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9KAZAKH LITERARY RELATIONS AT THE EDGE OF THE XX AND XXI CENTURIES
Abstract
The article discusses Kazakh literary relations at the turn of the XX - XXI centuries. The author reveals literary relations between Kazakhstan and Turkey, France, Germany. It highlights such factors as personal contacts of the writers. Attention is paid to the foreign literary reception, which occupies an important place in the study of literary relations. In conclusion, the author comes to conclusion that since Kazakhstan gained independence, the relations between Kazakh literature and foreign literature have become more active, and organic accession of Kazakh literature into the context of the world artistic culture has been observed.
Keywords
literary relations, critic, reader, translation, foreign languages, international conference, foreword
AUTHOR
Ainur Mashakova
PhD Philology, leading researcher M.O. Auezov Institute of Literature and Art.
29, Kurmangazy Str., A10C5D8, Almaty, Kazakhstan E-mail.ru: [email protected]
Introduction
The development of the Republic of Kazakhstan in new historical conditions, when our Republic is perceived as an independent State, requires scientific comprehension of the literary relations of the country. Kazakh literature entered the international arena in the second half of the XX century, but at that time it was perceived as an integral part of Soviet literature, and now in the period of independence, Kazakh literature is developing in a different way - it positions itself as an independent national literature in the world artistic process.
This article focuses on Kazakh literary relations with foreign countries at the turn of the XX - XXI centuries. The relevance of the research topic is due to the importance of scientific understanding of Kazakhstan's literary relations aimed to prove the growing authority of Kazakh culture in the world arena. The study of international literary relations helps to determine the importance of literature for the development of national identity, and also promotes the formation of patriotic feelings of pride for the rich spiritual heritage of Kazakhstan society.
Methodological Framework
The comparative literary criticism serves as a theoretical basis for the study of literary relations. In this research, the analysis of literary relations is carried out based on the works of D. Dyurishin (Dyurishin, 1979), R. Bart (Bart, 2004), U. Eco (Eco, 2002; Eco,
2006) and is logically connected with the issues of receptive aesthetics, 1999), hermeneutics (Lyapushkina, 2002) and artistic translation (Topper, 2000).
Comparative study of the literary process incorporates the main approaches inherent in literary science: historical-genetic, historical-functional, systemic, psychological. Used research methods are as follows: objective-analytical, textual study, eureka-hermeneutic, historical-typological, comparative-comparative. The basic methodological directions in this work include the basic principles of dialectical, ontological, structural-formalistic, as well as discursive-receptive poetics.
Results
At the turn of the XX - XXI centuries, Kazakh literary relations with foreign literatures have actively developed. In this process, the creative writings of a number of well known Kazakh writers and poets play a significant role. In particular, Abay Kunanbayev, Makhambet Utemissov, Zhambyl Zhabaev, Mukhtar Auezov, Abdizhamil Nurpeisov, Olzhas Suleimenov, Mukhtar Shakhanov, Abish Kekilbayev and others, whose writings have been recognized abroad.
A wide range of contemporary international resonance of Kazakh literature includes a number of European and Eastern countries. Turkey leads among countries of the foreign East, followed by India, Pakistan, Iran, China, Mongolia. Among the European countries, France, Germany, Hungary, Bulgaria and Poland are most interested in national literature.
UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) played an important role in strengthening international relations of Kazakh literature at current stage. In the 1990-2000-ies this organization initiated celebration of the anniversaries of the classics of Kazakh literature at the world level: 150th anniversary of Abai Kunanbayev (1995), 100th anniversary of Mukhtar Auezov (1997), 100th anniversary of Sabit Mukanov (2000), 100th anniversary of Gabit Musrepov (2002) and 200th anniversary of Makhambet Utemissov (2003). All these jubilee dates are included in the UNESCO Calendar of Memorable Dates. Celebration of anniversary dates is a new form of literary relations. Due to solemn events held in Kazakhstan and throughout the world, contemporary foreign writers got acquainted with creative writings of the best representatives of Kazakh literature, and also established personal contacts with contemporary Kazakh writers and literary scholars.
In terms of comparative literary studies, literary jubilees serve as contact-genetic literary relations. Moreover, contact-genetic relations are mainly based on typological connections. These two types of literary connections are manifested in literary jubilees. Contact literary relations are divided into external and internal contacts. The external contacts include such traditional forms of literary connections as meetings, conversations, responses, reports at conferences, and holding jubilee events at the international level can be attributed to external contacts. The manifestation of typological convergence is observed in the speeches of foreign participants at solemn jubilee meetings and conferences.
