«Creativity and Criticism: A New Perspective on Literature»

On November 22, 2024, within the framework of  the Sustainable Development Goal 4; "Quality Education,"  there was a literary and educational meeting with  the writer Doskhan Zhilkybai  at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The event on the topic: "Creativity and Criticism: A New Perspective on Literature" brought together the  4th-year students of "Literary Studies" and "Kazakh Language and Literature" majors. 

During the meeting, the audience discussed the writer's popular works, including "Boketto," "The Robot That Can Dream," "Quantum," "10 Tenge," and "Matrix" which have resonated with readers.  The Faculty members from the Department of Kazakh Literature and Literary Theory, Associate Professor, Ph.D. Leila Mekebayeva, and intern lecturer, Master of Education, and Ph.D. candidate Svetlana Urazgaliyeva shared their insights on the writer’s craft and literary artistry. 

The students engaged in a thoughtful discussion on the ideological value and structural uniqueness of the author's individual works. They analyzed the writer's stylistic features and creative techniques. The discussion also addressed the manifestations of postmodern thinking, its role in Kazakh literature, and the progress of this movement within the national literary landscape. It was noted that postmodernism still faces challenges in integrating with the traditional forms of Kazakh literature, suggesting the need for further exploration in this area. 

The guest of honor, Doskhan Zhilkybai, shared the stories behind some of his works and provided valuable insights into his creative process.  The students had the opportunity to ask questions about literature and the craft of writing, fostering an open dialogue between the author and his readers. 

At the end of the event, the writer expressed his gratitude to the organizers and participants, offering words of encouragement and advice to aspiring young authors venturing into the world of literature.