Since 2024, Kazakhstan has celebrated National Book Day, established on the initiative of the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This event has not only served as an incentive to promote a reading culture but has also played a key role in reviving spiritual and moral values among the younger generation of Kazakhstani citizens.

In a recent festive message on his Instagram page, the President noted that the book trade is undergoing significant changes today; however, books have not lost their main function – being faithful guides to the world of high moral ideals.

"I see that the culture of reading books – whether classic literary works or publications covering the most pressing contemporary issues – is gradually returning and even becoming a popular trend again, including among young people. The culture of reading, as a universally recognized indicator of a nation's high quality, must remain an integral part of our people's behavioral code in the face of total digitalization and the dominance of Artificial Intelligence," the Head of State wrote in his post.

In tandem with the President's initiatives, an awards ceremony for the winners of the city competition "Young Writer of Almaty – 2026" took place at the A. Chekhov Central City Library.

According to the mayor's office, the literary competition is timed to coincide with the 90th anniversary of the eminent public and statesman, poet Olzhas Suleimenov. The organizers also drew on the objectives of the national project "Reading Nation" and the "Children of Kazakhstan" program. This competition has become a notable cultural platform, stimulating teenagers' interest in literature and helping them realize their creative potential.

This year, 171 schoolchildren aged 14 to 17 took part. Each presented their own vision of literature, demonstrating unconventional thinking and depth of thought.

Leading figures from the literary and cultural world addressed the ceremony, including: Mereke Kulkenov, Chairman of the Writers' Union of Kazakhstan; Madi Nusipbayev, President of the Örken Public Foundation, which focuses on the development of children's literature; Igor Krupko, Deputy Director of the International Center for the Rapprochement of Cultures under the auspices of UNESCO; poet, prose writer, translator and editor Farhat Tamendarov, and other cultural figures.

The best work in the Kazakh language was by 11th-grader Kairat Abdrakhman from School-Gymnasium No. 174. In the Russian-language category, the winner was 10th-grader Alina Kasenova from School-Lyceum No. 95.

The winners received cash certificates and a collection of poems by Olzhas Suleimenov. Additionally, they were granted the right to compete in the national stage of the competition. All competition participants and their teacher-supervisors received letters of gratitude.

The organized competition served as a significant platform for unlocking the potential of young talent, strengthening their interest in literature, and developing spiritual values. Beyond recording the participants' achievements, the ceremony also symbolized their first steps in the literary field.

It should be recalled that the first such competition to support young authors in Kazakhstan took place back in April 2025. That was when, on the initiative of the Writers' Union and the Örken Public Foundation, the city competition "Young Writer of Almaty – 2025" was held. The event attracted many children and teenagers from Almaty, many of whom debuted their literary efforts. The best emerging authors received valuable prizes, and the competition itself began a fine tradition, clearly demonstrating that the younger generation has a keen interest in the written word.

It is also worth noting that in the very near future, the Head of State will sign a special decree outlining specific measures to promote reading culture and create conditions for nurturing a reading, intellectually developed nation.

Prepared by Iskander RAMAZANOV
Photo: Almaty City Akimat (Mayor's Office)

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