Abai and His Relations with Western Literature
Loading...
Date
2007
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Süleyman Demirel University
Abstract
This paper explores the life, philosophy, and literary contributions of Abai Kunanbayev, one of Kazakhstan’s greatest poets and thinkers, emphasizing his intellectual connections with both Eastern and Western literary traditions. Educated in Arabic, Persian, and Russian, Abai mastered classical Eastern poetry while also engaging deeply with the works of Western and Russian writers such as Pushkin, Lermontov, Tolstoy, Byron, and Goethe. His writings reflect a synthesis of spiritual depth and rational humanism, aiming to elevate human morality, intellect, and harmony with nature. Abai’s “Nature Lyrics,” including poems like Summer (1886) and Winter (1888), introduced new metaphoric and realistic dimensions to Kazakh poetry. Through his unique philosophical insight, Abai became the first to introduce philosophical reflection into Kazakh verse, merging the moral wisdom of the East with the humanistic ideals of the West. His works represent a bridge between cultures and a call for universal understanding, positioning him as a central figure in world literature.
Description
Keywords
Kazakh literature, realism, Western influence, cultural synthesis
Citation
Haldun Vural / Abai and His Relations with Western Literature / Suleyman Demirel University / Сду хабаршысы, 2007