30.12.2019-05.01.2019 • No: 240

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND SHORTCOMINGS IN TRANSLATING KAZAKH LITERATURE INTO FOREIGN LANGUAGES Literature is a great tool that shows rich culture The project currently being implemented has In November 2019, at the headquarters of the and spirituality of the people to the world com- already begun to produce some concrete re- Egyptian Supreme Council for Cultural Affairs munity. However, since the independence of sults. Thus, at the London Book Fair held in in Cairo, an Arabic language version of this an- Kazakhstan, the issue of translation and print- March 2019, Cambridge University Press and thology was presented. The Council and the ing of literary works in the Kazakh language the National Bureau of Translations of Ka- MediaHub publishing house worked on the has not received much attention. On the one zakhstan, with the support of the Embassy of publication and edition of the Kazakh literature hand, it was caused by the crisis, which had Kazakhstan in the United Kingdom, presented collection. The anthology from this publishing been taking place in Kazakhstan’s literature the anthology of contemporary Kazakh litera- house will be distributed to about 4,000 librar- since 1991 until the present. Although the gov- ture in English. ies, universities and research centers in 22 ernment assisted the writers, it was not suffi- In September 2019, the presentation of the an- countries, members of the Arab League. In cient for them. Talented poets and writers often thology of contemporary Kazakh literature other words, some 500 million Arab readers had to publish their works at own expense to published in Spanish took place at the head- will get acquainted with Kazakh literature. convey them not only to local readers but also quarters of the Cervantes Institute in Madrid. As for the Chinese version of the anthology, to foreign ones. Some authors translated their The translation of the two-volume collection the translation was completed. It is expected works either using their own resources or with into Spanish and translation quality assurance that the collection will be printed after the ide- the help of sponsors and relied solely on their were carried out with the support of the Minis- ological examination by the Chinese govern- own strength to be recognized abroad. That is try of Culture of Spain, while the Cervantes In- ment. why there is no specific data on how many lit- stitute conducted general editing work. To Kazakhstan’s creative alliances with other erary works and books have been translated print the collection, the project experts selected countries in the literature industry are rare, but from Kazakh into other languages. Moreover, the Visor-Libros publishing house among sev- this is true for other countries too. Although the one of the reasons of the lag in this sector is the eral Spanish publishing houses. Being one of countries have developed political and eco- the six official languages of the UN, Spanish is nomic relationships, literary and cultural col- lack of specialists with foreign language skills also the mother tongue of 18 countries in Latin laboration is lagging. In that regard, the presen- among Kazakh poets and writers. America, apart from Spain. The anthology, tation of Kazakh literature within the frame- Moreover, there was no agency responsible for published in 10,000 copies, will spread across work of the “Spiritual Renaissance” program the promoting of Kazakh authors abroad. Two all Spanish-speaking countries. Thanks to this, abroad has been a great example for many major organizations that bring together Kazakh approximately 600 million Spanish-speaking countries. poets and writers, the Union of Writers of Ka- people will have an opportunity to familiarize Among the Turkic-speaking nations, Kazakh zakhstan and the Kazakh PEN Club, have been themselves with the spiritual heritage of the poets and writers have a good relationship with engaged in literary translations only in the last Kazakh people through literature. their Turkish counterparts. The well-grounded 3-4 years and have been showing concrete re- The presentation of the Russian version of the organizations such as TURKSOY and the Un- sults. Although the issue of literary translations anthology, published by the Lomonosov Mos- ion of Writers of Eurasia develop literary remained on the agenda, there was no compre- cow State University (MSU), was held in Mos- friendship among the nations. Although the ex- hensive financial support. cow in October 2019. The translation work was act number is unknown, the works of 3-4 Ka- Comprehensive support from the state began jointly done by the Union of Russian Writers zakh poets and writers are translated into Turk- after the adoption of the “Spiritual