Kazakhstani wins lifetime payment thanks to his talent
The award ceremony for the winner of the fourth season of the Mecenat.kz literary competition was held at the National Academic Library in Astana. The competition was organized with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan and Freedom Holding Corp.
This year, 21 applications were submitted to the competition: 9 in Kazakh and 12 in Russian. The winner was selected through online voting.
Six authors made it to the finals:
- Didar Amantai with the novel «Love Song»
- Alikhan Zhaksylyk with «The House on Turgenev Street Is Hiring»
- Yesengali Sadyrbayev with «The Master of Predator Birds»
- Zhagpar Yegizbayev with «14 Moments of Autumn»
- Nuraina Satpayeva with «Mukhit Goes for the Light»
- Seitzhan Spanov with «The Wedding of the Younger Brother»
Ultimately, Alikhan Zhaksylyk, the author of «The House on Turgenev Street Is Hiring» and a native of Aktobe, was named the winner. He received a prize from Freedom Finance Life, which guarantees him a lifetime monthly payment of $500.
The main patron of the project is well-known Kazakhstani entrepreneur and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., Timur Turlov.
«Although the Mecenat award is very young, it has already secured an important place in Kazakhstan’s cultural life. We are proud of how quickly and confidently it is developing — discovering new names in our literature and inspiring authors,» Turlov said.
Turlov also noted that by participating in the project, he learned about many outstanding works, which helped him better understand his fellow citizens. The businessman believes that literature contributes significantly to the growth and development of the country’s vibrant culture, which dates back many centuries.
«We are glad to be part of this process. I sincerely believe that today, the key factor in creating wealth is talent. The time when capital played the main role is over. Now, talent comes to the forefront as the most important driver. Capital no longer determines the future — it is talent that guides the development of our country,» he underscored.
Turlov also expressed gratitude to the Mecenat.kz team for creating a fair and transparent competition, and thanked the Ministry of Culture and Information for its support. He noted that holding the ceremony in the country’s main library highlights the recognition of the authors’ achievements.
Freedom Holding Corp. will continue to support talent in literature, sports, chess and technology, Turlov concluded, in the hope of making Kazakhstan a country where people dream of living.
