Abai Kunanbayev Literary – Memorial Museum
The Abai Kunanbaev Literary and Memorial Museum is a state cultural, educational, historical, and research institution located in the city of Abai, Karaganda Region. This museum is a significant cultural site dedicated to the life and creative legacy of Abai Kunanbaev - the great poet, thinker, educator, and composer who is regarded as a spiritual leader of the Kazakh people. The museum operates with the goal of preserving the nation’s historical memory, introducing Abai’s heritage to the wider public, and supporting its research and promotion. The museum was first established in 1979 on a public initiative by the Department of Culture of the Abai City Executive Committee and was officially opened in May 1980. According to the Resolution No. 25/10 of the Karaganda Regional Akimat dated September 9, 2008, the institution previously operating under the Department of Culture and Language Development of the Abai District Akimat was restructured as a regional-level public institution under the Karaganda Regional Department of Culture. The total area of the museum building is 240 square meters. Its collection includes hundreds of valuable artifacts and documents.
The museum's permanent exhibition is organized across four main thematic halls:
1. “Life and Public Activities of Abai Kunanbaev” Hall - This section presents materials on Abai’s biography, his social and political views, and educational activities in chronological order. The exhibition includes photographs and archival materials brought from the national Abai Museum in the city of Semey, as well as information about Abai’s relatives and contemporaries. Also displayed are works by Abai’s disciples and followers. A special feature is the “Kazakh Yurt” exhibition, showcasing items made by traditional Kazakh artisans, representing the national culture and craftsmanship.
2. “The Great Poet’s Creative Legacy” Hall - This hall is dedicated to Abai’s literary work - his poetry, prose (especially Kara Sozder or “Book of Words”), and translations. Among the rare editions on display are the 1933 Arabic-script publication of Abai’s works printed in Kyzylorda, translations of Kara Sozder into various languages, and poetry collections published in 1945 in Almaty. The permanent exhibition “The World Reads Abai” draws special attention from visitors. It features gramophone records of Abai’s songs and photographs of his contemporaries who promoted his musical legacy.
3. “Abai and the Modern Era” Hall - This section explores Abai’s image in modern arts - cinema, theatre, visual arts, and literature. The exhibition includes creative interpretations of Abai’s persona by artists, filmmakers, and writers from different periods of Kazakhstan’s cultural history. The exhibition also reflects on the relevance of Abai’s ideas in contemporary society and their significance for Kazakhstan’s spiritual development.
4. “Sherubai-Nura - The Historical Roots of the City of Abai” Hall - This hall presents the early history of the Sherubai-Nura settlement, which later became the foundation of the modern city of Abai. It provides chronological data on the settlement’s development, focusing on the socio-economic and cultural transformations of the 1959-1960 period. The exhibition includes photographs, documents, personal belongings, and archival materials related to that time. The museum is not limited to exhibition functions alone. It also carries out research, educational, and cultural programs. Museum staff conduct scholarly work in the field of Abai studies (Abaitanu), collaborate with local schools and universities, and organize open lessons, lectures, conferences, literary evenings, and seminars. The Abai Kunanbaev Literary and Memorial Museum plays an essential role in preserving, researching, and promoting the legacy of Abai - a symbol of Kazakhstan’s spiritual and national revival. It contributes significantly to shaping national identity and cultural awareness among younger generations. Future plans include expanding the museum’s digital archives, strengthening international academic cooperation, and publishing specialized works dedicated to Abai studies.