Kazakh thinkers and reformers of Kazakhstan -
Significant places in the city of Almaty -
The monument to Abai Kunanbayev in Almaty is one of the most significant cultural and spiritual symbols of the city. It is installed near the Palace of the Republic, in a picturesque place at the foot of the Zailiyskiy Alatau, and seems to guard the central square in front of the palace, where important social and cultural events often take place. The monument was opened in 1960 and became the first large monument to the great Kazakh poet, thinker and educator in Kazakhstan. Sculptor Khakimzhan Nauryzbayev and architects Aitkesh Zharylgapov and I. Belotserkovsky created an image that combines greatness, wisdom and spiritual strength. Abai's poetry is imbued with deep philosophical reflections on the fate of man, justice, love and spirituality. His "Words of Edification" is a kind of philosophical treatise, in which he touched upon the topics of upbringing, morality, education and progress. He convinced the people to strive for knowledge, master new sciences, develop diligence and high morality.
The figure of Abai is made of bronze and rises on a massive granite pedestal. The poet is depicted standing at full height, in traditional Kazakh clothing, with a book in his hands - a symbol of knowledge and enlightenment. His gaze is directed into the distance, which reflects the idea of his aspiration for the future and the desire to pass on his spiritual heritage to the people. The total height of the monument is 13 meters, on the front side of the monument is attached a memorial plaque with the name of the poet. The location of the monument itself is also symbolic: it has become the center of the cultural space of Almaty, connecting the spiritual values of the past with the modern life of the city. Ceremonial events, flower-laying ceremonies, creative evenings are often held here, and for city residents and tourists, the monument has become a place for meetings and walks. Next to the monument is the hotel "Kazakhstan".
How to get there and visit -
The monument to Abai Kunanbayev is located on Dostyk Avenue, corner of Abai Avenue, on the square in front of the Palace of the Republic, next to the hotel "Kazakhstan", Medeu district, Almaty city, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°14'35"N 76°57'26"E
Information -
Abai Kunanbayev (1845-1904) is not just a national poet, but also a philosopher, composer, and reformer of social thought. Abai was born in the Chingiz Mountains (now the territory of the East Kazakhstan region) in a family of biys, but from his youth he stood out for his desire for knowledge. He studied at a madrasah, mastered the basics of Muslim philosophy and literature, and also studied at a Russian school, where he became acquainted with the works of Pushkin, Lermontov, Krylov, Goethe and Byron. It was this dual educational environment that formed his personality as a bridge builder between the East and the West. His "Words of Edification" and poetry still inspire people to seek knowledge, strive for goodness and justice. Abai's contribution to the culture of Kazakhstan is so great that his name has become a symbol of national identity, and monuments to the great poet have been erected in many cities around the world.
Abai was also a talented composer: he wrote dozens of songs, many of which are still performed in Kazakhstan. His music, like his poetry, is full of spiritual depth and harmony. As a reformer of public consciousness, Abai spoke out against inertia and ignorance, criticized tribal strife and social inequality. He saw the future of Kazakhstan in education, unity and cultural development. Abai's significance goes far beyond the borders of Kazakhstan. His works have been translated into many languages of the world, and monuments to the poet have been erected in Moscow, Beijing, Tashkent, Kyiv, Ankara, Budapest and other cities. UNESCO included the celebration of the 150th anniversary of Abai in its international calendar of memorable dates, and in 2020 the world celebrated his 175th anniversary.
In Almaty, the monument to Abai has become not only an architectural and cultural site, but also a kind of reminder of the greatness of Kazakh culture. For city residents, the name of Abai is associated with wisdom, justice and spiritual support, and the monument itself is a symbol of national pride and inspiration.
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