Kazakhstan Conference Celebrates Legacy of Hungarian Turkologist Mándoky and Poet Petőfi
A conference in Astana recently celebrated the legacies of Hungarian Turkologist István Mándoky and poet Sándor Petőfi by presenting a collection of Petőfi’s poems in the Kazakh language. The event, which took place on February 22, was organized by Nazarbayev University (NU) and the Hungarian Embassy in Kazakhstan in honor of the 80th anniversary of Mándoky and the 200th anniversary of Petőfi.
Ambassador of Hungary to Kazakhstan, Ottó Iván Róna, highlighted the significant influence of Petőfi, describing him as a leading Hungarian poet whose appeal extended beyond Hungary. Róna emphasized the common theme of freedom in Petőfi’s poetry, stating that the love for freedom resonates strongly with both the Hungarian and Kazakh people.
Vice President of the International Turkic Academy, Erhan Türbedar, praised Mándoky for his meticulous scholarship that cemented strong ties between Hungary and Kazakhstan. Türbedar acknowledged Mándoky’s contributions to Turkology, noting his dedication to fostering relationships with Turkic people.
The conference concluded with the presentation of the collection of Petőfi’s poems in Kazakh language, titled “Love and Freedom.” The event served as a testament to the enduring connection between Hungary, Kazakhstan, and the Turkic world, honoring the rich cultural heritage shared between the two nations.
