In this episode of Modern Nomads, we explore the enduring legacy of Abai Qunanbaiuly, Kazakhstan's greatest poet, philosopher and cultural figure. From literature to opera, his influence continues to shape Kazakhstan's modern identity.
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00:00Welcome to Simi, in eastern Kazakhstan.
00:08You might be wondering who the man behind me is.
00:11To truly understand this country, we need to take a look at his story.
00:15He shaped Kazakhstan's history and the Kazakh identity as we know it today.
00:20Let me introduce you to Abai Kunanbayoglu.
00:28The bustling university town of Simi is situated about 700 km east of Astana.
00:34It was here, in the 19th century, that Abai Kunanbayoglu studied and built the foundations
00:39of his heritage as Kazakhstan's most cherished poet, social activist, musician and philosopher.
00:45Today, the Abai Museum is dedicated to his legacy.
00:50Walking through the nine halls of the museum, you can fully grasp the significance of this
00:54great thinker, who is known as the founder of written Kazakh literature.
01:00Abai's seminal book, Words of Edification, contained philosophical reflections and deep
01:05thoughts tackling moral and ethical questions of the time.
01:10Through his work, Abai aimed to modernize the Kazakh society through education, self-improvement
01:15and cultural growth.
01:40Renowned for seamlessly blending Eastern traditions with Western ideas that were modern
01:44at the time, his works paved the path that Kazakh culture continues to follow to this
01:50day.
01:51Abai's poetry, which addresses universal themes such as love, friendship and justice,
01:57had a significant impact.
01:59I came to Astana to Nazarbayev University, where his works are still studied today.
02:05A group of students from the university's poetry club read some of his poems for me.
02:19Abai's poems reflect not only his personal issues, but also the societal issues of his
02:25era.
02:26Though written nearly two centuries ago, they continue to be a major source of inspiration
02:31today.
02:44The dedication of the students and the importance they place on Abai's work helped me understand
02:50why he remains a legend in Kazakhstan today.
02:57Abai's influence is also evident in music, particularly in opera.
03:04The opera Abai, named after him, was created in 1944 by Hamidi and Shubanov, drawing inspiration
03:11from his life.
03:27Considered one of the most beautiful Kazakh operas, it has been performed in Kazakhstan
03:31and abroad for 80 years.
03:34It's part of the Astana Opera's repertoire, and Alam Buribayev, the great grandson of
03:39Shubanov, frequently conducts it.
03:44At the heart of this opera is a forbidden love story between two young people torn between
03:49conservatism and reform, with Abai as their spiritual guide toward hope and freedom.
03:56This story is a pretext to kind of reveal this conflict between the ancient society's
04:04norms and the progressive thinking of Abai.
04:08This opera, featuring some songs written by Abai himself, carries a unique and authentic
04:13touch.
04:15It is exotic in a way that it uses the Kazakh motifs which are new for the European ears,
04:21but at the same time it's written like an opera in the tradition of European opera.
04:26So like Abai himself is a sort of a bridge between Western and Eastern culture.
04:32Abai's legacy lives on in modern Kazakh culture through literature, philosophy, and music,
04:40which blend timeless values with fresh contemporary expression.
04:44His influence, woven into poetry, books, and even opera, invites Kazakhs and visitors alike
04:50to dive into the rich history of this country and its evolving creative spirit.