THE TURKIC CULTURE AND HERITAGE FOUNDATION PRESENTED THE BOOK “OLZHAS SULEIMENOV THROUGH THE EYES OF AZERBAIJAN”

As part of the 12th Baku International Book Fair, a presentation of the book “Olzhas Suleimenov Through the Eyes of Azerbaijan", issued by the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, was held. The publication features historic dialogues between the distinguished poet and the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, interviews in which Olzhas Suleimenov reflects on the National Leader, as well as official decrees signed by His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, concerning the poet.

The presentation of the publication, dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the outstanding Kazakh poet, writer, thinker, and public figure Olzhas Suleimenov, featured speeches by the President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, Professor Aktoty Raimkulova; People’s Writer of Azerbaijan Elmira Akhundova; Executive Director of the Nizami Ganjavi Institute of Literature of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Mehman Hasanli; the author of the book, Doctor of Philological Sciences, Professor Nizami Tagisoy; and poet Adil Jamil, PhD in Philology.

Delivering the opening remarks, the President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, Professor Aktoty Raimkulova, emphasized that Olzhas Suleimenov is one of the most outstanding figures not only of the Turkic world but also of humanity as a whole. She noted that the poet’s rich literary legacy and public activities have always been highly appreciated in Azerbaijan, while his close ties with the Azerbaijani people and intellectual community have become a remarkable example of friendship and spiritual affinity between the two nations.

In her address, Professor Aktoty Raimkulova highlighted that Olzhas Suleimenov’s ties with Azerbaijan hold a special place in his life and work. She emphasized that the poet’s visit to Baku following the tragic events of January 20, 1990, during which he expressed his support for the Azerbaijani people and openly condemned those responsible for the tragedy, was a significant demonstration of his principled stance and solidarity with Azerbaijan.

During the cultural segment of the event, Kazim Hasanguliyev, an actor of the Azerbaijan National Drama Theatre, presented an artistic recitation of Olzhas Suleimenov’s poems. This was followed by performances of traditional Kazakh musical pieces by Serik Nurmoldayev and Zhadra Musrepova, accompanied by the dombra and zhetygen, traditional Kazakh musical instruments. The cultural programme offered participants an opportunity to experience the rich musical traditions of Kazakh culture.

The event was also attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan, as well as literary and cultural figures, researchers, and book enthusiasts.