Last Saturday, Abai University hosted the national student poetry duel "Zhyr Tumar," dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the prominent Kazakh poet Mukagali Makatayev. Sixteen poets, selected through a special screening process across higher education institutions in the country, competed in this poetic contest.

The duel among young poets, held in honor of the 95th anniversary of Mukagali Makatayeva legendary figure in Kazakh poetry - took place in an engaging format. Rather than traditional aitysker bards, written poetry authors took the stage, striving to surpass their opponents through depth of thought, original ideas, and unique artistic styles. Their mastery of the theme, lyrical expression, and imaginative technique were put to the test. Authors whose poems demonstrated high artistic and conceptual quality advanced to the subsequent stages, with the strongest competing in the finals.

The primary objective of the competition is to elevate the artistic quality of youth poetry and discover new talents, alongside providing social and spiritual support to young writers.

The event drew a large audience, with young people making up a significant portion of poetry enthusiasts gathered to support the participants. Attendees noted that such a creative environment fosters a deeper interest in literature and offers a closer look into the craft of poetry.

The panel of judges was chaired by Serik Kaliyev, a renowned poet, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan, Culture Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and laureate of the International "Alash" Literary Prize. Joining him on the jury were university alumnus, poet, and International "Alash" Literary Prize laureate Bakyt Bedelkhan, as well as poet Roza Seilkhan, member of the Writers' Union of Kazakhstan and Excellence Awardee in Culture and Information.

Following multiple rounds of competition, contestants evaluated highest by the judges were awarded cash and material prizes: Grand Prix:Shamil Nesipbai (Abai KazNPU) – 200,000 KZT, 1st Place: Ulan Abibulla (SDU) – 100,000 KZT, 2nd Place: Sabina Zhumadil (Abai KazNPU) – 70,000 KZT, 3rd Place: Zhalgas Kazbek (SDU) – 50,000 KZT. In addition, special named awards were presented to six young poets: Marua Aleksandr (A. Zhubanov University) – Esengali Raushanov Award, Khangeldi Bektenov (Al-Farabi KazNU) – Kadyr Myrzaliyev Award, Bolat Akhmet (Al-Farabi KazNU) – Tumanbai Moldagaliyev Award, Shughyla Yermakhan (T. Zhurgenov Academy of Arts) – Fariza Ongarsynova Award, Nurkhat Reimbayev (M. Tynyshpayev University) – Erkin Ibitanov Award, Ayazhan Dauletkyzy (Abai KazNPU) – Tolegen Aibergenov Award.

Recipients of the special awards were honored with official diplomas and a monetary prize of 20,000 KZT each.

 

«Abai University» Media Center