Renais- and the MSU Publishing House. The Russian ish every year. The Kardes Kalemler Maga- sance” program of the First President of the Re- version of the anthology with a total circulation zine, published under the Union of Writers of public of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. of 20,000 copies will be distributed to more Eurasia, has been helping Kazakh poets and Two institutions established under this pro- than 3,500 libraries, universities and research writers to be recognized in other countries. gram, the National Commission for the Reali- centers in 14 countries. According to Aida Azerbaijan is the second country after Turkey zation of the “Spiritual Renaissance” program Balayeva, Russian-speaking readers from Rus- with a high level of literary ties with Kazakh- and the National Bureau of Translations, have sia, the CIS and the Baltic countries will be stan. Although there are few translators be- been contributing to the gradual solution of the tween the Kazakh and Azerbaijani languages, able to better understand the Kazakh national the unions of writers of the two countries are abovementioned issues. While the commission image, culture and traditions through this liter- has been closely monitoring the implementa- working at a high level. ary anthology. The translation of Kazakh liter- Presenting to the world the collection of works tion of these works, the translation bureau has ature into Russian is very important. While the of 30 poets and 30 writers written during the shown good results in the promotion of Kazakh readers of the two countries know Russian, the years of independence is a great breakthrough authors abroad and the familiarization of the relationship of Kazakh poets and writers with for Kazakh culture. Although there was little best world literary works to Kazakh readers. Russian colleagues is not developed. To com- effort to raise Kazakh literature to a high level One of the main tasks of this program is to pensate for this gap, the Kazakh-Russian liter- after the collapse of the Soviet Union, in recent translate contemporary Kazakh literature into ary almanac was published. So far, three alma- years, the state has provided support and taken the six official languages of the UN (English, nacs have been published. Due to this almanac, some positive steps in that regard. However, Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese, and Rus- literary relations with the Turkic people in Rus- there are still problems to be resolved. For ex- sian). According to Chairwoman of the Na- sia have also been developing. ample, translation of Kazakh literature into for- tional Commission Aida Balayeva, this initia- During his speech at the presentation of the eign languages and foreign literature into the tive will give a great opportunity to demon- French version of the anthology held in Paris, Kazakh language is not unified. As a result, strate history and culture of our people to the Executive Director of the National Bureau of critical comments were made about the anthol- world. For this purpose, 30 writers and 30 po- Translations Rauan Kenzhekhanuly stated that ogy that began to be published in foreign lan- ets have been selected within the framework of the translation work of the anthology into six guages within the framework of the “Spiritual the “Contemporary Kazakh Culture in the languages of the UN had involved leading Renaissance” program. Therefore, it is neces- Global World” Program. As part of the project, translators and writers of these countries. sary to form a unified literary translation a two-volume collection called “Anthology of When selecting translators, attention was paid school. However, the National Bureau of Contemporary Kazakh Poetry” and “Anthol- to their knowledge of history and culture of Ka- Translations, which has been doing a lot of ogy of Contemporary Kazakh Prose”, which zakhstan. Moreover, some of the translators positive work since its establishment, is confi- are 500 pages each and include works of these were given an opportunity to stay in Kazakh- dent that with due regard to critical views these authors, was released. It will be distributed to stan. It is also noteworthy that during the work issues will be solved in the near future. From a literary and cultural institutions of 90 countries the translators have established links with the strategic point of view, literature is a long-term around the world. As a result, more than 2.5 authors. Even after the completion of this ideology, so the recognition of Kazakh litera- billion people in the world will have the oppor- work, foreign publishing houses were inter- ture in the world contributes to the prosperity tunity to learn about Kazakh literature. ested in translating other works of the authors. of Kazakhstan.

