Yesterday, on June 18, 2025, the Belarusian National Technical University hosted a round table "Be Pure in Soul and Heart", dedicated to the great Kazakh poet and educator Abai Kunanbayev. Representatives of the university and the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Belarus took part in the event.
The round table was opened with a welcoming speech by Yuri Nikolaychik, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of BNTU.
– It is symbolic that today’s round table is taking place at the Belarusian National Technical University, where on May 18, 2012, the A. Kunanbayev Center for Kazakh Language, History, and Culture was solemnly opened. In the same year, a Center for Belarusian Language and Culture was established at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. The work of our centers contributes to strengthening cultural, scientific, and economic ties between our two nations.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Belarus, Timur Zhaksylykov, spoke in more detail about the poet and his contribution to Kazakh literature.
– Abai Kunanbayev was an outstanding philosopher, poet, educator, founder of a new national literary tradition, translator, and composer who left a profound mark on the history of Kazakhstan. He considered literature and philosophy to be the main purpose of his life. He authored around 170 poems and verses. His translations of works by Byron, Goethe, Pushkin, Lermontov, and Krylov have become part of Kazakhstan’s national heritage.
Particular interest among the audience was sparked by the speech of Konstantin Mitskevich, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Belarusian and Russian Languages of the Faculty of International Cooperation, who is also the grandson of the renowned Belarusian poet Yakub Kolas. He spoke about the deep connection between Kazakh and Belarusian literature, highlighting the influence of Abai’s philosophy on the works of Belarusian poets, as well as the impact of Kazakh culture on the literary legacy of Yakub Kolas.
– Despite the great distance between Belarus and Kazakhstan, the classic of Belarusian literature, Yakub Kolas (Konstantin Mikhailovich Mitskevich), was familiar with and held in high regard the traditions of the Kazakh people. During the difficult years of the Great Patriotic War was a challenging time for all Soviet citizens—Konstantin Mitskevich had to spend time on Kazakh soil. The long evacuation route led through Kazakhstan, said the poet’s grandson, Konstantin Mitskevich.
In addition, other participants of the round table students of BNTU also delivered presentations They shared their thoughts on the significance of Abai’s legacy for young people his role in shaping national identity and the importance of preserving cultural traditions.
The round table served as a platform for exchanging views, promoting a deeper mutual understanding between Kazakhstan and Belarus. It is important to continue such initiatives that help preserve and develop the cultural heritage of the peoples, enriching the educational process and broadening the students’ horizons.
