centuries, already by this time the Turkic-speaking tribes of Kazakhstan had an oral poetic tradition dating back to more early period. This is also confirmed by various elements of epic poetry (epithets, metaphors and others literary devices), discovered in the Orkhon monuments - the texts of the tombstone steles of Kultegin and Bilge Kagan, telling about the events of the 5th-7th centuries.
Epics “Korkyt-Ata” and “Oguzname”
On the territory of modern Kazakhstan, the most famous ancient epics in the Turkic languages - “Korkyt-Ata” and “Oguzname” - developed. The epic “Korkyt-Ata”, which was spread orally, arose in the Kipchak-Oguz environment in the Syrdarya River basin around the 8th - 10th centuries. , was recorded in the XIV-XVI centuries. Turkish writers in the form of “The Book of Grandfather Korkyt”. In fact, Korkyt is a real person, the bek of the Oguz-Kypchak tribe Kiyat, who is considered the founder of the epic genre and musical works for kobyz. The epic “Korkyt-Ata” consists of 12 poems and stories about the adventures of Oguz heroes and heroes. It mentions such Turkic tribes as the Usun and Kangly.
The poem “Oguzname” is dedicated to the childhood of the Turkic ruler Oguz Khan, his exploits and victories, marriage and the birth of sons, whose names were the Sun, Moon, Star, Sky, Mountain and Sea. Having become the ruler of the Uyghurs, Oguz waged wars with Altyn (China) and Urum (Byzantium). This work also discusses the origin of the Slavs, Karluks, Kangars, Kipchaks and other tribes.
Heroic and lyrical poems
It is no secret that since the birth of the Kazakh poetic tradition, its main and indispensable figure has been the national poet-improviser - akyn. It is thanks to akyns that numerous epic works, fairy tales, songs, poems written several centuries ago. Kazakh folklore includes more than 40 genre varieties, some of which are characteristic only of it - petition songs, letter songs, etc. Songs, in turn, are divided into shepherd, ritual, historical and everyday songs. Poems can also be divided into heroic, that is, telling about the exploits of heroes (“Kobylandy Batyr”, “Er-Targyn”, “Alpamys Batyr”, “Kambar Batyr”, etc.), and lyrical, glorifying the selfless love of heroes (“Goats- Korpesh and Bayan-Sulu", "Kyz-Zhibek").
Beginning of the 20th century became the heyday of Kazakh literature, which absorbed many features European literature. At this time, the foundations of modern Kazakh literature were laid, the literary language was finally formed, and new stylistic forms appeared.
The emerging Kazakh literature mastered major literary forms, still unknown to Kazakh writers - novels, stories. At this time, the poet and prose writer Mirzhakip Dulatov, the author of several poetry collections and the first Kazakh novel “Unhappy Jamal” (), which went through several editions and aroused great interest among Russian critics and the Kazakh public, gained great fame. He also translated Pushkin, Lermontov, Krylov, Schiller, and was a reformer of the Kazakh literary language.
IN late XIX- early 20th century a group of “scribes”, which included Nurzhan Naushabaev, Mashur-Zhusup Kopeev and others, actively preached patriarchal views and collected folklore material. Nationalist forces were grouped around the Kazakh newspaper - Akhmet Baitursynov, Mirzhakip Dulatov, Magzhan Zhumabaev, who after 1917 went over to the counter-revolutionary camp.
Creativity of Zhambyl Zhabayev
During the Soviet period, the work of the Kazakh folk poet-akyn Zhambyl Zhabayev, who sang to the accompaniment of a dombra in the tolgau style, became most famous in the USSR. Many epics were written down from his words, for example, “Suranshi-batyr” and “Utegen-batyr”. After the October Revolution, new themes appeared in Dzhambul’s work (“Hymn to October,” “My Motherland,” “In the Lenin Mausoleum,” “Lenin and Stalin”). His songs included almost all the heroes of the Soviet power pantheon; they were given the features of heroes and heroes. Zhambul's songs were translated into Russian and the languages of the peoples of the USSR, received nationwide recognition and were fully used by Soviet propaganda. During the Great Patriotic War Zhambyl wrote patriotic works calling the Soviet people to fight the enemy (“Leningraders, my children!”, “At the hour when Stalin calls,” etc.)
Literature of the second quarter of the 20th century
The founders of Kazakh Soviet literature were the poets Saken Seifullin, Baimagambet Iztolin, Ilyas Dzhansugurov, and the writers Mukhtar Auezov, Sabit Mukanov, Beimbet Mailin.
Contemporary Kazakh literature
The literature of Kazakhstan in the late 1990s and early 2000s can be characterized by attempts to comprehend postmodern Western experiments in literature and use them in Kazakh literature. Also, many works of famous and little-known Kazakh authors began to be interpreted in a new way.
Now the literature of Kazakhstan continues to develop in the context of global civilization, absorbing and developing new cultural trends, taking into account its own capabilities and interests.
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Most ordinary people know too little about what modern Kazakh writers write about. The literary process has long been a subject of exclusive interest for narrow specialists - philologists and cultural scientists. For the rest, communication with literature was replaced by online notes. However, without communication with literature, the spirit becomes impoverished. Therefore, for those who want to know which names represent modern literature in Kazakhstan, this article will be interesting.
National literature is a reflection of the soul of the people. Modern stage the development of literature is especially interesting, because by what writers write about and how they do it, one can judge the way of thinking of the people and their values at a given stage of development.
Many people have the impression that Kazakh literature was mothballed at the stage of establishing the independence of Kazakhstan. However, it is not. Like any sphere of culture, literature is developing intensively; every year new names, new themes and new artistic methods are discovered. It’s just that literature is less public than television or show business, it’s intimate. Therefore, to learn something new about it, you need to take an interest.
Let’s restore the information gap and tell you which Kazakh writers represent the modern literary process.
Mukhtar Magauin
He's famous literary critic and writer. The novels “Spring Snows” and “Shakhan-Sher - the Man - Tiger” are especially popular. The author of these works is known as a folklorist, ethnographer, and translator.
In 2008, Mukhtar Magauin began work on a tetralogy dedicated to the Great Khan of the Steppe - Genghis Khan. Books in this series have been published since 2011.
