbay Oskenbaily’s family in Akshoky village of East Kazakhstan region will be improved.

The article of the Head of State is devoted to the forthcoming 175th anniversary of the great Kazakh poet, thinker, public figure and importance of his personality and heritage for the modern society.

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