The Scientific Library Hosted a Meeting Entitled “The Legacy of Mukhtar Auezov and the Global Context”

The Scientific Library hosted a literary and educational meeting entitled “The Legacy of Mukhtar Auezov and the Global Context” as part of the national project “Reading Nation.”

The meeting, dedicated to the life and creative legacy of the outstanding Kazakh writer Mukhtar Auezov, was attended by Sagymbay Zhumagul, a renowned scholar of Alash studies, Doctor of Philological Sciences and Professor.

Opening the event, Director of the Scientific Library Bakytzhan Orazaliyev highlighted Mukhtar Auezov’s special place in the spiritual culture of the Kazakh people and the significance of his literary legacy.

He emphasised that introducing the younger generation to the works of the great writer, increasing students’ interest in literature and fostering a culture of reading are important tasks of the Scientific Library. The director paid particular attention to the role of such events in the spiritual development of young people and in fostering respect for national literature.

Zhaksybay Boranbayev, Head of the Regional Project Office of “Reading Nation” for the city of Astana, who was invited to the meeting, spoke about the goals and objectives of the national project, as well as initiatives aimed at promoting reading in society.

He noted that the main goal of the “Reading Nation” project is to make reading books an integral part of everyday life, enhance the intellectual potential of young people and foster a lasting interest in literature. He also emphasised that reading not only broadens a person’s horizons but also develops critical thinking, enriches vocabulary and deepens one’s worldview.

Zhaksybay Eralyuly encouraged young people to participate actively in the project, exchange opinions about the works they had read and pursue self-development through reading. In addition, he emphasised the important role of university libraries in promoting books among the younger generation.

In his speech, Professor Sagymbay Zhumagul spoke in detail about Mukhtar Auezov’s life, the distinctive features of his creative work and his invaluable contribution to the development of Kazakh literature and culture.

The scholar discussed the historical periods, literary environment, national worldview and artistic traditions that influenced the formation of the writer’s creative personality. Particular attention was paid to the themes of human destiny, national identity and the relationship between society and the individual in Mukhtar Auezov’s works.

In addition, insightful views were expressed on the role of the epic novel “The Path of Abai” in bringing Kazakh literature to the global stage, as well as on the writer’s contribution to the development of drama, literary studies and scholarly research.

During the event, students asked the scholar questions about the distinctive features of Mukhtar Auezov’s creative work, important stages of his life and the relevance of his works to contemporary society, and they also exchanged opinions.

Sagymbay Zhumagul answered the questions thoroughly, shared interesting facts from the writer’s life and offered profound reflections on his work. The informative conversation, held in the format of an open dialogue, enabled the students to see Mukhtar Auezov from a new perspective—not only as a great writer, but also as a thinker, researcher and public figure who cared deeply about the destiny of the nation.

As part of the event, a book exhibition featuring materials from the collection of the Scientific Library was organised. It displayed Mukhtar Auezov’s works of fiction, research publications devoted to his literary legacy, as well as editions about the writer’s life and creative work. The participants were able to familiarise themselves with the richness of his literary heritage.

The educational meeting increased students’ interest in Kazakh literature and opened the way for deeper engagement with Mukhtar Auezov’s creative world. The participants gained a new understanding of the great writer’s legacy and once again recognised that his works remain relevant to this day.

Such educational events align with the goals of the “Reading Nation” project and contribute to fostering a culture of reading among young people, promoting the national literary heritage and strengthening the connection between the reader and the book.