Written by Erkinbek Turgunov, Eurasian Research Institute, Kazakhstan

Politics, Foreign Affairs, and Security Economy, Finance, and Energy Society and Culture  Starting January 1, 2020, Uzbekistan as-  Summing up the results of its activities  President of Kazakhstan Kassym- sumed the 2020 CIS presidency, during in 2019, the Astana International Finan- Jomart Tokayev signed a law introduc- which it plans to submit for adoption cial Center announced that it became a ing stricter penalties for those who com- more than 10 conceptual documents hub for more than 350 companies from mit serious crimes. In particular, crimi- aimed at further developing multilateral 35 countries of the world. The partici- nals will receive sentences of 20 years cooperation within the CIS. Uzbekistan or life imprisonment for committing will focus on strengthening security, ex- pating companies invested more than $130 million in various projects in Ka- acts of sexual violence against children. panding trade and economic ties, pro- st In addition, the law provides life sen- moting joint projects in various fields, zakhstan, and the center secured the 51 position among 104 participants in the tences for those selling drugs to minors developing transport, logistics and (Informburo, 30.12.2019). transit potential, and enhancing cultural ranking of global financial centers and humanitarian exchanges (UzDaily, (Kazinform, 30.12.2019).  The Institute for Eurasian Turkic Stud- 30.12.2019).  According to the Ministry of Energy of ies at the Seoul-based Dongduk  During their phone conversation, presi- Kazakhstan, the Saryarka gas pipeline, Women’s University will study works dents of Ukraine and Russia Volodymyr the construction of which started in De- of Kazakh poet and thinker Abai and Zelensky and Vladimir Putin agreed to cember 2018, has been completed and translate them into Korean, which will immediately approve the lists for a new commissioned. The pipeline will pro- help South Koreans to learn more about mutual prisoner exchange. In addition, vide natural gas to Nur-Sultan and the culture and history of Kazakhstan. The the parties welcomed the recent signing country’s central and northern regions, institute also plans to hold a literary of a contract for Russian gas transit symposium dedicated to Abai in 2020 and is expected to give impetus to the (Khabar 24, 31.12.2019). through the territory of Ukraine (Ukrin- development of small and medium- form, 31.12.2019). sized businesses, the creation of new  As stated by Moldovan Prime Minister  During his official visit to Turkey, Pres- jobs, and the reduction of emissions Ion Chicu, Moldova will submit a pack- ident of Moldova Igor Dodon met with age of documents regarding the justice President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Er- (Kazinform, 30.12.2019). sector reform to the Council of Europe, dogan to discuss prospects of the Mol-  Starting January 1, 2020, the govern- including the strategy for ensuring the dovan-Turkish partnership and partici- ment of Kazakhstan increased excise sector’s independence and integrity and pate in the first meeting of the bilateral rates on gasoline (excluding avgas) and the draft law on judges’ evaluation. High-Level Strategic Cooperation diesel fuel. In particular, the excise tax Subsequently, a team of the council’s Council. Dodon thanked the Turkish on wholesale sales of gasoline by man- experts will come to Moldova to assist Cooperation and Coordination Agency ufacturers increased from 10,500 tenge with the reform’s implementation for financial and technical assistance, per ton to 24,435 tenge per ton (Moldpres, 03.01.2020). including the implementation of several (Kapital.kz, 01.01.2020).  According to the Ministry of Foreign projects in Gagauzia (Moldpres,  According to Uzbekistan’s State Statis- Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, there are 1,631 31.12.2019). tics Committee, inflation in the country Kyrgyz citizens in overseas detention  Turkey’s parliament approved a bill that in 2019 amounted to 15.2%, confirming facilities. The majority of them (1,400) allows deploying troops to Libya in sup- the forecast of the Central Bank made in are serving sentences in correctional fa- port of the UN-recognized government the fall of 2018. Then, annual inflation of national accord based in Tripoli, de- cilities of Russia. Kazakhstan ranks sec- spite strong criticism from the opposi- was expected to be at the level of 13.5- ond with 104 Kyrgyz citizens confined tion parties. 