Based on Arab, Persian and Chinese chronicles, the author reconstructed the life and deeds of the great conqueror. The books present interesting observations of the writer about life and the development of culture Turkic peoples who settled on the territory of Kazakhstan: their morals, customs, mentality.
Ermek Tursunov
Writer and film director, author of several novels and a collection of short stories. The novel about the famous commander, Sultan of Egypt and Syria, ruler of the Mamluks - Baybars brought fame to the writer. Historical retrospective The novel makes you think about who we are, what and why we believe, what values we protect.
In 2010, the book “Seven Days of May” was published - an artistic and journalistic detective story about the Mukhlisov gang. In 2016, the author presented a book of short stories, “Little Things in Life,” written in the style of oral storytelling.
Gulbakhram Kurgulina
A contemporary author who debuted in 2012. Gulbakhram Kurgulina is the author of a series of novels devoted to difficult relationships in the family, the psychology of relationships, and the problems of bigamy: “Baibishe. Senior wife", "Tokal. Younger wife", "Shameless daughters-in-law", "And mother-in-law can be golden."
Her novels in this series reflect the difficult life of Kazakh wives, raise the problem of younger wives - tokal, and concern the problems of psychological comfort and self-realization in the family and the love of a modern Kazakh woman.
These books have everything that is interesting modern women, - love, self-sacrifice in the name of a loved one, the suffering of unrequited feelings, a difficult path to happiness. The works are written easily. They are distinguished by psychologism and dramatic intensity of events.
Ayan Kudaikulova
Her works are close in spirit and theme to the novels of G. Kurgulina. Ayan takes a philosophical look at the problems that arise in a modern family. Her heroes are the familiar circle of baybishes, tokals, and mothers-in-law.
She raises the problem of polygamy and its consequences not only for the individual, but also for society as a whole. Her novels “Coco's Handbag”, “Carnelian Ring”, “Gardener for Single Ladies” are written easily, but reveal the deep psychodrama of modern women.
Sabyr Kairkhanov
Writer and journalist, was the editor-in-chief of the Ak Zhaiyk newspaper. His novel Synchro created a lot of buzz in 2014. This work belongs to the original genre - speculative fiction. Events take place in fictional worlds. The narrative is characterized by an interweaving of mysticism, fantasy and detective intrigue.
At the same time, the writer touches on the enormous psychological trauma that Kazakhstanis have not yet experienced - soil and atmospheric pollution nuclear waste- sad and destructive events for the ecosystem and anthropology of Kazakhstan at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site.
Synchro is a deformed reality, a mysterious field that draws in everything around it. To save loved ones, the heroes of the novel sacrifice their lives. The sacrifice is symbolic: it is the sacrifice of an entire people.
Galymzhan Kurmangaliev
The works of this Kazakh poet amaze with their subtle lyricism and psychologism. A deep experience of the dissonances of modernity, the abandonment of man in an imperfect world, its tragedy are features that are inherent in Kurmangaliev’s neo-romantic worldview.
In search of light and all the beautiful feelings
I am a young poet, lost in the dark wilderness...
Zira Nauryzbaeva and Lily Kalaus
The tandem of a culturologist and a writer was embodied in an interesting fantasy literary project for children - “In search of the Golden Cup: the adventures of Batu and his friends.” A fascinating, dynamic plot takes modern schoolchildren to ancient times.
Together with the Mussaget prince Aspara, they go in search of the golden cup of wisdom. On the way they will meet mythological and folklore characters. A fascinating narrative easily introduces children of the World Wide Web era to cultural heritage Steppes.
Ilmaz Nurgaliev
If you want to learn more about Kazakh fantasy, then you cannot ignore the works of this author. His novels of the “Dastan and Arman” series synthesized ancient myths and legends of the Steppe.
A simple fairy-tale plot captures you from the very first turns. The reader will not notice how he finds himself in a medieval fictional world where mythological creatures and spirits reign. Dastan will have to fight with them in order to win the hand of his beloved.
Karina Sersenova
Her writing collection includes lyrical poems (collections “Song of the Heart”, “Toward”, “Universe of Love”, “Looking Through the Sky”, “Inspiration of Life”, etc.), the mystical-esoteric essay “Life for You” and the novel “Keepers of the Path”, books “Breath of the Void”, “Omnipotence of the Path”.
Modern Kazakh poets and prose writers are actively interested in history, the life of the great khans, they subtly feel and experience the tragedy of man in the 21st century - his loneliness, confusion, abandonment, loss in the information space where personality dissolves.
Kazakh writers are being realized in different genres: realistic-psychological thrillers, melodramatic novels, fantastic prose, subtle meditative lyrics.
And what works modern writers and poets of Kazakhstan do you like?
Literary tours in Kazakhstan.
“Phenomena of social, cultural, ethnic hostility are alien to our people: they treat the culture, way of life, customs and traditions of their neighbors with tact, respect and understanding”
N. A Nazarbayev. President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Tours around Kazakhstan and Borovoye.
The oral and poetic creativity of the Kazakhs, with its roots going back to ancient times, is represented by songs, fairy tales, proverbs and sayings, heroic and lyric-epic poems, aitys (song-poetry competitions folk singers), lyrics (tolgau - philosophical reflections, arnau - dedications, etc.). Kazakh folklore includes over 40 genre varieties, a significant part of which are specific only to it (songs of petition, songs of letters, etc.). Songs are divided into pastoral, ritual, historical and everyday.
The tales are extremely rich; popular Kazakh heroes. fairy tales were Aldar-Kose and Zhirenshe - wits and jokers who deftly knew how to deceive their enemies. In the heroic epic, especially in the most ancient poems (“Koblandy”, “Er-Targyn”, “Alpamys”, “Kambar-batyr”, etc.), the exploits of heroes (batyrs) who defended the independence of their native people in constant battles are glorified.
No less loved by listeners were the lyric-epic poems (“Kozy-Korpesh and Bayan-Slu”, “Kyz-Zhibek”, etc.), the main content of which is true and selfless love young heroes, sometimes tragic fate. Of the works of oral poetry whose authorship can be considered established, the earliest ones date back to the 15th century. (akyn Kaztugan Suyunish-uly); in the 16th century famous are Asan-Kaigy, whose name has become legendary, Dospambet, Shalkiiz.
The work of Bukhara-zhyrau Kalkamanov (1693 - 1787, according to other sources 1686 - 1799), the author of poignant and politically relevant poems for his time, who, however, expressed feudal ideology, was very popular.
