Kazakhstan celebrates Abai Day on August 10 each year. It is the birthday of Abai Kunanbaiuly, the Kazakh poet, philosopher, translator, and composer who was the founder of modern Kazakh literature. In addition to innovating Kazakh poetry and generating 170 poems and 56 translations, he made a number of notable contributions. His life, legacy, and poetry are commemorated on this day. Even more essential is that it encourages people, particularly children, to study prose and poetry and explore their creative side. Today, learn more about how to celebrate Abai Day.
The background of Abai Day
Abai Kunanbaiuly was born in Semey, Kazakhstan, on August 10, 1845. His name meant ‘careful’ or ‘attentive’ in English, and it accurately reflected his attention to creativity as he matured. As a boy, he was homeschooled, but as he grew older, he gradually began attending a Russian school. During this period, he met a variety of creative individuals, including poets and novelists. This was the occasion that ignited his passion for writing poetry. He studied both various Oriental languages and Western European literature. By the time he graduated, he had written his first compositions.
In the 1880s, he began translating works by other authors. He translated the poems of I.A. Krylova, A.S. Pushkin, Johann Goethe, and George Byron. He also translated Goethe’s ‘Night Song of the Wanderer’ into Kazakh, which eventually became the folk song ‘Mountains Doze in the Dark Night.’
One of Abai’s most renowned compositions is titled “Book of Words” or “Words of Edification.” This book comprises 45 parables that were so influential on Kazakhstan’s national perspective, education, law, and morality.
He continued to influence the literature of his nation until his death on July 6, 1904. However, his influence persisted after his death into the early 20th century. In recognition of his legacy, a literary journal titled “Abai” was published from February to November 1918 in Kazakh and Russian.
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5 fascinating details about ABAI KUNANBAIULY
Abai statues are erected in numerous nations, including France, Germany, Georgia, Turkey, and South Korea.
A film titled “Qunanbai” depicts Abai’s life and was screened at the 12th Kazal International Muslim Film Festival.
His favourite poetry included “Shahnameh” and “One Thousand and One Nights.”
In 2012, Abai’s Poetry was one of the top 10 AppStore downloads.
The Alash Autonomy, a transcontinental autonomy between Central Asia and Eastern Europe, was inspired by him.
ABAI DAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | August 10 | Thursday |
2024 | August 10 | Saturday |
2025 | August 10 | Sunday |
2026 | August 10 | Monday |
2027 | August 10 | Tuesday |