One of the most moving and symbolic moments of the Issyk-Kul Forum earlier this month was the unveiling of a memorial bust dedicated to Murat Auezov, an Honorary Member of the Eurasian Creative Guild, in the garden of the House-Museum and Library of his great father, Mukhtar Auezov, in Cholpon-Ata.
For me, this was far more than attending an official ceremony. Murat and I shared many years of personal friendship, warm conversations, and numerous meetings. On many occasions, we discussed the development of literature, cultural cooperation, publishing projects, and the prospect of publishing his books in English. I am confident that one day this project will become a reality.
As the son of one of Kazakhstan’s greatest writers, Mukhtar Auezov, he successfully established his own remarkable legacy. A writer, thinker, public intellectual, and true cultural diplomat, Murat Auezov devoted his life to promoting Kazakh literature and culture far beyond the borders of his homeland.
It was therefore a great honour for me, as Patron of the Eurasian Creative Guild and publisher of Hertfordshire Press, to take part in this memorable occasion.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Murat’s daughter, Zifa Auezova, as well as to Sultan Raev, President of TURKSOY and a member of our Guild, whose initiative and long-standing friendship with Murat Auezov made this monument possible. My sincere appreciation also goes to the gifted sculptor Tamila Mamatova, the Administration of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, and everyone who united their efforts to preserve the memory of this outstanding man.
The ceremony was given special significance by the speech of Aslan Koichiev, State Secretary of the Kyrgyz Republic and one of the principal spiritual visionaries behind the modern Issyk-Kul Forum.
I am convinced that this year’s Issyk-Kul Forum will remain one of the most remarkable and widely discussed cultural events not only in Central Asia but across the world. The unveiling of Murat Auezov’s memorial bust has become one of the Forum’s most meaningful spiritual milestones, reminding us that the legacy of great individuals continues to unite generations, countries, and cultures.
Marat Akhmedjanov
