Conversation with Olzhas Suleimenov
about contemporary literature in Kazakhstan and Eurasia

About the Writer: Olzhas Suleimenov (born in 1936) is one of the most influential and respected poets and writers in modern Kazakhstan. He authored more than sixteen books of poetry and prose. His polemic novel Az-i-Ia (1975) brought him both wide recognition in his native land and problems with the Soviet authorities.
In addition to his artistic accomplishments Olzhas Suleimenov has been active in public life. He founded Nevada-Semipalatinsk Movement (1989), which became one of the most vocal voices for the closure of all nuclear testing facilities in Kazakhstan, and co-founded the Issyk Kul Forum, which has been recognized as an important organization of intellectuals in the former Soviet Union. Currently he serves as the ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to UNESCO.

Introduction by Rafis Abazov, author of the Culture and Customs of the Central Asian Republics.

* The event is free and open to the public
Light refreshments will be served

Place: 1512 International Affairs Building
420 West 118th street, NY, NY 10027