On 15 October 2026, a solemn ceremony was held to unveil a bust of Abai Kunanbayuly, the great Kazakh poet, distinguished thinker and educator, alongside the opening of the renovated mahalla administration building in the Abai neighbourhood, located on Mukhtar Auezov Street in the Bektemir District of Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan.

This significant cultural event marked an important milestone in further strengthening the historical friendship, fraternal relations, and cultural and humanitarian ties between the Kazakh and Uzbek peoples.

The installation of Abai Kunanbayuly’s bust in Tashkent not only pays tribute to the great poet’s rich literary and intellectual legacy but also symbolises the enduring friendship and shared cultural and spiritual heritage of the two brotherly nations. The initiative makes a valuable contribution to promoting the spiritual heritage of the Kazakh people among the wider public in Uzbekistan and advancing the universal human values embodied in Abai’s works.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by Nurilla Abdurakhmanov, Hokim of the Bektemir District of Tashkent; Yeraly Tugzhanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Uzbekistan; Bekzod Shukurov, Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan’s Committee on Interethnic Relations and Issues of Compatriots Abroad; Zautbek Turisbekov, First Deputy Chairman of the Presidium of the World Association of Kazakhs; Kaldybek Seidanov, Academician of the Turan Academy of Sciences, Honoured Cultural Worker of Uzbekistan and Candidate of Philological Sciences; Serikbay Usenov, Chairman of the Kazakh National Cultural Centre of Uzbekistan; Gofurjon Mirzaev, Chairman of the Association of Mahallas of Uzbekistan; Gulamzakir Yusupov, Editor-in-Chief of the Nurly Zhol newspaper; Nurlan Usmanov, Executive Secretary of the Xalq So‘zi – Narodnoye Slovo newspaper; and Tursynali Akhmetov, Chairman of the Council of Kazakh Literature in Uzbekistan.

The event also brought together representatives of the intellectual communities of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, prominent figures in literature and culture, public activists, and members of the Kazakh National Cultural Centre.

“The unveiling of this monument in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, represents an important initiative aimed at studying and widely promoting the spiritual and intellectual legacy of Abai Kunanbayuly, while passing on his profound reflections on morality, education, science and spirituality to future generations. This event will serve as a symbol of the deep-rooted friendship, cultural affinity and profound mutual respect between our two brotherly nations,” said Yeraly Tugzhanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The venue was festively decorated for the occasion, with a traditional white Kazakh yurt erected at the centre of the courtyard, creating a distinctive national atmosphere. Guests were warmly welcomed by members of the Kazakh National Cultural Centre of Uzbekistan, literary scholars, university professors, representatives of the intellectual community, and young women dressed in traditional Kazakh national costumes.

“In accordance with a resolution adopted by President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, particular attention is paid at the state level to the comprehensive study and widespread promotion of Abai Kunanbayuly’s literary legacy in Uzbekistan. Events dedicated to the life and works of the great thinker are held annually across the country. It is also important to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of Mukhtar Auezov to the international recognition and dissemination of Abai’s creative heritage. The bust of Abai Kunanbayuly will stand as a symbol of the historical closeness of our brotherly nations, while his legacy will continue to serve as a spiritual bridge strengthening these bonds,” noted Nurlan Usmanov, Executive Secretary of the Xalq So‘zi – Narodnoye Slovo newspaper.

The official ceremony began with the performance of the national anthems of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan, followed by the ceremonial unveiling of Abai Kunanbayuly’s bust. Participants paid tribute to the great poet and laid flowers at the foot of the monument.

The celebrations featured traditional songs, instrumental performances and artistic presentations highlighting the distinctive cultural identities, customs, traditions and artistic heritage of both nations. The vibrant programme created an atmosphere of joy, unity and celebration.

Speakers at the event emphasised the enduring significance of Abai Kunanbayuly’s rich spiritual and intellectual heritage, particularly his works promoting humanism, enlightenment, compassion and friendship among peoples. They noted that the great thinker’s literary works, philosophical outlook and moral teachings, expressed in his renowned Words of Edification, continue to inspire humanity towards unity, the pursuit of knowledge, mutual respect and harmony.

Participants also expressed confidence that such initiatives would further strengthen the genuine bonds of friendship between the peoples of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

“The ceremonial unveiling of Abai Kunanbayuly’s bust is a vivid manifestation of the shared values, sincere friendship and harmony between our two brotherly peoples. We are deeply grateful to the leaders of both countries for creating favourable conditions for initiatives of this kind and for their trust and mutual support. At the same time, the opening of the renovated mahalla administration building represents an important step towards further improving the functioning of the mahalla system and providing better conditions for local residents,” said Serikbay Usenov, Chairman of the Kazakh National Cultural Centre of Uzbekistan.

“Today is a historic day not only for Tashkent but for the entire Turkic world! The ceremonial unveiling of a bust of our great Abai in the Abai neighbourhood of Tashkent’s Bektemir District has brought immense joy to our people. This is far more than the unveiling of a monument. It is an everlasting symbol of friendship between two brotherly nations — Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Abai is a poet not only of the Kazakh people but of the entire Turkic world and humanity as a whole. The installation of his bust in a mahalla in Uzbekistan embodies Abai’s vision and stands as clear evidence of the unity and harmony between our countries. May this monument in the Abai neighbourhood remain an enduring source of inspiration for future generations and a bridge of friendship between our peoples,” said Anar Nalibayeva, journalist and member of the Writers’ Union of Uzbekistan.

Throughout the event, particular attention was devoted to Abai Kunanbayuly’s literary and intellectual heritage and his contribution to the development of Kazakh-Uzbek cultural and spiritual relations. Excerpts from the poet’s verses and Words of Edification were recited, and a literary and artistic concert programme was presented, celebrating the shared cultural heritage and enduring friendship of the two brotherly nations.

Article by Arukhan Akpanbetova, correspondent of the Nurly Zhol newspaper (Uzbekistan).