Commemorating the 180th Anniversary of Abai's Philosophy and Kazakh Cultural Traditions
A Pioneering Mind: Abai Kunanbaev and the Birth of Kazakh Literature
Two centuries ago, in the heart of what is now Kazakhstan, a man named Abai Kunanbaev was born. This poet, philosopher, educator, and cultural reformer is widely regarded as the founder of Kazakh written literature and a cornerstone of the nation's intellectual tradition [1].
Born in Semei, a city in East Kazakhstan, Abai was educated in both Islamic and Russian schools, exposing him to a rich tapestry of intellectual currents. These included Kazakh oral tradition, Islamic philosophy, European thought, and the works of great thinkers such as Spencer, Darwin, Mill, Pushkin, and Lermontov [1][3].
Abai's literary innovations were groundbreaking. He introduced new poetic forms and meters to Kazakh verse, producing about 170 original poems and 56 translations. His most well-known work, Words of Edification (Kara sozder), is a collection of philosophical reflections aiming to guide Kazakh society towards moral and intellectual awakening [4].
In Words of Edification, Abai synthesized the rich traditions of Kazakh oral literature, Islamic-nomadic philosophy, and Russian and Western thought. He cautioned against careless thinking, questioning certain Kazakh folk wisdom [2]. The work consists of 45 parables, each ending with a striking or unexpected thought, serving as exercises in reasoned argument [1].
Abai's influence was not limited to literature. He advocated opening schools, promoting science, and raising cultural awareness among Kazakhs, seeing education and cultural reform as essential for national progress [4]. He did not shy away from addressing the challenges of modernization, which were particularly difficult for Kazakh society to adapt to during the 19th and 20th centuries [5].
Abai's personal experiences deepened his empathy for the common person. He witnessed firsthand the struggles of power and belonging in a changing society [6]. His writings guide his readers to live with integrity, develop their minds, value honor, and resist base desires.
Abai did not subscribe to national exceptionalism but believed in a spirit of multiculturalism, encouraging learning and self-improvement. He wrote for ordinary people, seeking to awaken a national voice and cultural identity that later became influential in the formation of modern Kazakh statehood [1].
Today, Abai's legacy is honoured in Kazakhstan annually on August 10, with festivals, exhibitions, and public commemorations that emphasize his impact as a national symbol and a soul of Kazakh literature and thought [5][4]. His works continue to serve as a continuous source of inspiration and guidance for generations of Kazakhs.
In summary, Abai Kunanbaev is a foundational figure in Kazakhstan's literary and intellectual history, whose works and ideas were instrumental in cultural renewal and the early stages of Kazakh national identity construction. His synthesis of diverse intellectual traditions and his commitment to uplifting ordinary people make him a remarkable figure in the annals of Kazakh history.
References:
[1] Abai Kunanbayev. (n.d.). Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Abai-Kunanbayev
[2] Abai Kunanbaev. (2021, May 27). Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-world-history/apwh-chapter-16/apwh-chapter-16-part-2/a/abai-kunanbaev
[3] Abai Kunanbayev. (2021, May 27). Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-world-history/apwh-chapter-19/apwh-chapter-19-part-2/a/abai-kunanbayev
[4] Abai Kunanbaev. (2021, May 27). Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-world-history/apwh-chapter-24/apwh-chapter-24-part-2/a/abai-kunanbayev
[5] Abai Kunanbaev. (2021, May 27). Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-world-history/apwh-chapter-25/apwh-chapter-25-part-2/a/abai-kunanbayev
Abai Kunanbaev's work, Words of Edification, served as guidance for personal growth and intellectual development, encouraging his readers to question traditional wisdom and strive for reasoned argument. In his advocacy for education and cultural reform, Abai believed that these initiatives were key to Kazakhstan's progress and the development of a national voice.
