― 20 апреля 2026 г.

Muhtar Şahanov: the great poet who stood up for a nation’s honour passed away

The great poet and statesman Muhtar Şahanov (09.07.1942 – 19.04.2026), honoured with the titles of People’s Author  of Kazakhstan in 1996 and Hero of Labour of Kazakhstan in 2022, went down in history not only for his literature but also for his courage in proclaiming his people’s truth to the world.

Shahanov’s most unforgettable act in Kazakh history was his historic speech at the First Congress of People’s Deputies of the USSR, held at the Kremlin in 1989:

Shahanov brought the events of December 1986 (Jeltoqsan), which were subject to strict censorship at the time, to the attention of the global public. From the highest podium, he called for an impartial investigation into these events.

Speaking openly from the podium, he declared that Jeltoqsan was not an uprising of ‘Kazakh nationalism’, but rather a peaceful protest, and that this peaceful stance had been brutally and cruelly suppressed.

By demanding that those responsible for the tragedy be punished, he forced the entire Soviet leadership, led by Mikhail Gorbachev, to account for their actions. This heroic stance shattered the information blockade surrounding the “Jeltoqsan” events (1989). The parliamentary commission established under Shahanov’s personal leadership shed light on the events behind the scenes.

Sultan Raev’s message of condolence is stated below:

Dear Kazakh brothers and sisters,

It is with deep sorrow that I have learnt of the passing of Muhtar Shahanov, the towering figure of Kazakh literature, People’s Author of Kazakhstan, People’s Poet of the Kyrgyz Republic, and Hero of Labour of Kazakhstan.

At this time of grief, on behalf of myself and the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the deceased, his loved ones, and the entire Turkic World, with particular regard to the kindred Kazakh people.

Muhtar Shahanov was not merely a great poet, but an exceptional intellectual who demonstrated an unwavering stance as the conscience and memory of the Turkic World. His unique contributions to the development of the Kazakh spiritual world and his resolute stance, which placed the interests of the nation above all other concerns, will serve as an everlasting beacon for future generations.

I pray Almighty Allah for mercy upon the deceased and that his resting place be in Paradise. I wish patience and fortitude to his bereaved family and people.

May the Turkic World be comforted.

Yours sincerely,

Sultan RAEV

TURKSOY Secretary General