Tair Zharokov Kazakh Soviet poet Date of Birth: 22.09.1908

1. Childhood and Education
2. Early Career
3. Literary Secretary to Jambul Jabayev
4. World War II and Post-War Career
5. Literary Legacy
6. Translations
7. Death and Legacy

Childhood and Education

Kazakh Soviet poet Mukhtar Auezov was born on September 22, 1908 (October 5, according to the revised calendar) in the village of Urda, Atyrau Region, Kazakhstan. The son of a poor herder, he grew up in a family struggling to make ends meet. Auezov attended a Russian-Kazakh elementary school in his village and later (1923-1927) the Orenburg Kazakh Institute of Education. In 1932, he graduated from the Kazakh Pedagogical Institute.

Early Career

Auezov's literary career began shortly after he graduated. In 1932, he became the Secretary of the Kazakh Writers' Union (1932-1933), then editor of the Kazakh State Publishing House (1933-1934). He also served as the deputy editor of the newspaper "Kazakh Literature" (1936-1938). In 1935, Auezov completed his postgraduate studies at the Leningrad Institute of History, Philosophy, and Linguistics.

Literary Secretary to Jambul Jabayev

From 1938 to 1942, Auezov served as the literary secretary of the renowned national poet Jambul Jabayev. During this time, he immersed himself in the rich traditions of Kazakh folk poetry and oral epics. Auezov joined the Communist Party in 1939.

World War II and Post-War Career

Auezov served in the Great Patriotic War (World War II). After the war, he held various responsible positions in the Kazakh Writers' Union and Kazakh State Publishing House.

Literary Legacy

Auezov began publishing his poetry in 1927. His first poem, "The Golden Sun Laughs," appeared in the collective anthology "A Gift from Poets." His first collection of poems, "The Shining of the Stars," was published in 1932. Auezov's early work showcased his lyrical qualities. He later penned epic poems that reflected the spirit of the Soviet era, such as "The Sun Spoke" (1934), "The Stream" (1937), and "The Song of Zoya" (dedicated to the heroism of the Soviet people in World War II).

Translations

Auezov was also an accomplished translator. His Kazakh translations included works by Alexander Pushkin, Mikhail Lermontov, Shota Rustaveli, Taras Shevchenko, Nikolai Nekrasov, Vladimir Mayakovsky, and others.

Death and Legacy

Mukhtar Auezov passed away on March 11, 1965 in Almaty. He is buried in the city's central cemetery. Auezov's literary legacy continues to inspire and resonate with readers in Kazakhstan and beyond. His works have been translated into numerous languages and celebrated for their artistic and historical significance.