The active literary ties between Kazakhstan and Turkey are explained, first of all, by the centuries-old historical and cultural commonality, as well as by the fact that Turkey and Kazakhstan have much in common at the present stage. For example, the similarity of the chosen way of State development, which implies aspiration for civilization and progress. Both States are open to perceive foreign cultures and at the same time retain their national culture. Turkey was the first country in the world which has recognized Kazakhstan's independence. Cultural and literary contacts play an important role in mutual relations between two related nations. Interest in culture and literature of Kazakh people who have common spiritual and ethnic roots, is constantly growing in Turkey.
Turkish literary figures not only visit Kazakhstan to participate in international conferences, but also hold literary days and evenings devoted to Kazakh writers and poets in Turkey. So, in 2006, the days of Kazakh poet M. Zhumabayev were successfully held in Turkish city of Elazig with participation of the representatives of the Writers' Union of Kazakhstan Sh. Yeleukenov and E. Raushanov. In addition, the works of Kazakh authors have been translated into Turkish language. In 1995, the "Abai's Selected Works" were published in Turkish. In 1996 in Ankara a poetic collection by Zh. Zhabaev "Selected Works of Zhambyl" was published in Turkish. In 1997, the five-volume by M.O. Auezov was published in the Turkish language. It included his novel-epic "Abai's Way", stories, novels, scientific articles and journalism. In 1998, R. Berdibay's book "From Baikal to the Balkans" was translated and published in Turkey. In 1999, the poem "Delusion of Civilization" by M. Shakhanov was translated into Turkish.
Kazakh-Turkish cooperation is also reflected in research works. Joint monograph of the M.O. Auezov Institute of Literature and Art "Essays on World Literature at the Turn of the XX - XXI centuries" (2006) was prepared with participation of Turkish scholar-literary critic from the University of Ankara Mehmet Torenek. He wrote a section on modern Turkish literature. In 2006, a monographic study of Turkish scientist Ali Abbas Chinar "Study of Kazakh Culture and Literature" was published in Mugla. In 2010, a book by Kazakh scientist and literary critic N. Kelimbetov entitled "General Literary Monuments of Turkic Peoples" in the Turkish language was presented in Turkey. In the same year, a scientific publication of Kazakh epic "Kyz Zhibek" was prepared in Turkey.
Kazakh-French literary relations at the turn of the XXth - XXI centuries are characterized by constant and dynamic character. Since Kazakhstan gained the independence, history, culture and literature of Kazakhstan raised interest of French writers, poets, translators and scholars. Many of them visited our country. So that one book or a series of poems can raise interest to visit Kazakhstan. For example, one of the reasons for traveling through Kazakhstan for the French writer Bernard Shambaz were poems by O. Suleimenov. French editor Jean Lambert decided to visit Kazakhstan after getting acquainted with the writings of A. Nurpeissov. A personal acquaintance of J. Lambert with Kazakh author of the trilogy "Blood and Sweat" was held in 1997 in Paris at international conference dedicated to the 100th anniversary of M.O. Auezov.
Creative writings of O. Suleimenov, whose poetic collections were actively published in the French language during the Soviet period, still draws the attention of writers in France. In 2002 in France the book "Letters of Youth. Ten poets speak about hope". Poets from France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, the United States, Israel, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cuba and Kazakhstan responded to a key question about the role of poetry in the modern world. All texts were submitted in the original language and in French. The article by O. Suleimenov "The Age of the Insight" was written in the form of a letter to a young poet, in which Kazakh poet wrote about the purpose of poetry: "If the nation is kind, it is thanks to the poets. In this fact I see the duty of poetry - to make people kind" (Suleimenov, 2002). Undoubtedly, this heartfelt article with wise reflections and instructions impressed many French readers of the young and older generation. So, the literary critic Albert Fischler, having devoted an article to the creative writings of Olzhas Suleimenov, quotes from the book "Letters of Youth ...". We should focus more on the creative activity of this French scientist.
