Azerbaijan marks 100th anniversary of Kazakh children’s writer Berdibek Sokpakbayev
A presentation of the book “My Name is Kozha” by outstanding Kazakh children’s writer, founder of the Kazakh children’s literature, Berdibek Sokpakbayev, took place in the capital of Azerbaijan, Kazinform News Agency reports.
The event organized with the participation of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Fund, was held as part of the X Baku International Book Fair.
According to Malik Otarbayev, Advisor to the President of Kazakhstan, the celebration of Berdibek Sokpakbayev’s 100th anniversary was recognized a landmark milestone by the UNESCO.
“This year marks the 100th anniversary since the birth of outstanding Kazakh writer Berdibek Sokpakbayev. The event was recognized a landmark milestone by the UNESCO. As part of celebration at the X Baku International Book Fair, the novel “My name is Kozha” was presented for the first time in the Azerbaijani language. Sokpakbaev's works are important for the younger generation and contribute to strengthening ties between our peoples,” he said.
President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Aktoty Raimkulova noted that the book had been translated into 68 languages.
“My Name is Kozha” is a book aimed at preservation and passing down the rich heritage of the Turkic world to the future generations.
The writer’s daughter Samal Sokpakbayeva expressed her gratitude to the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and to the Azerbaijani side.
“I am thankful to President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for his initiative to mark my father’s jubilee both in Kazakhstan and other countries. I also want to thank Azerbaijan for the organization of the event which strengthens the unity of our nations,” she said.
During the presentation, an exhibition of the writer’s personal belongings, like clothes, dishes and accessories was held.
In October 2024, Kazakhstan celebrates the 100th anniversary of the classic of the Kazakh children’s literature Berdibek Sokpakbayev. His jubilee was included into the UNESCO’s list of events. The author of more than 20 works, he is famous for the books “My Name is Kozha”, “16-Year-Old Champion”, and “The Dead Do Not Return.”