Abai Kunanbayev

Founder of Kazakh written literature and author of the Book of Words.

Life

Son of a tribal chief

Abai was born in eastern Kazakhstan into the family of a tribal chief. He studied Arabic and Persian at a madrasa, taught himself Russian, and read Pushkin, Lermontov, Krylov, and European writers.

Poetry and translation

He wrote poetry in Kazakh on a wide range of subjects, criticizing feuds between tribes and social ills and urging the pursuit of science and knowledge, and he translated works by Pushkin, Lermontov, and others into Kazakh. His prose Book of Words (45 pieces) reflects on life, morality, and the fate of his people.

Book of Words

He lost two sons late in life and died in 1904.

Legacy

Abai is revered as the father of Kazakh literature; Kazakhstan has made his birthday a day of commemoration, and many cities and institutions are named after him.

Major works & achievements

• Book of Words
• Poetry collection

Did you know? In 2020 UNESCO included the 175th anniversary of his birth in its list of anniversaries of eminent figures.

Key dates

• 1858Returns to the steppe and helps his father run tribal affairs (approx.)
• 1886Devotes himself to poetry (approx.)
• 1890Writes the Book of Words over many years
• 1904Died