Sabit Mukanov

Sabit Mukanov (April 26] , 1900-18 April, 1973) - is a classic of Kazakh literature, a poet, a social activist, an academic, and a head of the Union of writers of Kazakhstan.

Sabit Mukanov was born 1900 in Tauzar volost of Akmola gubernia (now North Kazakhstan Province). He died in 1973 in Almaty.

He was born in a family of cattle-breeder. He took part in the civil war 1918-1920. Studied in the Institute of red professorship (1930—1935).

In the press from 1922. The earliest works: novels "Son of bai" (1928), "Pure love" (1931), "Temirtas" (Iron Stone) (1935).

He is the author of novels "Botagoz", "Syrdaria", and autobiographical trilogy "School of life". Eminent organizer of literary in the country. Researched history and theory of literature. Learned Kazakh literature of XVIII - beginning of XX centuries, works of Kazakh prose writers and poets - Saken Seifullin, Mukhtar Auezov, Tair Zharokov, Abdilda Tazhibayev, national akyns (poets). Researched scientific and literary heritage of Shokan Ualikhanov and Abay Qunanbayuli. He is the first to expound life and works of great Kazakh poet Zhambyl Zhabayev. In 1974 his ethnographical work "National Heritage" was published posthumous, where were researched ancient folk traditions, shezhire, economy and life of pre-revolutionary Kazakhs, their material and spiritual life. During the Soviet rule, the said work was prevented from being circulated as it had detracted from the Soviet policy of gradual stripping of the sense of identity from the Kazakhs.

Awards

Premium of Academy of Science of Kazakh SSR named after Shokan Ualikhanov (1966)

State premium of Kazakh SSR named after Abay Qunanbayuli

Lenin award (twice)

Labor Red Standard award (twice)

Symbol of Honour award