Nazarbayev University (NU) officially opened the Abai Creative Hub, a multidisciplinary space dedicated to celebrating the spiritual and literary heritage of Abai Kunanbayev while fostering creativity, education, and research. The Hub aims to cultivate an open, inclusive environment that nurtures the intellectual and cultural potential of young people, grounded in Abai’s teachings.
NU President Waqar Ahmad: “Abai holds a very significant place in the psyche of the country, in its history, and in the way people think of themselves. It is entirely proper that as a university, which symbolizes the ambitions of the nation, we celebrate Abai and create a center like this – to inspire us and to connect us with the history of the country and its cultural roots. The hub is not only a cultural space, but a platform where education, creativity, and research come together. It aims to inspire young people, and people not so young, to strengthen national consciousness and encourage thoughtful engagement with Abai’s ideas in today’s world.”
Prof. Kultas Kurmanbay, a scholar of Abai’s philosophy, added: “It has not been explained in detail yet, but Abai can be understood as a Stoic philosopher. His philosophy is about the acceptance of the world as it is, and how it is built on freedom and humanity. All of Abai’s works, and the knowledge he has gained from them, provide answers to this question. We call this approach Abai’s ecosophy.”
The Abai Creative Hub is guided by a mission to promote Abai’s heritage in a modern format and to foster both regional and national consciousness. The Hub seeks to teach and interpret Abai’s works, making his ideas accessible and relevant for today’s audiences, while also fostering the development of well-rounded individuals by emphasizing ethical, intellectual, and creative growth. It provides creative and discussion platforms for interdisciplinary dialogue and supports literary and scholarly initiatives, particularly those of the Young Abai Scholars community.
The Hub’s activities encompass a broad range of areas, including Abai’s ecosophical approach, Stoicism and Abai’s philosophy, and the concept of the complete human. It also focuses on literary and creative initiatives, scholarly and educational programs, cultural and educational engagement, and encourages innovation, creating a dynamic space where classical wisdom and contemporary creativity intersect.