At the turn of the XVIII - XIX centuries. in connection with the annexation of a significant part of Kazakhstan to Russia began new stage in the development of Kazakh culture, including literature. Akyns Makhambet Utemisov (1804 - 46), Sherniyaz Zharylgasov (1817 - 1881), Suyumbay Aronov (1827 - 1896) called on the people to fight against the oppressors - bais, biys, as well as royal satrap officials.
The creativity of these akyns was of a democratic nature; they saw and understood the advantages of introducing K. to the life of Russia. Dulat Babataev (1802-1871), Shortanbai Kanaev (1818 - 1881), Murat Monkeyev (1843 - 1906) represented a different, clerical-conservative trend in the Kazakhs. culture; they criticized the existing order from the standpoint of idealization of the patriarchal past, and praised religion (Islam).
In the 2nd half of the 19th century. akyns Birzhan Kozhagulov (1834 - 1897), Aset Naimanbaev (1867 - 1924), poetess Sara Tastanbekova, Ahan Koramsin (Akhan-Sere, 1843 - 1913), Zhayau-Musa Baizhanov came forward (1835 – 1929), Dzhambul Dzhabayev (1846 – 1945); Their names are associated with the rapid development of aitys not only as a form of poetic competition, but also as an effective way to express public opinion, anti-oppression, promoting social justice. In the middle of the 19th century. Kazakh enlightenment arose.
Its most outstanding representatives were the scientist-ethnographer and folklorist Chokan Valikhanov (1835 - 1865), scientist-teacher, writer Ibrai Altynsarin (1841 - 1889), who developed the Kazakh alphabet based on Russian graphics; democratic poet Abai Kunanbayev (1845 - 1904), innovator of poetic form, creator of an entire poetic school.
All of them promoted advanced Russian culture and called the Kazakh people to follow its path. The work of Abai opens the written Kazakh realistic literature. His lyrics and satire, prosaic philosophical edifications “Gaklia” reflected the life of Kazakh society of that time from the perspective critical realism. Abai traditions existed at the beginning of the 20th century. continued by democratic writers Sultan-Mahmut Toraigyrov (1893 - 1920), Sabit Donentaev (1894 - 1933), Spandiyar Kubeev (1878 - 1956), Mukhamedzhan Seralin (1872 - 1929). ), Beket Utetleuov (1874 - 1946), Tair Zhomartbaev (1891 - 1937), Berniyaz Kuleev (1895 - 1923).
Progressive creative forces were grouped around the magazine “Aykap” (published 1911 - 1915). Democratic writers, after the victory of the October Revolution, sided with Soviet power and literary work served to build a new society. At the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th centuries. existed in the Kazakhs. literature and a group of so-called “scribes” who preached religious-patriarchal views in their works; the most prominent representatives were Nurzhan Naushabaev (1859 - 1919) and Mashur-Zhusup Kopeev (1857 - 1931).
A significant merit of the “scribes” was their collecting activities (folklore, samples of written literature). Writers of an openly nationalistic trend, who after the October Revolution moved to the camp of ideological opponents of Soviet power (A. Baitursunov, M. Dulatov, M. Zhumabaev), were associated with the reactionary newspaper “Kazakh” (1913).
Along with written pre-revolutionary Kazakh literature, folklore also developed. The creativity of such folk akyns as Dzhambul Dzhabayev, Nurpeis Baiganin (1860 - 1945), Doskey Alimbaev (1855 - 1946), Nartai Bekezhanov (1890 - 1954), Omar Shipin (1879 - 1963), Kenen Azerbaev (b. 1884), etc., played a significant role in the cultural and social life of Kazakhstan; these akyns created acutely social works that became widespread among the people. After the October Revolution, they became active builders of Soviet society.
The founders of the Kazakh Soviet literature of socialist realism were the revolutionary poet Saken Seifullin (189 - 1939), poets Baimagambet Iztolin (1899 - 1921), Ilyas Dzhansugurov (1894 - 1937), writers Beimbet Mailin (1894 - 1939), Mukhtar Auezov (1897 - 1961), Sabit Mukanov (b. 1900). They stood at the source of all genres of modern Kazakh literature, brightly and irreconcilably exposed social system pre-revolutionary reality and its remnants; in their works, for the first time, a hero of modern times manifested himself - a man of labor, transforming the world: the poem “Sovetstan” (1925) and the story “Diggers” (1928) by Seifullin, the story “Communist Raushan” (1929) by Maylin and others.
In the mid-20s. Kazakh literature has been replenished with fresh forces; These were mainly poets: Isa Baizakov (1900 - 1946), Askar Tokmagambetov (b. 1905), Kalmakan Abdukadyrov (1903 - 1964), Tair Zharokov (1908 -1965), Abdilda Tazhibaev (b. 1909), Gali Ormanov (b. 1907), Dikhan Abilev (b. 1907) and others. They were looking for new visual arts: modern themes carried poetry new dictionary, new images and rhythms, although Kazakh Soviet poetry did not break away from the classical realistic tradition laid down by the work of Abai, and from the traditions of oral folk poetry in its best examples.
During these same years, prose writers Gabiden Mustafin (b. 1902), Gabit Musrepov (b. 1902) and others came out with their works. In 1926, the Kazakh Association of Proletarian Writers was created, which played a large role in the unification and ideological education of writers, in their struggle against bourgeois-nationalist ideology. Since 1927, the almanac “Zhyl Kusy” (“First Swallow”) began to be published, and since 1928, the magazine “Zhana Adebiet” (“New Literature”) began to be published.
30s were characterized by a further expansion of the themes of Kazakh literature, a deeper development of the principles of socialist realism. The Kazakh Writers' Union was created in 1934, and the first decade of Kazakh literature and art took place in Moscow in 1936. By this time, Kazakh literature had become a multi-genre mature literature, reflecting the pathos of socialist construction. Seifullin’s poems “Albatross” (1933) and “Socialistan” (1935) glorified the great Lenin and gave pictures of the people’s liberation struggle and their new life; the hero of the story “Fruits” (1935) is a man of free labor.
