WHAT IS THE BOOK ABOUT?

“Heart-to-Heart Conversations: A Mirror of the Soul” brings together interviews published by the author over the years in the national newspapers Zhas Alash and Aiqyn, the Qamshy.kz news agency, and other media outlets. The subjects of these substantial conversations include artists, prominent entrepreneurs, healthcare and psychology professionals, children’s literature authors, educators, and public figures.

Each interview in the collection reveals the subject’s character, outlook on life, and the spirit of their time. The book explores social change, human destinies, the value of art and work, and the many dimensions of life. It invites readers to reflect and draw lessons from the lives of remarkable individuals.

A PRESENTATION OPENED WITH A BLESSING

The event opened with a blessing from Oskenbai Kulataiuly, a writer, miner, engineer, and honorary citizen of Turkistan and Kentau. He noted that interviewing people from different professions requires journalists to possess broad knowledge and strong intellectual ability.

Oskenbai Kulataiuly

Writer, miner, engineer

“Interviewing many people and skilfully shaping those conversations for publication is the mark of a true journalist. Asking questions of professionals from different fields is not easy; it requires knowledge and expertise. May your path be bright, may your pen never rest, and may you achieve great success!”

The book was formally presented by writer Oskenbai Kulataiuly; Shamil Abiltai, an Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan; writer and publicist Marat Tokashbayev; architect and public figure Khairulla Gabzhalilov; and journalist and children’s author Beisenbai Suleimenov.

MAY THE BOOK NOURISH THE NATION’S SPIRIT

Shamil Abiltai

Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan, kuishi

Kuishi Shamil Abiltai, one of the people interviewed in the collection, offered his heartfelt wishes to the author.

Writer and publicist Marat Tokashbayev said that he regards Bifat Nurmakhankyzy as his student in journalism. Recalling an interview she conducted with him several years ago, he said he had been impressed by her professional courage.

Marat Tokashbayev

Writer and publicist

“Seven or eight years ago, a young woman called me. During our conversation, opinions were expressed that did not quite align with the politics of the time, so I assumed the interview would not be published. Later, it appeared in Zhas Alash. It was an excellent interview. That was when I realised that Bifat was a courageous journalist.”

A PROFESSION THAT SHAPES PUBLIC CONSCIOUSNESS

Khairulla Gabzhalilov

Architect and public figure

During the event, architect Khairulla Gabzhalilov, who led the team that created the first design of Kazakhstan’s national currency, the tenge, spoke about journalism’s role in society. He emphasised that the profession helps shape public consciousness.

Film director and screenwriter Yerkin Rakyshov said that the new book includes two interviews with him. In his view, journalists are responsible for conveying a subject’s words accurately and without distortion.

Yerkin Rakyshov

Film director and screenwriter

“Some journalists do not dare to publish strongly worded opinions. Bifat, however, reproduced my words exactly, without changing a single one. I believe this book is especially valuable for students seeking a deeper understanding of social and political issues.”

EXPLORING THE SUBJECT’S INNER WORLD

Beisenbai Suleimenov

Children’s author

Children’s author Beisenbai Suleimenov stressed that writing a book requires perseverance as well as talent. Since every person is multifaceted, a single interview may reveal only one side of them; journalists should therefore strive to explore the subject’s character and inner world more deeply.

Poet Bolat Sharakhymbai, a laureate of the international Alash Literary Prize, said he had long been familiar with the author’s journalistic voice. He noted that Bifat Yeltayeva entered journalism at a young age and became a newspaper editor at 22.

Bolat Sharakhymbai

Poet and laureate of the international Alash Literary Prize

“Bifat is an open, fearless, and courageous journalist. She knows how to ask the right questions. Now she should go even deeper and continue exploring complex subjects.”

GREAT WORKS BORN FROM INTERVIEWS

At the gathering, poet Dauletbek Baitursynuly, a member of the writers’ and journalists’ unions of Kazakhstan, highlighted the broad potential of the interview genre. He cited well-known books developed from conversations, including Azilkhan Nurshaikhov’s “Truth and Legend” and Mukhtar Shakhanov’s “The Lament of a Hunter at the Edge of the Abyss.” He added that finding a person with something meaningful to say and bringing their ideas to the public is itself an important part of a journalist’s work.

Dauletbek Baitursynuly

Poet; member of the writers’ and journalists’ unions of Kazakhstan

“While an editor-in-chief builds the reputation of a newspaper or magazine, its journalists determine its quality. Bifat has interviewed people from many different fields. The ability to find someone with something important to say is itself a sign of a strong journalist.”

A STUDENT’S SUCCESS IS A TEACHER’S PRIDE

At the presentation, Ainur Koshekova, Candidate of Philological Sciences and associate professor, offered her assessment of her student’s new work.

Ainur Koshekova

Candidate of Philological Sciences, associate professor

“‘Heart-to-Heart Conversations: A Mirror of the Soul’... The title carries profound meaning. A secret is a person’s inner world; a conversation is the path into that world; and the mirror of the soul reflects the truth held in the heart. This book is therefore about understanding people, listening to their destinies, and grasping the truth. A good interview not only reveals a person’s character but also makes readers think and view life from a different perspective. In this sense, I believe the new book has much to offer its readers.”

At the literary evening, qylqobyz performer Zhasar Nurdanbek presented “The Song of Dospambet,” while actor and impressionist Askar Komekbayev delighted the audience with his performance.

“AN INTERVIEW IS MORE THAN A CONVERSATION...”

At the end of the event, author Bifat Yeltayeva thanked everyone who contributed to the book’s publication, as well as her mentors, colleagues, and interview subjects.

Bifat Yeltayeva

Member of the Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan, journalist-editor

“An interview is not simply a matter of asking questions and having a conversation. First, you must find the right person, study their work and life, and develop a deep understanding of their chosen field. Only then can you build a meaningful conversation.”

The presentation became a true cultural evening, filled with melodious songs and resonant kuis. In this way, “Heart-to-Heart Conversations: A Mirror of the Soul,” a book intended to inspire public thought, began its journey to a wide readership. Its ultimate value will be judged by discerning readers.