Bust of Kazakh poet and thinker Abai unveiled in Tatarstan
The bust of the great Kazakh poet and philosopher Abai has been unveiled in a grand ceremony in the capital of Tatarstan, Kazan, Kazinform News Agency cites the press service of the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan.
The event was part of the working visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Kazan for the 16th Summit of the BRICS Heads of State, that is taking place from October 22 to 24.
Attending the ceremony were Culture and Information Minister of Kazakhstan Aida Balayeva, Culture Minister of Tatarstan Irada Ayupova, General Consul of Kazakhstan in Kazan Yerlan Isskakov, Chairman of the Union of Writers of Tatarstan Rkail Zaidullin, as well as the residents of Kazan and the members of the national-cultural autonomy of Kazakhs.
Addressing those present, Kazakh Culture and Information Minister Balayeva called the opening of the monument in Kazan as a great example of eternal friendship, mutual understanding and spiritual affinity of the nations.
It’s symbolic that today’s event is held as part of the Summit of the BRICS member countries. This will undoubtedly add a special touch to it, strengthening and deepening of the cultural ties between our countries. The world of Abai is not only the spiritual richness of all Turkic people, it’s truly the heritage of the world, said Balayeva.
The bust of the eminent thinker was installed in Kazan at the intersection of Nazarbayev and Kachalov streets. Nurbol Kaliyev, sculptor, member of the Union of Painters of Kazakhstan, is the author of the monument.
It's encouraging that Kazakhstan, developing friendship with Russia, shows a true interest in Tatarstan and our culture. No wonder that the bust of Abai was installed in this square, next to the Taikazan sculpture, symbolizing hospitality, which was gifted by Kazakhstan to Kazan in 2018. In Russia, we remember and honor the great Kazakh poet. There is the monument of Abai in the capital of our country as well as streets bearing his name in a number of Russian cities. Today’s event is the result of the years-long productive business and cultural ties, built on the spiritual unity of Kazakh and Tatar peoples, said Culture Minister of Tatarstan Irada Ayupova.
The solemn event concluded with the ceremony of laying flowers at the monument of the Kazakh poet.