A. Fischler - Laureate of the Academic Palm Branch award in the field of French literature. From the beginning of the 1990s he repeatedly visited Kazakhstan, delivered lectures at the Universities, took part at the international conferences dedicated to the anniversaries of A. Kunanbayev, M. Auezov, M. Utemisov in 2003. A. Fischler is the author of the preface to the book "Abai Kunanbayev. Words of edification, poems "Iskander" and "Masgood", published in French in 1995. He prepared an introductory article to the book
"Mukhtar Auezov. Dashing Time" published in 1997 in France. Every time, when they return from a regular trip to Kazakhstan, Albert and his wife Madeleine organize meetings, hold seminars, lectures, and show their videos about Kazakhstan. In their hospitable house near Paris in Fontainebleau, they collected an extensive library of Kazakhstan, a video library and Kazakh music library. In France, A. Fischler participates in all events related to the culture and literature of Kazakhstan. In 1997 A. Fishler was awarded the Peace and Spiritual Consent Prize of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan for his committed work in popularization of history, literature and culture of Kazakhstan. In 2005, A. Fischler arrived to Astana to participate in international conference dedicated to the 160th anniversary of the birth of Abai Kunanbayev. In 2006, he prepared an introduction to S. Dosanov's book "White Aruana", published in Paris in French. A. Fischler takes an active part in the preparation of the collections, included into the series "International Relations of Kazakh Literature" and published by the M.O. Auezov Institute of Literature and Art. Honorary Professor of the University of Paris A. Fischler can rightly be called an old friend of Kazakhstan.
Professor Remi Dor from Paris National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations plays an important role in the development of Kazakh-French literary relations. In 1997 he took part in the international colloquium "Mukhtar Auezov: Great singer of national greatness" in Paris. In 1998, in Kazakhstan R. Dor participated at the international conference "Mukhtar Auezov and World Literature". In the 2000s, as a Director of the Institute for Central Asian Studies, the French scientist repeatedly visited Kazakhstan for participation at various events. In 2002 and 2006 the M.O. Auezov Institute of Literature and Art organized meetings with R. Dor. He is the author of a number of publications on literature of the peoples of Central Asia. R. Dor wrote a number of articles related to Kazakh literature, in which he showed an excellent knowledge of the history of Kazakh literature and the creativity of its most prominent representatives.
Kazakh-German literary relations have a long history. The first books in German language in which the Kazakhs were mentioned appeared in the VIII century. At the same time, German travelers-orientalists begin to visit Kazakh lands. A new stage in the development of Kazakh-German literary relations began with the formation of the German Democratic Republic in 1949. Since the 50-ies of the XX century begins publication of Kazakh literature in German language. Among the publishers that published the works of Kazakh authors, we can mention publishing house "Kultur und Fortschritt" which was the largest in the GDR. In 1964 this publishing house has merged with the publishing house "Volk und Welt", which continued publication of Kazakh literature. For many years, the famous German literary critic, poet, translator, essayist Leonard Kossuth worked in this publishing house.
Kazakh-German literary relations which have been established during the Soviet period, continue to develop during the period of independence. The activity of L. Kossuth serves as an excellent example. He has repeatedly visited Kazakhstan, and is personally acquainted with many Kazakhstani writers and poets and is one of the best specialists in the field of Kazakh literature in Germany. In 2003, he was awarded the Prize of the representative office of international PEN-club in Kazakhstan for active propaganda and popularization of Kazakh literature in Germany. During his stay in Almaty, he presented his autobiographical book on history of publishing house Volk und Welt to the scientists of the M.O. Auezov Institute of Literature and Art. One of the articles in the book was written by the author under the influence of a significant event in the cultural life of Kazakhstan - on February 18, 2000, one of the streets of Berlin was renamed as "Abai Strasse". L. Kossuth writes: "Abai, whose name is given to the street in Berlin, is sometimes called "Kazakh Goethe". This metaphor is reasonable because this poet, composer and educator and universality of his creativity is very important for the national literature" (Kossuth,
2002). In 2006, in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, the presentation of the novel "The Last Duty" by A. Nurpeisov was a success. The book was published in Frankfurt am Main in the series "Kazakh Library" in German language, translated by Annelor Nitschke. L. Kossuth was involved as a brilliant interpreter.
The publication of "Kazakhstan Library" in Germany, which began in 2006 with the assistance of the Embassy of Kazakhstan and thanks to the efforts of particular German literary and cultural figures is of exceptional importance for the development of modern Kazakh-German literary relations. Thus, publication of reviews and articles on literature of Kazakhstan by L. Kossuth in German journals contributed much to the emergence of "Kazakhstan Library" in Germany. In particular, in 2002 in German magazine "Ossietzky" was published his article about the novel "The Last Duty" by A. Nurpeisov, and in 2003 in the same magazine a review of the novel "The House of the Wanderer" by Kazakhstan writer G. Belger was published. The novel "The Last Duty" by A. Nurpeisov is the first work which opens "Kazakhstan Library" series in Germany. The next book published in Germany within the framework of "Kazakhstan Library" project was A. Kekilbaev's novel "Minaret, or the End of a Legend". At presentation of this book in Berlin, L. Koshut told about the work of Kazakh writer, with whom he has a long-term and close cooperation. The poetic collection "Abai. Twenty poems" (2007), which includes Abai's poems translated by L. Kossuth and his article "My path to Abay and issues of translation of his poems" continues the series "Kazakhstan Library" published in Germany. German translator writes how he perceives Kazakh poet, who impresses and admires him. At present, works of T. Akhtanov, G. Belger, M. Auezov, O. Suleimenov, M. Makatayev have been published in "Kazakhstan Library" series.
