On October 15, a literary and educational evening was held at the Shokan Ualikhanov Private School in Almaty to mark the presentation of Beket Karashin’s book The World of Makhambet (Махамбет әлемі – Мир Махамбета). The event was dedicated to the outstanding kazakh poet, warrior-hero, and traditional instrumental musician, whose name has become one of the most powerful symbols of the struggle for freedom and justice.
The book was published by the Saby Charitable Foundation, which oversaw the entire production process, from editorial preparation and proofreading to typesetting, design development, and printing. The project forms part of the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the Kazakh language, literature, and national culture. It is particularly important to us that the richness of Kazakh literature should retain its significance not only as a legacy of the past, but also as a living and integral part of contemporary culture.
The poetry of Makhambet Utemisuly reflects the lives, aspirations, and hopes of his people. Through vivid portrayals of heroic figures, scenes of steppe life, and profound human emotions, the poet captured the spirit of his era. Today, exploring his work offers an opportunity not only to connect with the history of the nineteenth century, but also to gain a deeper understanding of the world in which the Kazakh people’s national consciousness and spiritual values took shape.
The evening’s programme brought together literature, music, and theatre. Guests watched a video presentation entitled The World of Makhambet, experienced the literary and musical performance The Poet’s Image Through the Reader’s Voice, and listened to traditional terme performances featuring Makhambet’s works.
The event was attended by Assel Tasmagambetova, President of the Saby Charitable Foundation and Founder and General Director of the Shokan Ualikhanov School, the book’s author, Beket Karashin, a Kazakhstani poet, translator, and researcher of Makhambet Utemisuly’s literary legacy, as well as members of the intellectual community, representatives of the arts, and school principals and teachers from across Almaty.
An important outcome of the project was the donation of copies of the book to school libraries throughout Almaty. This initiative gave the project a practical and lasting dimension, allowing the books to be incorporated into the educational process and serve as an additional source of knowledge for school students.
Every era has its own voice, and Makhambet’s voice continues to resonate across the centuries. Discovering his work gives the younger generation an opportunity to connect with history through poetry, feel the power of their native language, and find inspiration in the lives of remarkable individuals whose values and ideals remain relevant today.