Mailin’s novel “Azamat Azatych” (1934) depicts the struggle against bourgeois nationalism, the struggle for the collectivization of the Kazakh village. The novel “My Contemporaries” (published posthumously in 1939) by Sattar Erubaev (1914 – 1937) is dedicated to the working class. The image of a contemporary was established in the stories of Mailin, Auezov, Musrepov, Alzhappar Abishev (b. 1907), and in Dzhansugurov’s novel “Comrades” (1933, unfinished).
One of the first socio-historical novels in Kazakh literature was Mukanov’s novel “The Mysterious Banner” (new editor - “Botagoz”, 1938) - about the fate of the people against the backdrop of the events of the 1916 uprising, October Revolution, the struggle for Soviet power. The picture of the popular uprising of 1916 is also given in Auezov’s drama “Night Rumbles” (1934). The pinnacle of Kazakh poetry of the 30s. - Dzhansugurov’s poems “Steppe” (1930), “Musician” (1935) and “Kulager” (1936), where images of people from the people and folk poets were created.
In dramaturgy, plays based on the plots of folk lyric epic poems appeared (“Aiman-Sholpan”, 1934, Auezova; “Kozy-Korpesh and Bayan-Slu”, 1940, Musrepova, etc.), as well as works on modern themes who took leading place(plays by Mailin, Tazhibaev; Shakhmet Khusainov, 1906 - 1972).
During the Great Patriotic War of 1941 -1945. Kazakh literature, like all Soviet literature, reflected the military and labor feat of the Soviet people. Kazakh poetry of those years gave high examples of civil-patriotic poetry both in lyrical and epic genres: lyrical poems by Tokmagambetov, Zharokov, Ormanov, Abu Sarsenbaev (b. 1905), Dzhuban Muldagaliev (b. 1920), Khalizhan Bekkhozhin (b. 1913), Khamid Ergaliev (b. 1916) and others were published in newspapers, including and front-line ones, read in the trenches.
The poem by Kasym Amanzholov (1911 - 1955) “The Tale of the Death of a Poet” (1944), dedicated to the feat of the poet Abdulla Dzhumagaliev who died near Moscow, enjoyed great success. In 1942 he published lyrical and philosophical essays “I want to live” by Baubek Bulkishev (1916 - 1944), who died at the front. The creativity of folk akyns is also imbued with patriotic pathos. Dzhambul’s poem “Leningraders, my children!” became popular throughout the country.
The military theme is reflected in drama: the plays “The Hour of Trial” (post. 1941) by Auezov, “Guard of Honor” (1942) by Auezov and Abishev, “Amangeldy” (post. 1936) by Khusainov. The novel about home front workers “Shigapak” (1945) was published by Mustafin.
In the post-war years, Kazakh literature continued to develop themes related to the last war. The novels “Soldier from Kazakhstan” (1949) by Musrepov, “Courland” (1950) by Abdizhamil Nurneisov (b. 1924), “Terrible Days” (1957) by Tahavi Akhtapov (b. 1923), military memoirs of the writer-warrior Baurdzhan Momyshuly (b. . 1910) “Moscow is behind us” (1959), etc. The military theme was continued by poets - in lyrics and poems: Zharokov’s poem about Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya, Muldagaliev’s about Musa Jalil, etc.
In 1956, Auezov completed the tetralogy “Abai’s Path”, the first book of which was published in 1942. This work, which received a response in many countries, had an impact significant influence both Kazakh and other fraternal literatures. National epic traditions are enriched in Auezov's epic novel by the artistic experience of all Soviet literature. Mukanov (“School of Life”, 1949 - 1953), Musrepov (“Awakened Land”, 1953), Mustafin (“After the Storm”, 1959), Khamza Yesenzhanov (b. 1908; “Yaik - the bright river”, 1957 – 1960), Nurpeisov (trilogy “Blood and Sweat”, books 1 - 2, 1959 – 1970), etc.
Many Kazakh writers contacted post-war years to modern topics. Contemporary heroes - rural workers, workers, intellectuals, youth - come to life on the pages of the novels "Syr-Darya" (1947 - 1948) by Mukanova, "Privolye" (1949) by Gabdul Slanova (1911 - 1969) , “Karaganda” (1952) by Mustafina, “Temir-Tau” (books 1 - 2, 1960 1-1962, books 2 entitled “Doctor Darkhanov”) by Zein Shashkin (1912 - 1966), “The Young Tribe” (published posthumously, 1962) by Auezov, “White Horse” (1962) by Taken Alimkulov (b. 1922), “The Caravan Goes to the Sun” (1963) by Anuar Alimzhanov (b. 1930), “Beep in the Steppe” ( 1964, together with K. Altaysky) Mukhamedzhan Karataev (b. 1910), “The Fight” (1966) by Ilyas Yesenberlin (b. 1915), etc.
In the poetry of the post-war decades, epic forms developed especially intensively - plot and lyric poems, a novel in verse. Many poems have been written on historical themes: “Maria, Egor’s Daughter” (1949 – 1954) by Bekhozhin, “Bell in the Steppe” (1957) by Gafu Kairbekova (b. 1928), “Kurmangazy” (1958) by Ergaliev, “Estai” -Khorlan” by Muzafar Alimbaev (b. 1923), etc. About creative work, about the rich spiritual world Soviet people created poems by Tazhibaev (“Portraits”, 1957), Zharokov (“Steel Born in the Steppe”, 1954), Muldagaliev (“The Fate of a Widow”, 1961), Olzhas Suleimenov (b. 1936; “Earth, Bow to Man!”, 1961 ) and etc.
Complex social, moral and ethical conflicts are the focus of playwrights: Khusainov’s plays “Spring Wind” (1952), Abishev’s “One Family” (1948), Tazhibaev’s “Before the Wedding” and “Friends” (both 1964), etc.
Dramaturgy also develops the traditions of the historical and historical-revolutionary genre: “Chokan Valikhanov” (1954) by Mukanova, “Ibrai Altynsarin” (1953) by Musatai Akhinzhanova (b. 1905), “Our Gani” (1957) by Khusainov, “Zhayau-Musa” ( 1965) Zeytin Akisheva (b. 1911) and others.
Since the beginning of the 60s. Science fiction literature is successfully developing: the stories “The Seventh Wave” (1964) and “From Fire to Atom” by Medeu Sarsekeyev (b. 1936), “Alpha of Genius” (1967) by Shokan Alimbaev (b. 1941), etc.
