In the lead-up to Republic Day on October 25, Nur-Sultan hosted the traditional «Altyn Dombyra» national poets’ competition. The event, organized by the «AMANAT» Party and supported by the Ministry of Culture and Information, took place at the State Academic Philharmonic named after E. Rakhmadiev. This year’s theme, «Love All Humanity,» commemorated the 180th anniversary of the great poet Abai Qunanbaiuly and featured 14 poets who have excelled in national and international competitions. This was reported by the party’s press service.
Daulet Karibek, the Executive Secretary of the «AMANAT» Party, emphasized that Republic Day is one of the most cherished holidays for the nation, marking a new chapter in the country’s history.
«President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev places special importance on culture and spirituality. Many efforts are currently underway in this area. I would like to highlight that the ‘AMANAT’ Party continues to provide comprehensive support for literature, spirituality, and national arts, including this competition,» said Daulet Karibek, the Executive Secretary of the «AMANAT» Party.
During the event, Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Aybek Sydykov read a congratulatory letter from Minister Aida Balayeva.
«Aytys is a mirror of our spiritual essence and a sacred art passed down through centuries. Preserving it, reviving it with the spirit of the new era, and instilling it in the consciousness of the young is a shared responsibility. The Ministry of Culture and Information systematically implements such fundamental projects every year to promote national art and continue traditional continuity. May this competition, dedicated to the prosperous future of our people and the achievements of our nation, inspire our poets and uplift the nation’s spirit. I wish creative success to the skilled poets who carry forth the path paved by our ancestors, and prosperity and blessings to all,» stated the minister’s letter.
The competition was moderated by Mazhilis Deputy and «AMANAT» Party faction member Amanzhol Altai, who noted the various competitions organized this year with the party’s support.
«Aytys is the cultural essence and spiritual heritage of our people. Its importance grows with each passing year. For instance, in May, a competition featuring Kazakh and Kyrgyz poets took place at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris. The ‘Zhagpe-Zhak Aytys’ program, connecting Kazakhstan’s past and present, became popular on ‘Khabar’ TV. A team event spanning all regions of Kazakhstan concluded in Aktau in July. I am confident that today’s ‘Altyn Dombyra’ competition, ahead of Republic Day, will strengthen our Independence and enhance the nation’s prestige,» said Altai.
The jury was chaired by poet Zhursin Yerman, the President of the International Union of Kazakh Poets and Improvisers. Other judges included Senate Deputy Nurtore Zhusip, Mazhilis Deputy and «AMANAT» Party member Zhanarbek Ashimzhanov, People’s Poet of Kazakhstan Asiya Berkenova, State Prize-winning poet Galym Zhailybay, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Mels Kosymbayev, and cultural sector figure Kudaiberli Myrzabekov.
The grand prize was awarded to Aibek Qaliev from Kostanay Region, who received the «Altyn Dombyra» and an apartment. The first prize, accompanied by a car, went to Beksultan Orynbasar from Kyzylorda Region. Second place was shared by Serik Kuangan from East Kazakhstan Region and Nurbul Zhauenbayev from Aktobe Region, each receiving 1.5 million tenge. Third place was shared by Meirbek Sultanhan from Kyzylorda Region and Didar Qami from Karaganda Region, each awarded 1 million tenge.
Additionally, Serik Kuangan was named «Aitys Akhtanheri» and received a vehicle from the East Kazakhstan Regional Administration. Nurbul Zhauenbayev also received a car. A special prize named after Konysbai Abilov, along with 750,000 tenge, was awarded to Nurlan Esenkulov from Shymkent. A special prize named after Aselhan Kalibekova and 750,000 tenge went to Asem Erezhekzy, while Dauren Aksakalov from Turkistan Region received a prize named after Erik Askarov and 750,000 tenge. Sara Toktamys from Astana received the Koken Shakeev Special Prize, an apartment, and a car.
Incentive prizes of 500,000 tenge each were awarded to Aspanbek Shugatay from Pavlodar Region, Zharkyn Zhuparkhan from North Kazakhstan Region, Rustem Qayyrtay from Abai Region, and Abai Jolmagambet from Mangystau Region.
It is worth mentioning that this two-day aytys received informational support from «QAZAQSTAN» National TV Channel.