Kazakh fairy tales published in Armenian for the first time
A presentation of a collection of Kazakh folk tales, published in Armenian for the first time, took place in the capital of Armenia as part of the events dedicated to the Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The event, held at the main university of the country – Yerevan State University, was attended by well-known figures of literature and art, science and education, representatives of scientific and academic, political, and business circles, the diplomatic corps and the media, Kazinform Agency learnt from the Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s press service.
The Head of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Administration of President, Tigran Samvelyan, delivered a welcoming speech on behalf of the President of the Republic of Armenia, who noted that the translation and publication of Kazakh fairy tales in Armenian is a unique and rare event in the diplomatic environment. Stressing the importance of the work done from the point of view of upbringing and education of the younger generation, the representative of the Presidential Administration added that the well-known hero of Kazakh fairy tales Aldar-Kose is the embodiment of goodness and justice, and these works will enrich not only children, but also the people of Armenia as a whole. “Today a solid foundation has been laid, I am sure that the presented collection will be on the tables of our children and adults for decades or centuries. Fairy tales know no borders,” Tigran Samvelyan stressed.
According to the Chairman of the Writers Union of Armenia, Edward Militonian, the development of cultural and humanitarian direction is a key factor in preserving historical ties and further rapprochement of peoples. “It is in fairy tales that all the emotions, feelings, and lifestyle of people are captured, which come from the depths of centuries and reflect the whole essence of the people. This inspired me during the process of translating fairy tales that are similar in plot to our Armenian ones,” the famous Armenian literary critic, poet, and translator, a member of the creative group, Varuzhan Hastur, shared his impressions.
“The rich spiritual world of the Kazakh people is reflected in this collection. Real and mythical characters can fully immerse the reader in a wonderful world where there is harmony, friendship, and love, and good always wins over evil. We are very glad that our painstaking and long-awaited work has ended today,” said the head of the Department of Turkology of Yerevan State University, Professor Alexander Safaryan, who is also the author of the translation of several fairy tales published in the collection.
Rector of Yerevan State University Hovhannes Hovhannisyan stressed that the collection of Kazakh folk tales is already the fourth fundamental edition published thanks to the cooperation of the Embassy of Kazakhstan with Armenian literary critics. He added that the publication of this book will undoubtedly play a special role in the development and strengthening of cultural, humanitarian, scientific, and educational cooperation between the two countries and peoples.
In turn, Ambassador of Kazakhstan Bolat Imanbayev, noting the centuries-old cultural ties between Kazakhs and Armenians, which are currently continuing to develop actively, thanked the creative group and the Armenian community for their genuine interest in Kazakh culture and support in the further development of bilateral cultural and humanitarian relations.
During the event, People's Artist of Armenia Mayranush Grigoryan, as well as Aida Kirakosyan, recited poems previously translated into Armenian by Magzhan Zhumabayev and Shakarim Kudaiberdyuly. A photo exhibition about Kazakhstan was held there as part of the presentation.