325 legislators voted in fa- 15.5%. In 2018, inflation was 14.3%, in its prisons, followed by Uzbekistan vor of the bill, with 184 votes against. while in 2020 inflation is forecasted to (33), Tajikistan (24), China (13) and The Turkish government will decide on reach 12-13.5% (Sputnik, 02.01.2020). Turkey (8) (Kabar, 30.12.2019). the scope, amount and timing of the de-  The Russian government approved the  The Ministry of Innovative Develop- ployment mission (Al Jazeera, development plan for the infrastructure ment of Uzbekistan and the academic 02.01.2020). of the Northern Sea Route until 2035, publishing company Springer Nature  The U.S. State Department announced which envisages the implementation of signed an agreement providing Uzbek that Secretary Mike Pompeo’s trip to largescale investment projects in Rus- higher education institutions and scien- Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbeki- sia’s Arctic zone aimed at promoting tific organizations with a one-year free stan, and Cyprus, originally scheduled freight traffic along this route. The plan access to the company’s electronic re- for January 3-7, would be postponed also provides for the modernization and sources. This measure is expected to im- due to rising tensions in the Middle expansion of the related infrastructure, prove the quality of articles by Uzbek East. The announcement came after the as well as the development of the raw researchers and increase their quantity events in Baghdad, where a crowd led material base (RIA Novosti, in indexed journals (UzDaily, by pro-Iran militias stormed the U.S. 30.12.2019). 03.01.2020). embassy compound (RFE/RL,  According to the Uzbek government’s 01.01.2020).  Georgian Prime Minister George Gakharia stated that the priority of his decree, the Bostanlyk, Akhangaran,  President of Tajikistan Emomali Rah- Parkent, Buka, Chinaz and Zangyata mon signed the law “On Countering Ex- government is the creation of new jobs, districts and the city of Akhangaran in tremism”, which was drafted by the Ta- therefore the main tasks for 2020 are the the Tashkent region will be developed jik Prosecutor General’s Office follow- development of the private sector and on the basis of the Golden Ring tourism ing the president’s instruction. The pur- the establishment of new, competitive concept. One of the main tasks of the pose of the legal act is to prevent the in- business structures. Stating that land is concept is to increase incomes of the lo- volvement of citizens in terrorist and one of the key economic assets, Gakha- cal population and entrepreneurs by cre- extremist organizations, as well as to fa- ria emphasized the importance of the ating favorable conditions for the accel- cilitate the return of people who had land registration program, which will erated development of tourism (Uz- previously joined foreign radical groups start in 2020 and last for three years (Asia-Plus, 02.01.2020). Daily, 03.01.2020). (Trend, 30.12.2019).  As reported by the Georgian National  The Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan  Investments in the China-Belarus indus- to the UN organized an official cere- Tourism Administration, more than 9.3 trial park Great Stone reached $526.4 million foreigners visited Georgia in mony of raising the flags of Estonia, Ni- million, including $24.5 million of gov- ger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 2019, which is 7.1% more than in 2018, Tunisia, and Vietnam, the new non-per- ernment expenses. The construction of including 5 million tourists. The largest manent members of the UN Security main infrastructure facilities of the number of tourists came from Azerbai- Council (UNSC) for 2020-2021. The park’s first stage was completed, and jan (1.51 million), followed by Russia tradition of holding a solemn ceremony the second stage is expected to start in (1.46 million) and Armenia (1.35 mil- marking the beginning of work of newly 2020. Currently, there are 60 residents lion). The top ten countries in terms of elected members was established by from 15 countries at the park, and visitors to Georgia also include Turkey, Kazakhstan in January 2018 during its budget revenues from their activities ex- Ukraine, Israel, Iran, Kazakhstan, Ger- UNSC presidency (MFA of Kazakh- ceeded $40 million (BelTA, many and Poland (Interfax, stan, 02.01.2020). 03.01.2020). 04.01.2020).

Prepared by Dauren Aben and Kanat Makhanov