The cultural event attended by Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The inauguration of the monument symbolizes the Kazakh people’s deep respect for their Uzbek neighbors, TuraNew.kz reports.
President Tokayev highlighted the long-standing fraternal ties between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which are united by shared history, language, and religion.
“From time immemorial, we have been fraternal countries with common values that unite our peoples. We are connected by a common history, language, and religion,” President Tokayev stated. “Alisher Navoi’s personality holds a special place in fostering the traditional brotherly relations between our two nations. As Mukhtar Auezov once noted, ‘The legacy of Alisher Navoi is valuable not only for Uzbek literature; it also had a significant influence on writers of the Eastern countries.’ The great poet’s works are a spiritual treasury for all Turkic people.”
President Tokayev emphasized that Alisher Navoi’s contributions elevated Turkic literature to global recognition, and his works were highly regarded by notable Kazakh figures. “We take pride in knowing that Shokan Ualikhanov was among the first to study Navoi’s works, and the great Abai considered him a mentor. Navoi’s unique style, profound thought, and artistic mastery continue to inspire poets and writers worldwide. His humanistic ideas remain relevant today and hold a special place in the world’s treasury of thought.”
President Tokayev also recognized Alisher Navoi as a talented statesman and patron of science and art. His efforts in promoting education and culture included the construction of madrasas and libraries. The monument stands as a testament to the centuries-old brotherhood of the Turkic peoples, and President Tokayev emphasized the importance of preserving and strengthening this bond.
In his remarks, President Mirziyoyev expressed gratitude to President Tokayev and the people of Kazakhstan, acknowledging Alisher Navoi’s work as a shared heritage. “Our peoples are close to each other, and we sincerely value our common history, culture, customs, and traditions. We are pleased that in 2020, the late Kazakh poet Nesipbek Aituly translated Navoi’s major work, ‘Khamsa,’ into Kazakh, with a foreword written by President Tokayev himself,” said President Mirziyoyev.
The ceremony was attended by official delegations from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as well as representatives from the creative intelligentsia of both countries. The monument serves as a powerful symbol of the enduring cultural and historical ties between the Turkic nations.
