In Almaty, a literary and poetry evening was held to mark the 95th anniversary of the outstanding representative of Kazakh poetry, Mukagali Makataev.

Today in Almaty, with the support of the city akimat, a literary and poetry evening titled “Men – XXI ğasyr urpaqtarınıñ qūrdasymyn” (“I Am a Contemporary of the 21st Century Generation”) was held to mark the 95th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding representative of Kazakh poetry, poet and translator Mukagali Makataev.

The significant cultural event was attended by the Head of the Almaty City Department of Culture, Daniyar Aliyev; the poet’s son, Zhuldyz Makataev, and his daughter-in-law, Bakytgul Aidarova; poet and editor-in-chief of the newspaper Qazaq adebieti, Bauyrzhan Zhakyp; as well as Saule Doszhan, Zharas Sarsek, Bakyt Bedelkhan, and other writers, publicists, scholars, youth representatives, school students, and poetry enthusiasts.

As part of the event, a book exhibition titled “Mūqağali – mäñgilik jyrdıñ jūldyzy” (“Mukagali – the Star of Eternal Poetry”) was organized. It featured not only books, but also scholarly works, memoirs, and publications dedicated to the poet’s life and creative legacy. Guests were also shown a special video about the life and artistic journey of Mukagali Makataev.

In his welcoming speech, the Head of the Almaty City Department of Culture noted:

“The name of Mukagali Makataev is inseparably linked with Kazakh poetry and the spirit of our people. Abai has his native aul, Makhambet his profound reflections, and Mukagali his land of Karasaz. Makataev’s works reflect the very essence of our way of life and traditions: our sacred hearth, our identity, and the sound of the dombra. I congratulate everyone on the 95th anniversary of the ‘padishah’ of Kazakh poetry, the bright star of our literature!”

A specially invited guest, member of the Writers’ Union of Kazakhstan and relative of the poet Mukhtarkhan Kaliuly, recited a dedication written in honor of Mukagali Makataev and donated commemorative books to the library’s collection.

Honored Cultural Figures of Kazakhstan Yerkin Shukiman and Nurzhan Zhanpeisov performed songs set to the poet’s verses.

Students of the Republican Variety and Circus College named after Zhussupbek Yelebekov presented a stage performance titled “Zhas ömir, sağan ökpe m joq” (“Young Life, I Hold No Grudge Against You”), based on the poet’s works.

The poet’s son, Zhuldyz Mukagaliuly, expressed gratitude for the event:

“On behalf of our entire family, I express sincere appreciation for the warm reception and tribute. As long as our people live and our native land prospers, the spirit of Mukagali and his poetry will live forever, inspiring and uplifting the national spirit,” he said.

Students of the secondary school-gymnasium named after Alban Asan Barmanbekuly and School No. 140 named after Mukagali Makataev recited the poet’s verses, creating a special atmosphere of sincerity and continuity between generations. The students were also presented with letters of appreciation on behalf of the Head of the Almaty City Department of Culture.

At the conclusion of the evening, Zhuldyz Mukagaliuly and his daughter-in-law Bakytgul Kydyrbaikyzy expressed their gratitude to the city akimat, emphasizing that Mukagali’s poetry is an inexhaustible treasure that will forever live in the memory of the people.

This event, initiated by the city leadership, became a sign of deep respect for the spiritual legacy of Mukagali Makataev. The promotion of the poet’s creative heritage will undoubtedly continue in the future.