In 2025, Kazakhstan commemorates the anniversary of Abai Kunanbaiuly — a poet, philosopher, and educator whose ideas remain relevant to this day. This is not just a symbolic date but an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual foundations upon which national identity is built.
Abai’s name is closely associated with places in East Kazakhstan — from the village of Zhidebai, where he was born, to Semey, where he studied and delved into the rich traditions of Eastern and Western literature. Although he did not complete formal education, Abai emerged as a prominent figure not only in literature but also in philosophy, jurisprudence, and culture. He translated the works of Pushkin, Lermontov, and Krylov, studied the writings of Darwin, Scott, and Spencer, and authored more than 170 poems as well as numerous epics and translations.
But Abai was more than a literary figure. In his Words of Edification, he proposed ideas that were progressive for his time and reflected deeply on morality, education, women's rights, and the necessity of spiritual development. Especially relevant today are his thoughts on the “five enemies” (lies, gossip, boasting, laziness, and idle talk) and the “five noble deeds” (diligence, pursuit of knowledge, deep thinking, contentment, and compassion). These concepts illustrate the eternal conflict between selfishness and social responsibility, between body and soul — and offer a path toward self-improvement.
Abai believed that truth is born not only of faith but also of reason. He wrote: “Do not believe until reason convinces you.” His ideas are not mere didacticism but living philosophical guidelines tested by time. That is why it is important today not only to remember Abai, but to strive to embody his legacy in real life.
The great poet placed strong emphasis on labor, viewing it not merely as a means of survival, but as a moral and civic duty.
Serving the state and society, in essence, is labor in the name of the common good. In the current Year of Skilled Trades, Abai’s words ring especially true: “Work to provide for yourself and your family, care for your children — it benefits both you and the state.” Thus, everyone who honestly fulfills their duty — whether in industry, education, or defense — contributes to the country’s development and the strengthening of its foundations.
He also reminded us: “Do not ask heaven for well-being — seek it in the work you do.” This is a call to responsibility and initiative, values that are essential in service to society. For Abai, it is labor that transforms a person into a true citizen: “Only labor makes a nation a nation, and a person a human being.”
These principles, articulated over a century ago, naturally align with today’s understanding of professional ethics, public service, and duty to one’s country.
Abai’s ideas also take on special significance in the context of national security. As Kazakhstan strengthens its defense sector, builds a modern Armed Forces, and fosters patriotic education, the legacy of this great thinker serves as a firm foundation for cultivating moral resilience, discipline, and a sense of responsibility to society and the Motherland. Abai spoke of the need for internal order, personal integrity, and duty — qualities that are especially important for both defenders of the nation and civil society as a whole.
Today, monuments and memorials to the poet stand not only across Kazakhstan but also in many countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, Turkey, Egypt, China, Russia, South Korea, and others.
The culmination of the anniversary events will be Abai Day on August 10, when flower-laying ceremonies will take place at his monuments throughout the country.
The anniversary of Abai Kunanbaiuly is not just a tribute to memory, but a mirror in which society can see both its strengths and weaknesses. His poetry teaches us not to believe blindly, but to think and feel deeply. And it is in this that his eternal strength lies.