Monument to the Classics of Kazakh Literature Takhaui Akhtanov and Kuandyk Shangytbayev

Historical Background

Takhaui Akhtanov was an outstanding representative of Kazakh literature, a writer, playwright and People’s Writer of Kazakhstan. He was born in 1923 in Shetirgiz village, Shalkar district, Aktobe Region. His works made an important contribution to the development of Kazakh prose and drama.

Kuandyk Shangytbayev was a poet, playwright, translator and People’s Writer of Kazakhstan. He was born in 1925 in the former Karabutak district of Aktobe Region. His poetry is known for its lyricism, expressive language and subtle reflection of the human spiritual world.

Takhaui Akhtanov and Kuandyk Shangytbayev were both closely connected with the Aktobe land. Their creative friendship and spiritual bond became the central idea behind this unified monument.

Description of the Monument

The monument presents Takhaui Akhtanov and Kuandyk Shangytbayev in a single sculptural composition. Takhaui Akhtanov is depicted seated with a book in his hands, while his friend and fellow writer Kuandyk Shangytbayev stands beside him.

The monument is cast in bronze. The pedestal is 3 metres high, and the sculptural part is 3.2 metres high. The composition artistically conveys the literary companionship of the two figures, their spiritual closeness and their shared contribution to Kazakh literature.

The book in the writer’s hands symbolises knowledge, literary heritage and the author’s creative work. The joint image of the two classics highlights the continuity of the literary tradition that grew from the Aktobe region.

Opening of the Monument

The monument was officially unveiled on 30 December 2013 in Aktobe. The opening formed part of the cultural events connected with the 90th anniversary of Takhaui Akhtanov.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the city administration, members of the intelligentsia, relatives of the writer and poet, students and residents of the city. The event became a memorable moment in the literary and cultural life of Aktobe.

Historical and Cultural Significance

This monument is not only a tribute to two outstanding figures of Kazakh literature, but also an important cultural site representing the literary heritage of the Aktobe region.

The depiction of Takhaui Akhtanov and Kuandyk Shangytbayev in one composition expresses the idea of literary friendship, spiritual continuity and devotion to the national word. The monument reminds residents and visitors of the role of literature in shaping public consciousness and cultural memory.

For younger generations, this site also has educational value: it encourages interest in literature, reading and respect for remarkable figures from their native land.

What to Notice When Viewing the Monument

The first detail to notice is the close placement of the two figures. This artistic decision conveys not only their personal friendship, but also their spiritual partnership in literature.

The book in Takhaui Akhtanov’s hands emphasises his identity as a writer and his legacy in prose and drama. Kuandyk Shangytbayev standing beside him can be seen as a symbol of poetic voice, lyricism and literary dialogue.

The composition invites visitors to pause and reflect on the world of literature. Bronze speaks too — it simply prefers a quieter genre.

Did You Know?

In 2013, the 90th anniversary of Takhaui Akhtanov was marked at the national level in the Aktobe Region. Theatre festivals, literary meetings and cultural events were held as part of the anniversary programme.

Kuandyk Shangytbayev was not only a close friend of Takhaui Akhtanov, but also a well-known poet, translator and playwright. His creative work includes poetry, drama, song lyrics and literary translation.

The location of the monument near the drama theatre is also symbolic: Takhaui Akhtanov made a major contribution to Kazakh drama, while Kuandyk Shangytbayev’s creative legacy is also connected with stage art.

Read More

1. Adilet Legal Information System of the Republic of Kazakhstan. State List of Historical and Cultural Monuments of Local Significance of Aktobe Region
2. Kazinform. Monument to the classics of Kazakh literature T. Akhtanov and K. Shangytbayev unveiled in Aktobe
3. Aktobe newspaper. “Ülken jaqsylyqtardyñ basy bolğai!”
4. Adebiet Portal. Information about Takhaui Akhtanov
5. Adebiet Portal. Information about Kuandyk Shangytbayev