Shymkent honors Yuri Kungurtsev's 90th birthday and cultural legacy

Shymkent has celebrated the 90th birthday of Yuri Kungurtsev, a writer and journalist who shaped the city’s cultural life. Arriving in 1962, he made the region—then called Chimkent—his lifelong home and creative base. His work spanned journalism, poetry, fiction, and even opera libretti, leaving a lasting mark on Kazakhstani literature. Kungurtsev began his career at Yuzhny Kazakhstan, where he climbed from correspondent to editor-in-chief. His deep connection to Southern Kazakhstan inspired much of his writing, and it was here that he raised a family. Beyond his own works, he became a bridge between cultures by translating Kazakhstani authors into Russian for wider audiences.

In addition to his literary output, he founded the *48 Chasov* newspaper. The publication became a training ground for young journalists, many of whom he personally mentored. His influence extended beyond print, as he also wrote opera libretti, adding to his diverse body of work. After his death, his wife, Izolda Belova, compiled a posthumous collection titled *Above the Old City Hangs the Moon*. The book preserved his voice for new readers. Today, his name remains present in libraries, academic studies, and literary events across the region.

Kungurtsev’s legacy endures through his writing, translations, and the journalists he guided. His contributions to Kazakhstani literature and journalism continue to be recognised decades later. The 90th-anniversary celebrations in Shymkent highlight his lasting impact on the city’s cultural heritage.