Kazakhstan nominates Abai’s ‘The Book of Words’ for UNESCO recognition

The literary writings by Kazakh poet and philosopher Abai Kunanbaev may be recognized as part of the world’s documentary heritage. Kazakhstan submitted an application to add «The Book of Words» to the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, according to Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Aida Balayeva.

She said that the application is being reviewed by experts. Balayeva noted that the development is part of Kazakhstan’s efforts to promote its cultural heritage globally under the president’s instruction. Work is underway to prepare nominations for the Zharkent Mosque, the Ascension Cathedral and the petroglyphs of the Karatau Range for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The preparation of the nominating documents for these sites is planned for 2026–2027. UNESCO will make a final decision later.

UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme aims to preserve and promote unique documentary heritage of global significance. If approved, Abai’s work will receive international recognition as part of the world’s documentary heritage.

«The Book of Words» is a collection of Abai’s philosophical meditations on morality, education, labor and the role of the individual in society, written at the end of the 19th century. These texts are considered the foundation of Kazakh humanitarian thought and are included in the school curriculum.

Previously, Kazakhstan secured the inscription of several sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and the petroglyphs of the Archaeological Landscape of Tanbaly.