The traditions of literature for children were established by the work of Altynsarin in the mid-19th century. In Soviet times, Sapargali Begalin (b. 1895), Utebay Turmanzhanov (b. 1905), Berdibek Sokpakbaev (b. 1924) and others successfully worked in this area.
At the 6th Congress of Kazakh Writers (1971), the main trends of modern Kazakh literature were recognized as its intellectualism, the scale of searches and the scale of interests, based on the increased demands of readers, on the breadth and comprehensiveness of the problems that concern Soviet people. This idea is confirmed by the work of not only writers of the older generation, but also the works of writers who came to literature in the 60s, such as prose writers Azilkhan Nurshaikhov (b. 1922), Magzum Sundetov (b. 1936), Abish Kekilbayev (b. . 1939), Satimzhan Sanbaev (b. 1939), Sain Muratbekov (b. 1936), Saken Zhunusov (b. 1934), etc., poets Kadyr Murzaliev (b. 1935), Tumanbai Muldagaliev (b. 1935), Sagi Zhienbaev (b. 1934), Erkesh Ibrahim (b. 1930), Mukagali Makataev (b. 1931), Zhumeken Nazhmetdinov (b. 1935) and others.
Literary studies and criticism in Kazakh literature, which have made themselves known since the early 30s. in articles by Seifullin, Dzhansugurov. Auezov, Kazhima Dzhumaliev (1907 - 1968), Karataev, Esmagambet Ismailova (1911 - 1966), in the early 70s. strive to be at the level of the tasks that modern Kazakh literature and the development of literary scientific research pose for them.
Scientific forces are united by the Institute of Literature and Art named after. M. O. Auezov of the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR. The works of Malik Gabdulin (1915 - 1973), Temirgali Nurtazin (1907 -1973), Beisenbai Kenzhebaev (b. 1904), Belgibai Shalabaev (b. 1911), Aikyn Nurkatov (1928 - 1965) are well known. g.), Iskak Dyusenbaev (b. 1910), Serik Kirabaev (b. 1927), Rakhmankul Berdybaev (b. 1927), Myrzabek Duysenov (b. 1928), Tursynbek Kakishev (b. 1928), etc.
Along with Kazakh scientists, the problems of the history and theory of Kazakh literature were developed and continue to be developed by Russian literary scholars and critics M. S. Silchenko (1898 -1970), M. I. Fetisov (1907 - 1960), K. L. Zelinsky (1896 – 1970). Z. S. Kedrina (b. 1904), N. S. Smionova (b. 1908), E. V. Lizunova (b. 1926). The literary magazines “Zhuldyz” (“Star”), “Prostor”, and the literary newspaper “Kazakh Adebieti” (“Kazakh Literature”) are published.
Back in the 19th century. Kazakh educators Abai Kunanbaev, Ibrai Altynsarin translated the works of A. S. Pushkin, M. Yu. Lermontov, I. A. Krylov, L. N. Tolstoy into Kazakh. In Soviet times, translation into Kazakh of works of other literatures of the peoples of the USSR and world literature acquired a wide scope. The works of Kazakh writers have been translated into many languages of the peoples of the USSR and other countries.
A major role in the relationship between Kazakh literature and the literatures of other peoples of the USSR was played by the translation activities of L. S. Sobolev, who also wrote a number of literary critical works on Kazakh literature, A. N. Pantielev, Yu. O. Dombrovsky, I. P. Shukhov, Yu. P. Kazakova, N. I. Anov, A. I. Bragin, poets K. Altaisky, K. Vanshenkin, E. Vinokurov, A. B. Gatov, P. Kuznetsov, M. Lukonin, M. Lvov, I Selvinsky, Y. Smelyakov, D. Onegin, M. Tarlovsky and many others. Over the years of the existence of Kazakh Soviet literature, more than a thousand books by writers of other peoples of the USSR and about 300 works of foreign writers have been translated into Kazakh.
More than 400 books by Kazakh writers have been published in other republics of the country. At the Institute of Literature and Art. M. O. Auezov of the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR has a department that studies the relationship of Kazakh literature with the literatures of other peoples and countries.
The joint venture of Kazakhstan carries out a great deal of ideological, educational, organizational and creative work, the 1st congress of the joint venture of Kazakhstan took place in 1934, the 2nd in 1939, the 3rd in 1954, the 4th in 1959, the 5th in 1966, the 6th th in 1971. Sections of Russians and Uyghurs work as part of the joint venture of K. writers; Koreans and Germans also live and work in K. writers.
Literature:
Shalabaev B., Essays on the history of Kazakh pre-revolutionary literature, A.-A., 1958; History of Kazakh literature, vol. 1-3, A.-A, 1968 - 1971; Essay on the history of Kazakh Soviet literature, M., 1960; History of the literature of the peoples of Central Asia and Kazakhstan, M., 1960; Karataev M., Kazakh literature, M., 1960; his, From dombra to book, M., 1969; Kedrina Z.S., From a living source (Essays on Soviet Kazakh literature), 2nd ed., additional, A.-A., 1966; Fetisov M.I., The Origin of Kazakh Journalism, A.-A., 1961; Lizunova E., Modern Kazakh novel, A.-A., 1964; Akhmetov Z. A., Kazakh versification, A.-A., 1964; Sidelnikov V., Bibliographic index on Kazakh oral literature, v. 1, A.-A., 1951; Kazakh literary connections. Bibliographical index, A.-A., 1968; Grekhovodov N., Danilyuk V., Kosenko P., Writers of Kazakhstan. Biographical reference book, A.-A., 1969; Narymbetov A., Kazakh Soviet literature. Bibliographic index on literary criticism and criticism. 1917-1940, A.-A., 1970; Gabdullin M., Kazak khalkynyn ayz edebieti, Almaty, 1958; Zhumaliev K., Cossack epics men edebiet tarihynyts maseleleri, Almaty, 1958; Kenzhebaev B., Kazak khalkynyn, XX Gasyr Basyndagy democrat Zhazushylary, Almaty, 1958; Tezhibaev E., Kazak dramaturgiyasynyts damuy men kalyptasuy, Almaty, 1971; Cossack folkloristics, Almaty, 1972.
In the centuries-old history of the development of art artistic word Kazakh people The 19th century has a special place. Already in the first half of this century, oral folk art is experiencing a period of growth, more and more original individual authors are appearing, and written literature is emerging.
