Tengrinews.kz - October 22, 2024, marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of renowned Kazakh writer Abdizhamil Karimovich Nurpeisov. He left an indelible mark on Kazakh and global literature, becoming a symbol of 20th-century Kazakh culture. His works profoundly addressed themes of war, the fate of the people, and social inequality.
Tengrinews.kz - October 22, 2024, marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of renowned Kazakh writer Abdizhamil Karimovich Nurpeisov. He left an indelible mark on Kazakh and global literature, becoming a symbol of 20th-century Kazakh culture. His works profoundly addressed themes of war, the fate of the people, and social inequality.
Biography
Abdizhamil Nurpeisov was born on October 22, 1924, in Ushkon village, Kyzylorda region, near the Aral Sea, into a fisherman's family. His life was closely intertwined with the difficult fate of the Kazakh people, which was deeply reflected in his works. At the age of 18, right after finishing school, he was drafted to the front lines during World War II, where he faced many trials. This experience became the starting point for his literary career.
During the war, Nurpeisov began writing his first novel, Kurland, which was published in 1950 and earned him the Zhambyl Republican Prize. However, he gained widespread recognition through his historical-revolutionary trilogy Blood and Sweat, which he worked on for nearly 15 years.
In addition to being a writer, Nurpeisov was also a translator and an active public figure. He played a significant role in promoting Kazakh culture internationally, collaborating with translators and writers from other countries. Abdizhamil Karimovich passed away on February 5, 2022, leaving behind a rich literary legacy.
In 2019, Nurpeisov celebrated his 95th birthday, during which the President presented him with a special distinction. "You are needed by our people," President Tokayev told Nurpeisov.
Creative legacy and famous quotes
Nurpeisov's literary works include several significant pieces that have become classics of Kazakh literature. His debut novel, Kurland, focused on the events of World War II, in which he had personally participated. This novel, depicting life on the frontlines, became one of the first works in Kazakh literature to explore the deep effects of war.
His most famous work, the Blood and Sweat trilogy (Twilight, Suffering, Collapse), was translated into more than 30 languages and received international acclaim. In it, Nurpeisov portrays the lives of Kazakh fishermen along the Aral Sea, highlighting their struggles with exploitation, inequality, and harsh natural conditions. This epic work not only reflects the history of the Kazakh people but also addresses universal human issues.
Nurpeisov's quotes have become well-known and continue to be referenced. One of his most significant statements:
"Every great people has a great dream" – reflects his deep philosophy and love for his homeland.
Here are some other notable quotes from Nurpeisov:
- "Better to die once than die every day."
- "Why judge petty, envious people? How can they not fight and devour each other? Just look at the sky! There is no peace there either. Clouds and wind have been battling endlessly since the dawn of time."
- "Everyone has enemies, but not everyone can easily deal with them – wisdom is needed for that."
- "In the depths of their soul, everyone knows that light follows darkness, and joy and sorrow walk hand in hand."
Legacy
Abdizhamil Nurpeisov's impact on Kazakh and world literature is immeasurable. His works, despite their depth and complexity, remained accessible to the common reader, focusing on the struggles and lives of the Kazakh people. His efforts to showcase the harsh realities of life resonated both within Kazakhstan and abroad.
Nurpeisov was honored with numerous awards, including the USSR State Prize. His works were translated into many languages, influencing the international literary scene. In 2008, a monument was erected in Aktobe to commemorate the characters of his Blood and Sweat trilogy, symbolizing the profound impact of his work on Kazakh culture.
As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abdizhamil Nurpeisov's birth, his name continues to inspire readers, and his works remain timeless, resonating with new generations and solidifying his place as one of Kazakhstan's greatest writers.