«A poetic giant – Mukagali Makataev»

On February 11, the Academic Library of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, with the participation of members of the research club «Tagylym» and library staff, hosted a historical and educational literary evening titled «Oh, Life!» dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding poet of Kazakh poetry, Mukagali Makatayev.

The event became a kind of journey through the poet’s creative path. The participants were introduced to the key stages of his life and development as a master of words, the multifaceted journey of his life, and the major milestones of his artistic formation. Informative materials were presented about his place in the world of poetry. Particular attention was given to his role in the global poetic space and the enduring significance of his spiritual legacy, highlighting the depth, sincerity, and national spirit-uplifting power of Mukagali’s poetry.

As part of the interactive program, an intellectual game titled «Literary Kahoot» was organized, during which participants demonstrated their knowledge of the poet’s works. Warm words were spoken about the depth of feeling, genuine sincerity, and the uplifting power of the national spirit in Mukagali’s poetry. The most active young participants were awarded special prizes.

Throughout the evening, students expressively recited Mukagali’s heartfelt poems, conveying with special emotion the national values and spiritual depth of his works. The poignant lines of his poetry resonated deeply with the audience, sparking a genuine interest in literature among students and inspiring them to engage with it more actively and thoughtfully.

At the book exhibition «The Giant of Poetry – Mukagali Makatayev», multi-volume collections of the poet’s works, individual editions, and scholarly studies were presented to the public. The exhibition featured poems from the Rare Books and Manuscripts Collection. They were first published in 1954 in the journal «Adebiet zhane iskusstvo», and later in 1960 in the newspaper «Kazak adebieti». In addition, the exhibition displayed books published between 1964 and 1988. The first book, Ilyich, published in 1964, contains a dedication inscription by the author addressed to the writer M. Karataev. The exhibition provided readers with an opportunity to become more deeply acquainted with his legacy.

A soulful and heartfelt performance by Armanbek Zhakeykhan, an employee of the methodological department, of the song «Esine meni algaisyn», written to the poet’s lyrics, became a bright highlight of the evening, adding special emotional depth and artistic expressiveness to the event.

The main goal of the event was the broad promotion of Mukagali Makatayev’s spiritual heritage, the introduction of the younger generation to the depth and beauty of his poetry, and the cultivation of a sincere love for literature and national spiritual values. The educational evening helped strengthen young people’s respect for the poetic word, awakened an interest in meaningful reading, and became an important step in their spiritual development.

Mukagali’s works is an inexhaustible source of spiritual strength, an eternal treasure of national culture, and a priceless heritage carefully passed down from generation to generation, preserving the living connection between times.