The flourishing of Akyn creativity in the first half of the 19th century. especially significant. Its most prominent representatives not only created new talented works, but also preserved the poetic traditions of the past. Their great merit is that many examples of folk-heroic and social poems of antiquity have reached us.
At this time, Kazakh akyns improved the tradition of improvisation. Improvisation, wit and resourcefulness in poetic competitions (aitys) - this is the school that everyone who claimed the poetic title of akyn had to go through.
With the flourishing of Akyn creativity, Kazakh literature is enriched with new poetic genres, such as epic tales, poems, elegies, political lyrics, songs; The genre of tolgau (reflections) is being improved.
In the first half of the 19th century. In the life of the Kazakhs, significant socio-economic changes occurred due to the voluntary entry of Kazakhstan into Russia. The gradual loss of the khan's descendants of their former advantages, the steady disintegration of the feudal-patriarchal structure, as well as the consequences of the double oppression of the tsarist colonialists and local feudal lords could not but affect the spiritual life of the people and determined changes in the ideological and artistic content of the creativity of akyns and zhyrau (singers).
Some akyns, for example Baytok, Zhanuzak, Nysanbay, Doskhozha, glorified khans and sultans, justified their cruelty, supported feudal-tribal law and order, and idealized patriarchal antiquity. The creativity of two major akyns, Dulat Babataev and Shortanbai Kanaev, is contradictory.
The poems of Dulat Babataev (1802-1874) were recorded only after his death. The only collection of his poems was published by Maulekey in 1880 in Kazan under the title “Osiet-name” (“Testament”). Dulat saw and reflected the contradictions of the era better and more deeply than any of his contemporaries.
Criticizing the feudal-patriarchal structure, he opposed the cruel attitude of tsarist officials and the new administration towards to the local population. However, drawing any side of life, he invariably came to the conclusion that life had changed not in better side, that her happy time was left behind (“From the nomadic land of Arki’s ancestors”).
Even when Dulat turns to developing the traditional themes of Eastern poetry about the confrontation between good and evil, friendship and hatred, generosity and stinginess, he bitterly mourns the past, claims that young people have ceased to respect their parents, and younger people have stopped respecting their elders. He sees the era in the fact that people's morals have changed so dramatically.
The work of Shortanbai Kanaev (1818-1881) seems to complement Dulat’s poetic heritage. Shortanbay’s only collection of poetry, “Shortanbaydin bala zary” (“The Cry of Shortanbay’s Child”) was first published in Kazan in 1888.
In this book, starting with the poem “Our Forefather the Prophet Adam” and ending with the poem “Everything is known to one Allah,” the poet examines the same problems that Dulat drew his attention to, but solves them from an orthodox Muslim position.
According to the deep conviction of the poet, the reasons for the unfavorable socio-economic changes, which entailed changes in the moral and ethical sphere, lie in the fact that the foundations of faith are being shaken, that people have begun to neglect Sharia, i.e., the tenets of the Koran.
However, remaining a deeply religious person, a supporter of feudal-patriarchal morals, Shortanbay in some poems, such as “Bai Cursed by God” and others, truthfully depicts the hard life of the poor.
Akyns Shozhe Karzhaunov (1805-1891), Sherniyaz Zharylgasov, Suyunbay Aronov (1827-1896) were supporters of a different direction, they reflected the interests and needs of the working people, exposed the despotism of the feudal-bai elite.
A special place in Kazakh literature of the period under review belongs to the greatest poet-warrior, fighter for the people's interests, Makhambet Utemisov (1804-1846). Makhambet as a poet is formed in the conditions of clashes and struggles of peasants with feudal lords, khans, and representatives of local authorities.
From a young age, the rebellious poet was constantly at odds with the bais, and became one of the leaders of the famous peasant uprising that broke out in the Bukey Horde against Khan Dzhangir in 1836-1837.
Makhambet’s literary heritage is so closely connected with this uprising that through his poems one can trace all stages of the struggle, from the first steps of the rebels to the tragic defeat.
In the years preceding the uprising, Makhambet addressed the people with fiery poems, calling for them to boldly rise up against the oppressors (“Call to the People”, “A Matter of Honor”, “We Need a People for Our Cause”, etc.).
The poet does not promise easy for people victory, openly warns that the struggle will be harsh and difficult, will require great sacrifices, heavy losses. His poems are imbued with confidence in the justice of the intended cause and faith in victory.
Makhambet, as one of the leaders, being in the advanced detachments of the rebels during the days of struggle, directly participating in the hottest skirmishes and battles, at the same time, with his inspired songs and poems, raises the morale of his comrades, supports them in difficult moments.
The poems addressed to the rebels are imbued with a sense of camaraderie, care and sincere sympathy for the heroes who died in battle. His poems “Address to Friends”, “Do not be sad, my friends”, “Valiant Son”, “Happiness will return to us”, with the power of emotional impact, united and inspired the rebels.
In Makhambet's work, the artistic reproduction of the heroic struggle of the people is combined with the disclosure of the social reasons that led to the armed uprising. This is cruel exploitation by feudal lords, khans, bai of workers, weak and poor families, forcible seizure of lands, resettlement of them from their homes, etc.
The poet speaks with pain about how the valiant sons of the people “laid down their lives” and “died in droves.” The poems addressed to the local ruler Dzhangir and Sultan Baimagambet sound angrily. The brave and proud poet calls them wolves, snakes, cowards and hypocrites. Makhambet's poetry is distinguished by its love of freedom, fighting spirit and deep optimism.
Makhambet’s works, created in exile after the defeat of the uprising, although they contain sad notes caused by longing for loved ones, for their homeland, are also full of hope; they have no regret about participating in a popular uprising. He believes that the time will come when the people will deal with the bais (“Appeal to Sultan Baimagambet”).
Glorifying the heroism of the participants in the uprising, for the first time in the history of Kazakh literature he creates the image of a folk fighter-hero. The poet found his ideal in the person of the leader of the peasant movement, Isatay Taimanov.
In the character of Isatay, the poet especially emphasizes his unshakable courage, fearlessness in the face of mortal danger, enormous will and endurance, and most importantly - boundless love for the people, readiness to give life for the sake of their happiness. Makhambet dedicated a series of poems to Issatay, in which the people’s commander is characterized from different sides: as a devoted and worthy son of his people, a support and defender of the disadvantaged, a brave leader, a wise adviser and good friend comrades in arms and as a tender, beloved and loving father.