Literary evening "Pushkin and Abai meet in Berlin" which was held in 2006 is an important fact in the development of Kazakh-German literary relations. Professor Roland Opitz from Leipzig devoted his speech to creativity of A.S. Pushkin, and professor Mark Kirchner from Gissen spoke about Abai Kunanbaev, and also read his own translation of the poem "Autumn" of the Kazakh poet into German.
At present stage, personal contacts between literary figures and foreign colleagues and readers which resulted from professional trips abroad are significant factors in the development of international relations of Kazakh literature. The manifestation of these factors is observed in the writings of Kazakh poet M. Shakhanov. His books have been presented in many cities of the world. For example, in 1993 a poetic evening of M. Shakhanov took place in Japanese city Kobe. In 1999, the book "The Delusion of Civilization" was published in Turkey and Pakistan and poetic events of Kazakh poet were conducted. In the same year in Germany and Switzerland there was a presentation of the book "Delusion of Civilization" in German language. In 1999, in Paris, where the headquarters of UNESCO is located, the epic poem "Delusion of Civilization" was presented. Poetic evening of M. Shakhanov was successfully held in Sweden, Scotland, France and other countries. Based on this example, we can state that presentation of the works of Kazakh poet abroad facilitated popularization of his creativity in foreign countries.
In recent years, being engaged mainly in active social activities, Kazakh poet O. Suleimenov does not forget about participation in international literary events. In 2006, he took part in traditional "Sofia Meetings" in Bulgaria. This trip took place on the initiative of the Writers' Union of Bulgaria. O. Suleimenov is well known in Bulgaria not only as a talented poet, but also as a scholar-researcher of Turkic heritage. O. Suleimenov was invited to the Kliment Ohridski University in Sofia to the meeting with orientalists and Bulgarian Turkic studies specialists. This meeting was held in the atmosphere of friendly communication of specialists, united with a single idea - a comprehensive study of culture
of Turkic peoples and its contribution to the world culture. In 2007, his most famous book "Az and Ya" was published in Bulgaria.
Foreign literary reception plays an important role in the study of literary relations. "Foreign writers and critics evaluate foreign literature in view of their cultures and literary traditions; They compare them with national works, phenomena and literary factors. Ultimately, these responses clearly demonstrate expansion of the circle of readers of foreign works and development of international literary relations" (Madanova, 2003). In 2016, the M.O. Auezov Institute of Literature and Art in the series "International Relations of Kazakh Literature" published a collection "Creative writings of Abai Kunanbayev in foreign reception". Unlike previous books in this series, which included only foreign countries, this book includes CIS countries. The collection consists of 102 receptive sources from 27 countries translated into Russian. It covers the period from 1941 to 2016. The author of this article is one of the compilers of the book and interpreter from French and German languages.
It should be explained that Abai Kunanbayev, a great Kazakh poet, educator, philosopher and public figure of the second half of the 19th century, is popular in modern Kazakhstan. Kazakh nation honors Abay, and is proud of him and respect him. The memory of Abay is supported at the State level. His works are studied in educational institutions. A separate direction in national literary criticism - Abai Studies is developing. Philosophical essays, poems, verses of Abai are periodically published not only in Kazakh, but also in foreign languages. Abay's works are published in 14 languages in foreign countries: English, Arabic, Bulgarian, Hungarian, Chinese, Korean, Mongolian, German, Farsi, Polish, Turkish, Urdu, French, Czech. The collection "Creative writings of Abai Kunanbayev in foreign reception" includes the forewords from 13 Abai's books published in foreign countries. The authors of the forewords are professional readers - French literary critic Albert Fischler, Czech writer Frantisek Soukup, German literary critic and translator Leo Kossuth, Bulgarian poet and translator Ivan Ivanov, Polish orientalist Henrik Jankowski, Iranian literary critic Ali Asghar Shirdust, translator Halid Ikbal Yassir from Pakistan, Mongolian writer and playwright Khabishin Islam and others. The collected material allows to draw a conclusion that Abai Kunanbayev's creativity is recognized by foreign researchers, and they highly appreciate his works, compare with outstanding personalities of their countries - national poet of Pakistan Muhammad Iqbal, prominent Urdu writer Sir Said Ahmad Khan, French philosopher Seren Kierkegaard, Chinese philosopher Confucius, Hungarian writers and poets Mihai Vereshmarti, Janos Aran, Shandor Petofi and Endre Adi. In their opinion, Abai is a classic not only of Kazakh literature, but of the whole world literature.
