The International “Asia Literary” contest was held for the fourth time in the Kazakh capital, Astana. The event was organized by the Public Association “International Union of Public Diplomacy” (ОО-МСНД). Given the project’s broad scope and importance in the global literary movement, I would like to summarize the history of this contest.
The inspiration for launching the contest came from the Kazakh public figure and well-known writer Bakhyt Rustemov, who founded the “International Union of Public Diplomacy.” In 2020, the association organized the first international literary contest in Kazakhstan, dedicated to poetry, in celebration of the 175th anniversary of the globally recognized Kazakh poet Abai. That contest, which featured readings of Abai’s poems in various languages, significantly boosted his global recognition, especially among children and youth. It was the first international literary event of such magnitude in Kazakh cultural history. Over 20 poets from more than ten countries participated, and its coverage on YouTube, Facebook, and among the association’s followers widened its impact.
In 2021, the second contest was organized under the title “Asia Literary – 2021.” Thanks to the great efforts of the association and its head, B. Rustemov, nearly 200 writers and poets from 20 countries took part, including Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Germany, Dagestan, Israel, Kabardino-Balkaria, Kazakhstan, Kalmykia, Kyrgyzstan, Transnistria, Slovenia, Russia, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Tatarstan, and others. A global audience of writers followed the contest’s results.
The aim of the contest is to discover talented writers, poets, and novelists who create literary and journalistic works in Kazakh, Russian, and other world languages. The contest was organized within the framework of the 750th anniversary of the Golden Horde and the 30th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence. It also sought to preserve and develop the republic’s cultural traditions, promote the works of writers from different countries, strengthen international friendship, and present Kazakhstan as a country of high global culture.
In 2023, the third edition of “Asia Literary – 2023” was dedicated to the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Egypt, and to the 800th anniversary of the birth of Sultan Baybars, the Kazakh-born ruler of Egypt and Syria. Over 400 writers from 60 countries participated in that edition.
The fourth edition, “Asia Literary – 2024,” is dedicated to the great Islamic philosopher Abu Nasr al-Farabi, whose 1155th birth anniversary will be marked in 2025. More than 600 poets and writers from 72 countries participated, reflecting the event’s growing global literary significance.
This brief journey shows the rising importance of Kazakhstan’s international “Asia Literary” contest in its renewed form, as a distinctive project within the global literary movement. Its mission is to introduce writers and audiences worldwide to the rich history and culture of the Kazakh people and the peoples of Central Asia, who share a common history from ancient times through their modern national independence.
Each edition of the contest has been linked to the history and culture of the Kazakh people. Every new edition deepens this focus, aiming to bring different cultures closer together and exchange human heritage. Based on testimonials from participants across the globe, these international contests have given the global community a deeper understanding of the Kazakh people and their neighbors.
Since its inception, more than 1,000 writers, journalists, poets, and novelists from over 100 countries have participated. This broad participation shows that the themes of the contest resonate deeply with writers worldwide. They have begun discovering a new world: the world of the Kazakhs and the peoples of Central Asia, whose countries—like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan—did not even exist on the political map some 35–40 years ago.
At the same time, for the first time, Central Asian writers participating in the contest have had the opportunity to get closely acquainted with contemporary world literature.
From the testimony of Olesya Kim from Uzbekistan:
“I used to think of literature as a fictional world detached from reality, something not as essential to humanity as bread. But when we must understand one another globally—when dialogue and connection are required—words become a primary tool, and ordinary words often aren’t enough. When poets and writers speak, it becomes clear that we all share common values. That’s why it’s important to take part in such contests and attend their events—they’re never boring. Literature is a wonderful form of nonviolent diplomacy. Love, beauty, and art will save the world.”
This literary project, which began in a small Asian country in 2020, became international in just two years, offering writers from different nations a new platform. Many prominent authors, including those bearing the titles “People’s Poet” and “People’s Writer,” submitted works to participate. Although Kazakhstan is classified among the developing countries, it has now become a leader in the global literary movement. Undoubtedly, the day when it becomes a definitive leader in this global cultural and literary domain is not far off. This is a major contribution by Kazakhstan to the field of international public diplomacy.
There is no doubt that the contest planned for 2025 will be held at an even higher level and will provide the world with a deeper understanding of Kazakhstan’s rich history and culture.
As Belarusian poet Alexander Ratkevich, president of the “Center of Europe” contest, writes:
“Kazakhstan is the leader of the global literary movement! This unique transcontinental Kazakh contest promotes its people and elevates Kazakhstan’s position in the global cultural space.”
This is a one-of-a-kind contest, organized by Kazakh writers for the first time globally, in a creative format never before used in any other international literary contest. This innovation is a unique achievement of Kazakh intellectuals and one of the largest and most challenging projects imaginable. Only highly regarded and well-known literary figures could manage such a feat—most notably B. Rustemov, the project’s founder, main organizer, poet, secretary-general, and renowned public figure.
Rustemov has extensive experience in the international literary field. He has served on juries for contests in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. He has attended international literary festivals in Vietnam (twice), Sochi, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Egypt, and Spain. To my knowledge, he is the only Kazakh writer who has represented his country’s literature and culture on both regional and international levels for decades.
Writer Tatyana Sindieva-Prova from the United States wrote about the contest:
“I still can’t believe my short story won second place in this prestigious literary competition. Second place among masters of the pen! This is an indescribable joy for me. I couldn’t find words to express my emotions at that moment. What a delightful and happy surprise!”
What makes the Kazakh contest unique is that it allows writers to participate in their native languages, unlike other competitions that require the use of the host country’s language. The Kazakh organizers managed to form an international jury of over 100 poets and writers from more than 50 countries—an unprecedented achievement in the global literary movement.
This experience requires enormous organizational effort and a precise understanding of the personalities, cultures, and mentalities of writers from around the world. In all my years working on juries for international competitions, I have never seen anything like it.
