LONDON(Raza Syed):The 150th Anniversary of Akhmat Bitursinov, the leader of the national independence movement of Kazakhstan, reformer and founder of national writing, educationist, politician, scientist, renowned poet and linguist and literary critic, was celebrated in London. The event was organized by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the UK with the collaboration of Eurasian Creative Guild (ECG)London.
The Charge d’Affaires, Minister Counselor of Kazakhstan Embassy, Miraz Andabayev,was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
While Paying tribute to Ahmed Bitursinov, Mr. Miraz Andabayev said in his speech, Today’s event is aimed at popularization of the valuable heritage of the teacher-educator, as well as the moral, patriotic qualities on the basis of the folk instructive thought of Akhmet Baitursynov, a person who occupies a special place in the social, political, cultural, historical life of the Kazakh people.
The outstanding role of A. Baitursynov is prominent not only in Kazakh literature but in the formation of Kazakh statehood and the national identity in the history of the country,he added.
The Charge d’ Affairs said that Nowadays, in our country, more than 200 streets, 39 schools, 1 museum bear the name of Akhmet Baitursynov. And this is an indicator of the respect to the prominent statesman and the great teacher.
Founder and Vice Chairman of Eurasian Creative Guilds(ECG), Marat Ahmedjanov paid tribute to Akhmat on this occasion and said that ECG London and Hertfordshire press in partnership with Kazakhstan Embassy in London welcome participants of conference dedicated to 150 years anniversary of Ahmet Baytursinuly. As largest creative organization we happy to be promoting legacy of one of the founders of Alash movement which layer foundation of current independent Kazakhstan state.
A Kazakh student Arailym Shatyrbayeva presented her presentation on the topic of “Life and work of Akhmet Baitursynov”.
After the speeches of guests,The book “Akhmet Baitursynov and Alash”, translated into English for the first time was presented. The book includes the works of prominent figures of Kazakh culture and modern “Alash” scientists. The book was published by the National Translation Bureau of the Republic of Kazakhstan, while the main part of the book was translated into English by Arch Tait, a well-known specialist in the field of literary translations.
In his speech, A. Tait told the participants what prompted him to undertake such work, what decisions he made in the process of translation and how his translation clarifies and conveys the meaning of Baitursynov’s works.
Highlighting the importance of the book, the translator noted that the whole life of the Kazakh prominent figure was permeated with fiery concern for the self-determination of the Kazakh people, the development of culture, and noted that his works undoubtedly require more detailed translation in the future.
John Farndon not only shared his first impressions of his acquaintance with Baitursynov’s works, but also about his thoughts that arose during further acquaintance with his work. According to him, in the work of the Kazakh public figure, the central place is occupied by the upbringing of the spirit of freedom and craving for knowledge among the youth of those years.
John Farndon, English writer, poet and translator, Arch Tait, well-known translator, Marat Akhmedzhanov, Director of the Hertfordshire Press, organizer of the Open Central Asia Book Forum & Literature Festival and vice-chairman of the Eurasian Creative Guild (London), Editor “London Post” Raza Syed, Award winning Career Advisor Irina Russ,as well as other members of the ECG and a large number Kazakhstani students studying in London participated in the event.
At the end of the event, there was also an exchange of views between all participants of the evening on the achievements and role of A. Baitursynov in the development of Kazakh literature, educational activities and culture.
