The 100th anniversary of the prominent
writer Berdibek Sokpakbayev, a classic of Kazakh and children's literature, is
being widely celebrated across the country. His centenary has been included in
the UNESCO Calendar of Memorable Dates. Cultural events are taking place throughout
the country, including creative evenings and exhibitions of Sokpakbayev's works
at Astana libraries. Generations of readers have grown up with these works. The
simplicity and accessibility of his prose have attracted not only young book
lovers but also adults worldwide. The writer’s novellas, short stories, and
novels have been translated into dozens of languages.
«Many people consider Berdibek Sokpakbayev to
be a classic solely of children's literature. However, there is no doubt that
he is a classic of Kazakh literature as a whole. His works are easily
understood and read by readers of all ages, from children to the elderly,» said
Dauletkerei Kapuly, the secretary at the Astana city branch of the Writers’
Union of Kazakhstan.
«The works of Berdibek Sokpakbayev are read in 70
UNESCO member states. His books have been translated into other languages, and
what is most important is that through his characters, foreign readers learn
about the Kazakh people and discover Kazakh literature,» noted poet Nurlan
Kalka.