Based on the poetic traditions of previous and contemporary literature, Makhambet enriched it ideologically and thematically. He introduced political lyrics into Kazakh poetry and strengthened civil and patriotic motives in it. His poetry reflects the turbulent era of national liberation movements.
Dominant in Kazakh literature first half of the 19th century V. there was a democratic direction. In the work of Makhambet Utemisov it found its most vivid expression, becoming the ideological and artistic basis further development literature and anticipating the appearance of such luminaries as Ibrai Altynsarin and Abai Kunanbaev.
History of world literature: in 9 volumes / Edited by I.S. Braginsky and others - M., 1983-1984.
Before the collapse of the USSR, the national literary art of the union republics was given great attention. Now, despite the preservation of cultural and economic ties with the CIS countries, most of the reading population has a very vague idea of what is happening in the literary arena of Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, the Kazakh language and literature is a large-scale cultural layer worthy of detailed acquaintance. And we are talking not only about classical works, but also about books modern authors.
Kazakh language and literature
Researchers agree that the time of appearance of author's works in the national language is the period of the beginning of the 15th century. However, the history of Kazakh folk literature began much earlier and was associated with the development of linguistic traditions.
Its forerunners were medieval authors who created works in Chagatai and Persian. On the territory of modern Kazakhstan, ethnic groups belonging to the Turkic language group were widespread, and in some areas long time the Sogdian language of the Iranian group was used. The first runic writing (on wooden tablets) appeared around the 5th-6th centuries.
If you believe the Chinese chronicles, in the 7th century the Turkic-speaking tribes already had oral poetic traditions. Legends have been preserved about the sacred land and life in the beautiful Ergene-Kong valley, protected from all adversity. Poetic elements of the epic are also found on discovered archaeological sites and tombstones.
Folklore
In the first, preliterate literary period, the leading position was occupied by poetic genres and epic. There are three main stages in the history of Kazakh poetry.
- XV - first half of the XVIII century. Zhyrau period (folk singer and poet, author and performer of poetic works). The main genre for them was “tolgau”, poems in the form of reflections containing advice, edifications and aphorisms. In them, zhyrau expressed people's interests, ideas of unity, justice, and sang the beauty of nature. Such poets were often a serious political force and performed public and even military functions. The earliest works with established authorship date specifically to this period. Among the founders of Kazakh literature one can name Asan-Kaigy, the author of political poems Bukhar-zhyrau Kalkamanov, akyns (improvised poets) Shalkiiz and Dospambet.
- Second half of the 18th - first half of the 19th century. Poetic period. At this time, the genre of poetic song became more diverse; in addition to the motive of reflection, “arnau” (appeal, dedication) also appeared. In their works, akyns began to more often turn to themes of folk and political struggle. Such problems are typical for the works of Suyunbay Aronula and Makhambet Utemisov. At the same time, a conservative religious trend was also being formed (Murat Monkeyev, Shortanbai Kanaev).
- Second half of the 19th - beginning of the 20th centuries. Aytys period. The tradition of aitys, poetic improvisation competitions between akyns, which had developed earlier, became most widespread at this time. Poets of the second half of the 19th century, Zhambyl Zhabaev, Birzhan Kozhagulov, used poetry as a way of expressing social thought and the desire for social justice.
The Birth of Written Literature
The first written literary works began to appear only in the second half of the 19th century during cultural dialogue with Russia and the West. At this time, the modern grammar of the Kazakh language was being formed. At the origins of these processes are the founders of Kazakh written literature, educators Abai Kunanbaev, Shokan Valikhanov, Ibrai Altynsarin.
National literature is gradually acquiring some European features, new stylistic forms are appearing, in particular, stories and novels. The author of the first novel “Unhappy Zhamal” was famous poet and prose writer Mirzhakip Dulatov. It was during this period that the modern literary language was formed, translations of the works of M. Yu. Lermontov, A. S. Pushkin, F. Schiller appeared, and the first printed books and newspapers were published.
In contrast, a literary group of “scribes” (Nurzhan Naushabaev and others) was formed, who collected folklore material and adhered to patriarchal and conservative views.
Founders of Kazakh literature
The literary Kazakh language, which became a standardized version of the folk language, was formed on the basis of the northeastern dialect, which was least influenced by the Persian and Arabic languages. It was on it that Abai Kunanbayev created his works. The latter is a recognized classic of Kazakh literature.
Ibragim Kunanbaev - poet, public figure, composer, educator, philosopher, reformer in the field of literature, supporter of rapprochement with Russian and European culture based on enlightened Islam. He was born in 1845 in Semipalatinsk district into a noble family. “Abai”, a nickname received in childhood, meaning “careful, attentive”, stuck with him in long years both in life and in literature. The future classic of Kazakh fiction studied at a madrasah, studying Arabic and Persian, while simultaneously attending a Russian school. He began writing his first poems at the age of 13, hiding his own authorship, but his recognized works created already in adulthood. His development as a writer was greatly influenced by the humanistic ideas of a number of thinkers and poets of the East and West. Subsequently, he was involved in translating their works into the Kazakh language and disseminating the ideas of Russian culture.
Abai created more than 50 translations, about 20 melodies, about 170 poems and poems. One of the most famous was the prose poem “Simple Words” consisting of 45 parables and philosophical treatises. It raises problems of morality, pedagogy, history and law.
Literary creativity of the XIX-XX centuries.
A feature of Kazakh literature of the 19th century was the coexistence of two types of writing. On the one hand, used in the works of the so-called scribes, which included whole line borrowings from Arabic and Persian languages, on the other - new written literature, at the origins of which stood Altynsarin and Kunanbaev.
The pre-Soviet period became an important stage in the history of Kazakh literature of the 20th century. At this time, the canons of modern literature were finally formed and writing, new genres and styles appear.
Akhmet Baitursyn became an outstanding literary figure of the beginning of the century. His first work in the poetic field was a translation of I. A. Krylov’s fables, followed by his own poetry collection “Masa”. He was also a researcher in the field of linguistics and advocated the cleansing of the national language from foreign words.
One of the creators of the stylistic structure of the modern Kazakh language was the poet Magzhan Zhumabay. His influence on the development of national poetry is comparable to the influence of Abai. The author's works have been published in most newspapers and magazines.
