The National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan held the grand opening of an Estonian Literature Corner. The event was part of the state visit of Estonian President Alar Karis to Kazakhstan.
The ceremony was attended by Estonian President Alar Karis, Estonian First Lady Sirje Karis, Kazakhstan's Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva, representatives of the diplomatic corps, Kazakhstani and Estonian literary and artistic figures, and other officials.
"Kazakhstan and Estonia share similar literary roots. Traditional folk forms—in Kazakhstan, aitys—have become a rich foundation for the development of literature and written language. The invention of the printing press radically changed the world, just as artificial intelligence is changing it today. But as we move forward, it is important to preserve the values ​​of the past, such as aitys and books. I hope that the new Estonian Book Corner will become a place for friendly encounters and exciting discoveries," the Estonian leader noted in his welcoming remarks. Welcoming Alar Karis, his wife Sirje Karis, and the guests, Aida Balayeva congratulated those present on this significant cultural event.
"Today we have witnessed an event of profound symbolic significance for the relations between Kazakhstan and Estonia. This is part of a long-term and significant initiative that unites countries and peoples through the power of the written word and spiritual culture. The National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan, within whose walls we now stand, holds over 100 valuable publications on Estonian literature and works by Estonian authors. These include works by prominent Estonian writers such as Juhan Smuul, Paul Kuusberg, and Jaan Kross. We are pleased to have the opportunity to become better acquainted with Estonia's rich literary tradition," said Aida Balayeva.
According to the minister, the opening of the Estonian Literature Corner will undoubtedly be a new step toward strengthening cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Estonia and will foster a friendly dialogue between the peoples of both countries. The new corner features works by classic and contemporary Estonian authors, illustrated children's publications, translations of Kazakh works into Estonian, and works by Estonian writers translated into Kazakh.
The exhibition features approximately 320 publications, over 200 of which were donated by Estonia. The remaining books are from the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan, published in Estonian, Russian, and English, and dedicated to Estonian literature and its authors. These include the Estonian translation of Mukhtar Auezov's world-famous epic novel "The Path of Abai," as well as works by renowned Estonian writers Anton Hansen Tammsaare, Yann Kaplinsky, Andrus Kivirähk, and others.
The project was implemented with the support of the Estonian Embassy in Kazakhstan and is timed to coincide with the 500th anniversary of the first book printed in Estonian. It aims to promote Estonian culture, language, and literary heritage.
In addition to the literature corner, the event featured a comics exhibition. The exhibition features 12 key stories, each reflecting an important milestone in Estonian literary tradition. The exhibition will be open until November 30, 2025.
As part of a series of introductory events, the First Lady of Estonia, accompanied by Aida Balayeva, visited the Museum of Art, viewing a collection of national musical instruments, as well as examples of Kazakh national clothing and headdresses.
Sirje Karis was particularly impressed by the concert and lecture by the Joshy Qazaq National Group, whose members make their own instruments, compose, and perform traditional music.
Equally impressive was the concert by the Tallinn Old Town College of Education String Orchestra (Tallinna vanalinn), conducted by renowned conductor Ramus Pur, which Sirje Karis and Aida Balayeva attended at the K. Baiseitova Kazakh National University of Arts.