Ninetieth birth anniversary of Kazakh poet Mukagali Makatayev
His works are immortal, his stanzas are filled with emotions reaching into the soul. His collections were included into the Golden Fund of Kazakh Literature, and well-known lyrical works are set to music and sound everywhere. He knew by heart poems of Alexander Pushkin, Sergei Yesenin and Alexander Blok, adored world classics and admired the poetry of Shakespeare and Goethe. Today famous writer and poet Mukagali Makatayev would have turned 90. In honor of the significant date, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted the poet’s special importance for the Kazakh people on his Twitter account.
“The poetry of Mukagali reflects the entire life of Kazakh people. His penetrating works touched the hearts of a wide readership. It is deeply symbolic that the poet’s anniversary coincides with the 30th anniversary of our Independence. This is a significant event for all Kazakh residents,” wrote the president.
In honor of the poet’s birthday, this year anniversary events are organized throughout the country, including poetry evenings, literary readings and book exhibitions. One of the largest expositions dedicated to Mukagali Makatayev has opened at the National Academic Library of Kazakhstan. It displays over 300 materials, involving collections of his works, brochures, magazines with illustrations and various photos, videos and documented information about the poet.
“In honor of the poet’s anniversary, the National Academic Library presented an exposition, where we formed a large collection of Mukagali Makatayev’s works, other collections, dedicated to his work and life as well as his autobiographical essays. These publications are available for all poets, writers and the younger generation,” said Yerkezhan Ospanova, Librarian at the National Academic Library of Kazakhstan.
Makatayev broke into the literature world of the 20th century like a meteor. Not only his poetry was so bright and sparkling, but also his life, which ended too quickly. He passed away when he was only 45, leaving his invaluable heritage to future generations. Today the name of the Kazakh poet lives in the hearts and memory of admirers of his works. Literary competitions and prizes are dedicated to him, schools, squares and streets are named after him. One of them is located in the center of the capital.
Unfortunately, fame came to Mukagali Makatayev only after his death. The first poetry collection of the poet was published only thirteen years after the poetic debut. Mukagali never witnessed translations of his works into other languages. No matter what, he never despaired, because the main thing for him was his work, which truly became immortal.
