Tokayev Congratulates Participants of Gala Marking 180th Anniversary of Zhambyl Zhabayev

Astana, The Gulf Observer: Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has extended a congratulatory message to participants of a gala event commemorating the 180th anniversary of the birth of Zhambyl Zhabayev, according to media reports citing the Akorda press service.

In his message, the President described the occasion as a landmark date honoring “a distinguished son of the Kazakh people and a legendary pillar of our national literature.”

Tokayev praised Zhabayev as a historical figure of immense cultural significance who occupies a unique place in the nation’s spiritual life. Through his diverse and prolific творчество, the renowned wordsmith celebrated enduring values such as patriotism, unity, heroism, selfless service to the people, honesty, and justice.

The President highlighted Zhabayev’s invaluable contribution to the development of aitys — the traditional art of improvised poetic singing — as well as his role in reviving epic traditions and strengthening cultural ties between the Kazakh and Kyrgyz peoples.

“Masterfully capturing the life of his era, the poet earned the sincere recognition and respect of the people,” Tokayev noted, adding that the works of the great akyn, often hailed as the “Homer of the 20th century,” have been translated into dozens of languages and have become part of the global cultural treasury.

The Head of State expressed confidence that the rich legacy of the poet, who witnessed and chronicled events across two centuries, will continue to serve as a spiritual guide for future generations. He also underscored the importance of scholarly research and new academic frameworks introduced during the anniversary year, which he said would shed fresh light on previously unexplored aspects of Zhabayev’s life and творчество.

Concluding his message, Tokayev wished the gala event every success and extended his best wishes for continued achievements in preserving and promoting Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage.

Zhambyl Zhabayev (1846–1945), who lived nearly a century, was both a witness to and chronicler of major historical transformations. A celebrated participant and repeated winner in aitys contests among prominent poets of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, his recorded pre-revolutionary improvisations include epics such as “Suranshi-Batyr” and “Utegen-Batyr,” as well as fairy tales including “Khan and Akyn” and “The Tale of the Lazy Man.”

During the Great Patriotic War, his patriotic song “Leningraders, My Children!” became a powerful symbol of solidarity and courage for the residents of besieged Leningrad, further cementing his place in history as a poet of the people.