FOR THE FIRST TIME, A BOOK BY A YOUNG AND TALENTED KAZAKH WRITER CONQUERS INTERNATIONAL READERS. “IS IT NECESSARY TO WORSHIP AT NOTRE DAME?” ALIKHAN ZHAKSYLYK’S BOOK WILL BE PRESENTED IN TURKEY, GREAT BRITAIN AND CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES.
We are delighted to announce that the book by Alikhan Zhaksylyk, a very young but already recognised writer in his homeland, has been published by the British publisher Hertfordshire Press. The book was translated into English by such well-known people as award-winning translator from Kazakhstan Bakhtygul Makhanbetova and editor, translator and writer John Farndon.
We are thrilled to announce that the first readers will be able to get acquainted with the book already on 24 May in Istanbul at the gala concert of Alikhan’s outstanding compatriot Dimash Kudaibergen. His musical talent is recognised all over the world and his concerts gather a huge number of fans. Further, the book will be presented in libraries of Turkey in autumn of this year. In addition, the book will be presented at events organised by the Eurasian Creative Guild (London), an international creative organisation. In May, the presentation will be held within the framework of the Eurasian Film Festival in London, where the book will be showcased to a global audience. In June, the book will be presented at the Eurasian Creative Week in Tashkent, where it will be celebrated by the creative community of Central Asia. In September, readers will be able to enjoy the book within the framework of the Open Eurasian Literary Festival & Book Forum, where it will be discussed by leading figures in the literary world. In November, the final presentation of the English edition will take place at the Hertfordshire Press Award ceremony, where it will be honoured for its contribution to literature.
It is worth noting that Alikhan Zhaksylyk not only writes wonderful books, but also promotes modern values of Kazakhstan all over the world. Therefore, we are thrilled to announce that the next edition of the book “Is It Necessary to Worship at Notre Dame?” will be published in Turkish (“Notre-Dame’da ibadet etmek sart mi?”) by Asur Ozdemir, a great admirer of Kazakh literature. The young author will also visit the Frankfurt Book Fair-2024, where he will be promoting his work in October.
Alikhan Zhaksylyk’s work often tackles complex themes of the struggle between old and new values, making his work relevant and in demand, especially for the younger generation. That’s why the book “Is It Necessary to Worship at Notre Dame?” was nominated by Hertfordshire Press (UK) for the prestigious Booker Prize-2025!