Discovering Abai Qunanbaiuly: The legacy of Kazakhstan’s poet, philosopher and musician

In this episode of Modern Nomads, we explore the enduring legacy of Abai Qunanbaiuly, Kazakhstan’s greatest poet, philosopher and cultural figure. From literature to opera, his influence continues to shape Kazakhstan’s modern identity.

A prominent figure in the history of Kazakhstan, Abai Qunanbaiuly forged a bridge between Eastern and Western thought through his poetry, philosophy and music.   
Known as the founder of Kazakh literature, his writings on love, justice and society remain influential today.
His work, still studied at institutions such as Nazarbayev University, has inspired modern Kazakh poets. Abai’s legacy lives on in the opera Abai, which blends traditional Kazakh music with European opera, showcasing the timeless fusion of cultures he championed.