Muse is a quivering doe and a wise mother
Kazakhstani writer and poetess Raushan Burkitbaeva-Nukenova - Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan, member of the Writers' Union of Kazakhstan, member of the International PEN Club, member of Poetas del Mundo, laureate of the Abai International Poetry Competition, "Breakthrough of the Year 2015", Academician of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts and literature.
Raushan Asanovna, where did you get the desire to write? When did you realize that this is more than just a hobby?
As a child, they often noticed my inclination to observe everything around, rather than to communicate with people ... Nature with all its rich diversity and miracles interested and attracted me from an early age. At school, my favorite subjects were Russian and literature. The first teacher, Maria Tikhonovna in primary school, and then Zoya Andreevna Kashirova in high school, further developed in me an unlimited love of literature and poetry. The teachers, having recognized my literature talent, gave me the opportunity to fully develop by writing essays on free topics, they were not limited in terms of time. In the 7th grade, I began to write about the beauty of nature, and already in the 8th grade I began to write poetry. Over time, it became a part of me. At the age of 40, I wrote my first book.
Whose works inspired you to write? Who opened the doors to the world of literature for you?
Everyone in our family loved to read. We had the opportunity to receive the latest literary novelties. Thus, I read from an early age. For years I learned to parse what I read. From everything I read up to this day, I was inspired by the works of Osip Emilievich Mandelstam, Bella Akhmadullina, Maximilian Voloshin, as well as critic Viktor Badikov.
Your poems reflect a great love for your people. How did you manage to convey this power of love outside our country? What do you think attracts readers from other countries?
Historical facts reflected in my poems, confirmed by archaeologists and ancient historians. For example, the poem "Tomiris", poems about the Golden Man, dedication to Aliya Moldagulova, that always touch the audience. Literature is closely related to history. And therefore, it immediately finds its readers. I always perform in national dress, being herself a vivid beauty and skill example of the people ... Creativity unites people from all over the world, for example, now outside our country there are a lot of admirers of Dimash Kudaibergenov. Once his fans in Paris came to Nauryz, then there was a presentation at the embassy and a demonstration of the collection near the Louvre. We have a lot of creative people who captivated viewers abroad with their talent. This is one of the reasons that our literature is readable in other countries.
Is being creative a gift or a challenge?
This is a gift given by the Almighty for passing through the furnace of trials and pain. More than once I was in a borderline state, for many years I was seriously ill ... The main thing is to accept this gift and create without getting tired.
How much do you think the environment influences the child's choice? Do you influence the choice of your children?
The environment naturally affects immature souls. But you need to listen to your inner voice! And contrary to other people's opinions, to look for your own way. My children are already adults. They make their own decisions. And with your grandchildren you feel their future in your heart.
Have any of your children followed your example?
I cannot say that my children followed me. Although the youngest son Erlan was into art. He is one of the first rappers in Kazakhstan to perform with his group. To follow my footsteps or choose another direction is their choice. My granddaughter Mikaela Merey composed her first poem at the age of three. Perhaps another poetess is growing up.
What do you think is the most valuable treasure for the descendants of a nomad?
Respect for elders, the traditions of the people and love for the land, the spirit of freedom and justice.
Our traditional question: what do you think was the “muse of the nomad”? What, in your opinion, should be the mission of the current representatives of the womanhood?
Muse is a quivering doe and a wise mother. We must always remember that the woman of the Great Steppe carries the strength of our people. It is she who passes it on to her descendants and brings up future nomads. Therefore, we must remember: our mission to preserve the dignity of the Great Steppe.
Author: Moldir Adamzhan
Translator: Chingiz Smakov
Photo: heroine's personal archives