SDG 4. “The Jewel of Kazakh Verbal Art – Abai’s Words of Edification”
On 27 November 2025, as part of SDG 4 activities, a curator’s session was held for the students of the Department of Pre-University Training on the topic “The Jewel of Kazakh Verbal Art – Abai’s Words of Edification.” The main purpose of the event was to acquaint participants with the content and educational significance of Abai Kunanbaiuly’s Kara Sozder, to highlight the role of Kazakh verbal heritage as a national value, to develop analytical, reasoning, and public speaking skills, as well as to foster respect for Abai’s spiritual legacy and cultivate patriotism.
The session opened with an introductory speech by the curator, who noted that the expression “the jewel of Kazakh verbal art” belongs to the writer Mukhtar Magauin, emphasizing the accuracy and depth of this definition. It was explained to the students that Abai’s philosophical prose has long served as a spiritual guide for the Kazakh people, acting as moral instruction, a compass of ethical values, and a source of timeless wisdom.
During the session, three key thematic directions of the Kara Sozder were examined. The first theme addressed the development of human character. Using the 7th, 19th, and 38th Words as examples, the curator presented Abai’s concept of the “complete human,” centered on morality, diligence, and self-cultivation. The second theme focused on the role of knowledge and science. Through the analysis of the 6th and 25th Words, the relevance of Abai’s call to pursue true learning and avoid empty vanity was emphasized. The third theme explored love and faith. Based on the 45th Word, the students examined three levels of love highlighted by Abai—human, romantic, and divine—demonstrating the profound ethical and spiritual dimensions of his thought.
In the concluding part of the session, it was emphasized that Abai’s ideas possess universal relevance and remain significant in the context of contemporary global challenges, such as the climate crisis, the ethics of artificial intelligence, mental health issues, and personal development. The students concluded that Abai’s wisdom represents a spiritual heritage of global importance, not limited to one nation.
The curator’s session was conducted at a high level, contributing to the students’ intellectual growth, strengthening their interest in national literary heritage, and reinforcing core spiritual values. It was particularly noted that the Kara Sozder are rightfully regarded as a “talisman” of Kazakh verbal art, as they serve as guidance, a moral compass, and a source of spiritual support.
