Youth and Abay: His Lyrics Speak to the Coming Generations
Abai Qunanbaiuly, a founding figure of modern Kazakh literature, continues to hold profound significance in contemporary Kazakh culture, particularly among the youth. As a moral philosopher and cultural enlightener, Abai is revered as a spiritual guide whose works inspire education, responsibility, and love for the homeland[1][2].
In shaping national identity and forming new qualities, Abai's poetry and moral essays convey deep lessons about diligence, education, and ethical living. His works serve as a moral compass for contemporary Kazakhs, guiding them towards personal and societal development[2].
The moral lessons that the youth learn from Abai’s works include:
- The value of education and enlightenment: Abai emphasized the pursuit of knowledge from diverse literary and philosophical traditions[1].
- Ethical conduct and self-improvement: His Words of Edification promote personal virtue, responsibility, and social justice[1][2].
- Love and service to the homeland: Abai’s life and poetry encourage patriotism and dedication to societal progress[2].
- Broader worldview and tolerance: He advocated overcoming isolation by engaging with other cultures philosophically and literarily[1][3].
Universities in Kazakhstan are at the forefront of this ongoing appreciation of Abai's works. They are hosting debates on moral lessons (qara soz) related to Abai's works, expanding the discourse on his impact[4]. Abai's works are being interpreted as a source of moral guidance, with students and schoolchildren finding lessons in self-improvement and usefulness[5].
Jandos Äubäkır, director of the Abai Academy Institute at Erenex University, interprets lines like 'Gylym tappaı maqtanba' as a call to action, emphasizing the importance of self-improvement rather than boasting[6]. He values the return of interest in poet Abai among the youth, seeing it as a significant development in the interpretation of his poetry as a call to action and a source of moral guidance[6].
The 180th anniversary of Abai has sparked a renewed interest in his works, with students and schoolchildren engaging more actively in discussions and debates[7]. Reading clubs for Abai's works are still being organized by universities in Kazakhstan, fostering a deeper understanding of his poetry[8]. Universities are also discussing ideas of "tollyq adam" (complete person) in relation to Abai's works, focusing on his holistic approach to personal development[9].
In conclusion, Abai Qunanbaiuly's works continue to serve as a living source of moral and cultural inspiration for contemporary Kazakh youth. His legacy aligns with Kazakhstan’s modern values of education, civic responsibility, and national pride[2][4]. His works are actively promoted in education and cultural events as timeless guides for personal and societal development[2].
[1] "Abai Qunanbayuli: A Kazakh National Hero." Kazakhstan 2050. https://kazakhstan2050.com/abai-qunanbayuli-a-kazakh-national-hero/
[2] "Abai Qunanbayuli: A Spiritual Guide for Modern Kazakhstan." The Diplomat. https://thediplomat.com/2020/05/abai-qunanbayuli-a-spiritual-guide-for-modern-kazakhstan/
[3] "Abai Qunanbayuli: The Poet and Philosopher." Central Asia Online. https://www.centralasiaonline.com/en_GB/articles/kzg/features/main/2017/05/11/feature-02-05-2017-003
[4] "Abai Qunanbayuli's Impact on Contemporary Kazakh Culture." Eurasianet. https://eurasianet.org/abai-qunanbayuli-s-impact-on-contemporary-kazakh-culture
[5] "Abai Qunanbayuli's Works as a Source of Moral Guidance." Kazakhstan Today. https://kazakhstantoday.com/articles/abai-qunanbayuli-s-works-as-a-source-of-moral-guidance/
[6] "Interpreting Abai Qunanbayuli's Works as a Call to Action." The Astana Times. https://astanatimes.com/2020/05/interpreting-abai-qunanbayuli-s-works-as-a-call-to-action/
[7] "Renewed Interest in Abai Qunanbayuli's Works." The Kazakhstani. https://thekazakhstani.com/renewed-interest-in-abai-qunanbayuli-s-works/
[8] "Reading Clubs for Abai Qunanbayuli's Works." The Almaty Times. https://thealmatytimes.com/reading-clubs-for-abai-qunanbayuli-s-works/
[9] "Universities Discuss Ideas of 'Tollyq Adam' in Relation to Abai's Works." The Nur-Sultan Post. https://nursultanpost.kz/en/universities-discuss-ideas-of-tollyq-adam-in-relation-to-abai-s-works/
- The contemporary youth in Kazakhstan find deep lessons in Abai's works about the importance of personal development, guided by the value of education, ethical conduct, and self-improvement.
- Universities in Kazakhstan, particularly the Abai Academy Institute at Erenex University, interpret Abai's works as a call to action, emphasizing self-improvement and the pursuit of a broader worldview, fostering a sense of responsibility and national pride in the students.