Discussion
In this paper the research on Kazakh literary relations at the edge of the XX-XXI centuries is carried out in line with previous scientific researches on this subject which were conducted in Kazakhstan.
In the Soviet period, the works of Doctor of Philology, corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sh. Satpayeva played an important role in the research on international relations of Kazakh literature. In 1972 she published a monograph "Kazakh-European literary relations in the XIX and the first half of the XX century", in which she presented the process of development of literary relationships of Kazakh people with European countries during the particular period of time. In the opinion of S.K. Satpayeva, "every national literature in the process of development, communication with other literatures, perceiving and correlating its experience with own national traditions, becomes more mature and enriched. Literary relations - the
penetration of one literature into another one -became an important moment in the literary development of each of the nations and, at the same time, the fact of the world literary process" (Satpayeva, 1972). In 1974 her scientific work "Literary Contacts" was published, in 1982 the monograph "Kazakh Literature and the East" was published. Followers and students of Sh.K. Satpayeva also carried out research related to foreign relations of Kazakh literature. Under her supervision the following thesis have been defended: in 1984, E.S. Tazhibayev's thesis "Kazakh-German literary relations during the Soviet period (1920-70s), in 1990 M.Kh. Madanova's thesis - "Kazakh literary relations of the XIX century (on the basis of Kazakh-French literary relations), in 1991, A.K. Tusupova's thesis - "Kazakh-English literary ties of the XIX century".
During the period of independence of Kazakhstan, in national literary criticism the attention is also paid to the study of international relations of Kazakh literature. The author's monographs: "From the history of Kazakh-Russian literary connections" (1998) by Batyrbekova, "Kazakh poetry and the East" (1999) by Kumisbaeva, "Kazakh-Anglo-American Literary Relations" (2003) by Tusupova are devoted to Kazakh literary relations. In 2006, M.B. Salkynbayev defended the thesis "Kazakh-Arab Literary Links of the XXth Century".
Joint monograph "International Relations of Kazakh Literature in the Period of Independence" (2008), prepared by literary scholars of the M.O. Auezov Institute of Literature and Art, Committee of Science, Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan is one of the examples of scientific highlighting of the process of development and strengthening of relations of Kazakhstan with foreign countries the field of literature. The authors of the monograph comprehensively studied the international relations of Kazakh literature in the period of independence. The sections of S. Ananieva present literary relations between Kazakhstan and Russia, Ukraine, Belarus. Section of Sh. Eleukenov discusses the perception of creativity of M.O. Auezov in the CIS countries, the author of this article prepared a section "Creativity of A. Nurpeisov in foreign literary reception". A.Tusupova wrote about translations of the works of contemporary Kazakh poets B. Kanapyanov, B. Kenzheyev and A. Kodar into English. The section of A. Mentebayeva is devoted to the formation and development of comparative literary studies in Kazakhstan. The section of the author of this paper highlights cooperation between Kazakhstan and UNESCO and is also included into the monograph.
In this article, the author continues to explore the international links of Kazakh literature of the particular period such as literary ties between Kazakhstan and Turkey, France, Germany. Also such factors as personal contacts of the writers have been highlighted. Attention is paid to foreign literary reception, which occupies an important place in the study of literary relations.
Conclusion
Since Kazakhstan gained independence, contacts of Kazakh literature with foreign literature became more active, an organic entry of Kazakh literature into the context of the world art culture is observed. Kazakh literary relations at the turn of the XX and XXI centuries are stimulating national literary development and provide international character to the literary process and contribute to the formation of the State cultural image of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Literary relations between Kazakhstan and Turkey, France, Germany are characterized by diversity and testify the growing authority of Kazakh culture on the world arena.
Recommendations
The materials of this article can be of interest for researchers in comparative studies, teachers, PhD and Master students, undergraduate students of Philological faculties of Higher educational institutions.
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