This week, a bust of Abai, a great thinker and symbol of Kazakh culture, was unveiled in Italy. The ceremony was attended by Aida Balayeva, Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and representatives of the diplomatic corps. Monuments and busts of Abai have been erected around the world—from Paris and Budapest to Beijing and Washington—symbolizing respect for his legacy and the universal ideas of humanism, reason, and spirituality.
It is precisely this living legacy of Abai that resonates in Kazakhstan today. The National Academic Library in Astana presented the book "Urpaqqa Ulagat. Testament to Descendants"—not just a reprint, but a new form of dialogue with the great thinker. The publication invites readers to view Abai through the prism of modernity and eternal human values.

We spoke with Kumis Seitova, Director of the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan, about the book's significance, its role in cultural diplomacy, and the education of a new generation. The book "Urpaqqa Ulagat. Testament to Descendants" is not just a republication, but a new form of dialogue with Abai's legacy. Why was it important to present an adapted version of "Words of Edification" now?
— In the year of the great poet and thinker's 180th anniversary, this publication has acquired special significance.
This book is not just a republication, but a modern interpretation of Abai's spiritual legacy. It offers the opportunity to hear his words in a new light, in the context of our time, in a language relatable to the younger generation.
The main goal is to deepen understanding of Abai's ideas. After all, as he himself wrote: "A person who listens to wise words becomes wise himself" (Word 19).
This adapted version makes Abai's philosophy accessible to everyone—to those who seek meaning, support, and spiritual inspiration in Kazakh culture. This is not just a book, but a moral compass, relevant today.
The book is published in seven languages. Could it be said that the National Academic Library has become a cultural bridge between Kazakhstan and the world?
— Absolutely. The multilingual format is a symbol of Kazakhstan's openness to the world and recognition of the universality of Abai's ideas.
His teachings on spiritual perfection, morality, and respect for humanity are a language understood by all cultures.
Today, the library is not only a repository of knowledge but also a platform where national values ​​acquire an international resonance.
Following Abai's precept: "Every nation has something to learn from" (Word 2), the library unites cultures, fostering trust and dialogue through words, knowledge, and books. Thus, it becomes a conduit for cultural diplomacy and an ambassador of Kazakh spirituality to the world.
How does Abai's publication relate to the Qazaq Culture concept and Kazakhstan's mission to strengthen its cultural identity?
— Certainly, the book supports QazaqCulture's mission to strengthen Kazakhstan's cultural identity and position the country on the global stage as a nation with a rich spiritual and intellectual heritage. Through Abai's work, the world discovers the depth of Kazakh philosophy, based on humanism, enlightenment, and morality.
Such projects not only preserve cultural heritage but also make it alive—accessible and understandable to a global audience.
This is an important step in the development of cultural diplomacy and the promotion of Kazakhstan as the spiritual center of Eurasia.
Abai's legacy is often called the pedagogy of the soul. What potential do you see for this book in educating young people?
- Yes, Abai's legacy is a powerful tool for moral education. His words about conscience, honesty, work, and knowledge shape a person's spiritual culture.
This adapted version helps young people perceive these truths in a modern context.
"May your deeds be useful... May there be hope that your deeds will benefit many people" (Sermon 38).
The potential of this book is truly enormous: it becomes a pedagogical tool for shaping individuals, citizens, and patriots of their country, capable of deeply understanding and appreciating both their own spiritual roots and the richness of world culture.
Today, when Kazakhstan is actively developing cultural diplomacy, how do publications like this contribute to strengthening the country's image abroad?
- Today, when Kazakhstan is actively pursuing a policy of cultural diplomacy, publications like "Urpaqqa Ulagat. Testament to Descendants" are becoming a powerful tool for shaping the country's positive image on the international stage. They present Kazakhstan not only as a state with a rich history and natural resources, but also as a nation with a profound spiritual culture, a developed philosophical tradition, and a humanistic worldview.
The translation of Abai's "Words of Edification" into several languages ​​makes his ideas understandable and relatable to people from different countries, strengthening cultural dialogue and mutual understanding between peoples. "To avoid harm and benefit, it is necessary to learn the language, obtain an education, and study science... A person who knows the language and culture of another people will be on equal terms with them..." (Word 25, p. 153).
Through Abai's works, foreign readers discover the inner world of the Kazakh people, their moral foundations, way of thinking, and the depth of their spiritual quest.
Thus, such projects become a kind of "soft power" of cultural diplomacy, creating a bridge of trust and mutual respect between Kazakhstan and other countries. This is especially important in an era of global change, when culture and books remain the most reliable conduits for mutual understanding.
The book has attracted interest from foreign scholars. What, in your opinion, attracts foreign readers to Abai's philosophy?
— First of all, its universality.
Abai is read in Spain, France, and China. His ideas about dignity, responsibility, and love of work are understandable to everyone.
The publication uses rare words of ancient Turkic, Arabic, and Persian origin—this is not only of artistic but also of philological value.
The book becomes a bridge between eras, uniting the language, culture, and spirituality of the Kazakh people.
The library actively uses digital formats. How do they help popularize Abai among young people?
— Today, KazNEB—the Kazakhstan National Electronic Library—makes Abai's work accessible to the entire world.
We host online conferences, book trailers, challenges, art projects, lectures, and poetry marathons.
This helps young people not just read Abai, but experience his thoughts—in a modern, interactive format.
Could it be said that the "Urpaqqa Ulagat" project is becoming part of the library's new cultural mission—to unite generations around the Kazakh word?
— Yes, that's precisely its strength. The library's mission is to unite generations by creating a cultural space where Abai's words connect the past and the future.
The "Urpaqqa Ulaqat" project does this through language, meaning, and spiritual values ​​that remain eternal.
And finally, which words of Abai resonate with you personally?
— I especially hold his lines dear: "Being responsible for one's actions is the foundation and guarantee of well-being" (Word 4)—this is the philosophy of a mature personality.
And also: "One should hold fast to knowledge, strive to comprehend the unknown..." (Word 32).
For me, Abai is not the past, but the present, which teaches us to see meaning in kindness, learning, and humanity.