Abai Center in Washington Unveils Kazakh Cultural Riches
Abai Center in Washington, D.C. Works to Change False Narratives about Kazakhstan
The Abai Center, located in the heart of Washington, D.C., aims to promote and preserve Kazakh culture while transforming the country’s often misrepresentative image, according to Aitolkyn Kourmanova, a producer at the center. Launched in early 2020 in partnership with the Kazakh Embassy in the United States, the center is named after the renowned poet and philosopher Abai Kunanbaiuly and is hosted by George Washington University’s Central Asia Program.
Kourmanova explains that there are many misconceptions about Kazakhs, who are often misunderstood as part of Mongolian or Soviet culture. She hopes that the Abai Center can change this impression and convey the truth about Kazakhstan. One of the false narratives involves the association of Kazakhstan with the satirical film “Borat,” which misrepresented the country as backward and filled with absurdities. Another misconception is a lack of awareness about Kazakhstan’s modern development and achievements since gaining independence in 1991.
To raise cultural awareness and promote understanding, the Abai Center has developed a digital platform featuring online videos, podcasts, articles, and interviews. The platform aims to provide an immersive journey through Kazakh history and culture. Kourmanova believes that Kazakh culture can be fascinating to people from all backgrounds and highlights the success of Kazakh artists in the global cultural arena.
One of the center’s awe-inspiring projects is a collection of captivating podcasts that explore traditional Kazakh music and literature. The “Sounds of the Great Steppe” podcast features episodes on some of Kazakhstan’s brightest composers, while “The Stories of the Modern Kazakh Prose” series delves into 20th-century literary masterpieces. Kourmanova explains that podcasts are flexible and accessible, allowing people to learn while multitasking.
In addition to the online platform, the Abai Center organizes offline activities such as film screenings, cultural exhibitions, and concerts in the Washington, D.C. area. The center also collaborates with scholars and experts to enrich its work and tap into their academic knowledge.
As Kazakhstan and the United States celebrate over 30 years of diplomatic relations, the Abai Center believes that cultural exchange can strengthen ties between the two nations. Kourmanova emphasizes the importance of understanding each other’s cultures, noting that American culture is less known to Kazakh citizens. She believes that both Kazakhs and Americans share common values such as freedom, patriotism, and a love for nature.
By challenging false narratives and promoting cultural understanding, the Abai Center aims to contribute to cultural diplomacy and foster stronger relations between Kazakhstan and the United States.