A prominent representative of the writers of that period is Spandiyar Kobeev. His novel "Kalym", published in 1913, became a significant event in the history of national literature.
The spread of Soviet power on the territory of Kazakhstan and its entry into the USSR had a huge impact not only on the socio-political system, but also significantly changed the vectors of development of national literature. In 1924, the reform of Kazakh writing and spelling began. Initially based on the Arabic alphabet, then on the Latin one (used until 1940). Subsequently, the question was raised about the need to bring Kazakh and Russian writing closer together.
In 1926, the Association of Kazakh Proletarian Writers was formed, and a few years later - the Union of Writers of the Kazakh Republic.
Among the brightest writers of Kazakh literature of this period, Sabit Mukanov, Mukhtar Auezov, Beimbet Maylin should be noted.
The events of the Great Patriotic War gave impetus to the development of civil and patriotic poetry and prose. The poems “The Tale of the Death of a Poet” and the novels “Terrible Days” and “Soldier from Kazakhstan” were published.
In the post-war period, major literary forms actively developed, as well as drama (Khusainov) and science fiction (Alimbaev). Was created famous novel Mukhtar Auezov "Abai's Path".
The Soviet period became the heyday of Kazakh children's literature. Here one cannot fail to note the novels and stories of Sapargali Begalin (“The Herd Girl,” “Falconry”) and Berdibek Sokpakbaev (“Champion,” “Journey to Childhood”). The heroes of these works are brave, resilient guys who face their first difficulties, make choices, believe in friendship and justice.
Poetry of Zhambyl Zhabayev
The works of this national poet-akyn are considered classics of Kazakh literature of the Soviet era. He was born in the middle of the 19th century into a nomadic family and lived for 99 years. Having learned to play the domra, he left home in his teens to become an akyn. For many years he participated in aitys, performing in the tolgau style exclusively on Kazakh language. He became famous as the author of accusatory songs. During the revolution of 1917 he was already nearly seventy, however, new trends marked next stage in the works of Zhambyl. Imbued with revolutionary ideas, in his works he gave Soviet leaders the features of epic heroes: “Song about Batyr Yezhov”, “Aksakal Kalinin”, “Lenin and Stalin”. By the 40s. Zhambyl became the most famous and revered akyn of Kazakhstan, his name was practically a household name.
Despite the politicization of his creativity in recent years, his contribution to the development of Kazakh literature is enormous. Zhambyl's poetic style is characterized by simplicity of narration and, at the same time, psychological richness and sincerity. In his works he actively combined prose and poetry, oral and literary forms. Over the years of creativity, he created many social-satirical, everyday, lyrical songs, poems, and fairy tales.
Creativity of Olzhas Suleimenov
Another prominent representative of Kazakh literature, whose creative path began in Soviet years, is Olzhas Suleimenov. Poet, writer, literary critic, diplomat and social and political figure. He gained initial fame as the author of linguistic studies and repeatedly expressed ideas related to nationalism and pan-Turkism.
Olzhas was born in 1936 in the family of a former officer. After graduating from the geological exploration faculty and, after working for some time in his specialty, he began journalistic and literary activities by entering the literary institute in Moscow. His first poems were published in 1959 in Literaturnaya Gazeta. Literary success came to Suleimenov two years later, when his poem “Earth, Bow to Man!”, dedicated to the first flight into space, was published.
After the release of several poetry collections and novels “Year of the Monkey” and “Clay Book”, at the peak of active social and political activity, in 1975 he wrote the literary work “Az and Ya. The Book of a Well-Intentioned Reader.” In it, Suleimenov draws attention to numerous borrowings from the Turkic language in Russian, formulates assumptions about the kinship of the Kazakhs and ancient Sumerians. The book caused a public outcry, was banned, and its author was deprived of the opportunity to publish for 8 years. He continued to develop his ideas at the end of the 20th century, being the permanent representative of Kazakhstan to UNESCO.
Contemporary literary creativity
General trends in the development of Kazakh literature in last decades associated with the authors’ desire to comprehend Western postmodernism and use the obtained theses in their own work. Re-evaluated famous works Kazakh authors. Interest in the heritage of repressed writers has increased.
It is noteworthy that a number of literary layers are now developing in Kazakhstan. For example, there are works by Russian-speaking writers different nationalities(Kazakhs, Koreans, Germans), as well as Russian literature of Kazakhstan. The creativity of Russian-speaking authors is original literary movement, which arose from the merger of several cultures. Here you can name the names of Rollan Seisenbaev, Bakhytzhan Kanapyanov, Alexander Kan, Satimzhan Sanbaev.
Authors of the 21st century
Today, Kazakh literature is developing entirely in line with global trends, taking into account modern trends and its own capabilities. If you compile a literary shortlist of modern authors who deserve the attention of the readership, then at least two dozen names will be included in it. Here are just a few of them.
Ilya Odegov. Prose writer and literary translator. Author of the works “The Sound with which the Sun Rises” (2003), “Any Love”, “One Without Two”, “Timur and His Summer”. The winner of many awards, in particular, is the winner of the “Russian Prize” literary competition and the laureate of the “Modern Kazakh Novel” award.
Karina Sarsenova. Playwright, poetess, writer, screenwriter, psychologist. At the same time, he is the creator of one of the largest production centers in Kazakhstan. Member of the Writers' Union of the Russian Federation and head of the Eurasian creative union. The founder of a new literary genre - neo-esoteric fiction. Author of 19 works published in Russia, Kazakhstan, China, as well as film scripts and musicals.
Aigerim Tazhi. Poetess, author of the collection “GOD-O-WORDS”, numerous publications in literary publications in Russia, Europe, the USA, and Kazakhstan. Finalist literary prize“Debut” in the “Poetry” nomination, laureate of the “Steps” award. Her poems have been translated into French, English and Armenian.
Ayan Kudaikulova. Works in the genre of acute social and psychological prose (“Carnelian Ring”, “Eiffel Tower”). Having released her debut novel in 2011, a couple of years later she became the best-selling author in Kazakhstan. The main theme of the works is the problems of family and society.
Ilmaz Nurgaliev. Science fiction writer. The actual founder of the “Kazakh fantasy” genre with a folklore twist, the author of the “Dastan and Arman” series.