On April 10, in the large conference hall of the National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty, a presentation of the photo book “Today’s Photograph – Tomorrow’s History”, dedicated to the 85th anniversary of veteran photojournalist Kaligumar Kabdeshuly, took place, reports Adyrna national portal citing photooner.kz.
The event began with the opening of a special photo exhibition under the same title. At the ceremonial opening of the exhibition, Bauyrzhan Kumarbekov, who came specially from the East, from the Altai mountains, performed the song “Aykhay 25,” lifting the spirits of the gathered audience.
Exhibition curator Dauren Maksutkhanuly gave the first word to Valery Aitmukashuly Zhandauletov, Vice President of the Nevada-Semey International Anti-Nuclear Movement, academician of the Eurasian International Economic Academy and the Kazakhstan Journalists Academy, and a publisher.
Next, the floor was given to honored artist of Kazakhstan and State Prize laureate Aidos Bektemir. On behalf of the organizers, President of the national public association “Photooner” Asylkhan Abdiraimuly also gave a speech, briefly describing Kaligumar’s half-century creative path and inviting all guests to enjoy the exhibition.
The blue ribbon was ceremonially cut by honored guests who came especially for Kaligumar aga’s jubilee: Nurmanbet Kizatuly, Sagymbay Kozybayev, Ulykbek Yesdaulet, and Valery Zhandauletov. His daughters-in-law and daughters scattered traditional “shashu” (sweets), and the audience had the chance to explore the photo exhibition.
Moderator Asylkhan Abdiraim opened the official part, stating:
“Today’s event is special. We are officially celebrating the 85th anniversary of Kaligumar Kabdeshuly, a member of the USSR and UNESCO International Journalists’ Union, a laureate of national and international photo exhibitions. He is a person of great importance to the Kazakh nation, dedicating over 50 years of his life to his homeland through photography.”
On behalf of the “Photooner” association, Asylkhan Abdiraim presented Kaligumar Kabdeshuly with an Honorary Certificate and draped a traditional Kazakh shapan (robe) with the word “Kazakhstan” over his shoulders.
The moderator then gave the floor to Gabiden Adilbekuly Zhakey, chairman of the “Uly Dala” Republican Association and representative of the International D.A. Kunayev Foundation. Mr. Gabiden presented Kaligumar with a commemorative medal of Dinmukhamed Kunayev and the book “From Stalin to Gorbachev”, and awarded Dauren Maksutkhanuly a jubilee badge honoring Army General and Kazakhstan’s first Minister of Defense Sagadat Nurmagambetov’s 100th anniversary.
Other special guests then congratulated Kaligumar Kabdeshuly on his milestone. Dauletbek Zhanbotayev, Vice President of the D.A. Kunayev Foundation, honorary member of the World Union of Writers, and honored citizen of Kazakhstan, congratulated the photographer, presented him with Kunayev’s order, a traditional fur hat (boryk), and a gold-embroidered robe (shapan).
Journalist, folklorist, and genealogical researcher Askar Igenuly recited a dedicatory poem in honor of Kaligumar’s 85th jubilee. Then came a video greeting from People’s Artist of the USSR, State Prize laureate, Kazakh Hero of Labor, actor and director Asanali Ashimov.
The most significant part of the newly released book is the publication of photographs previously marked as “classified” under the label “Secret Expedition”. These photos, taken at the Mirny research station in Antarctica, are now being made public for the first time.
Kaligumar Kabdeshuly visited Antarctica in 1965 and captured the icy continent through his lens. In 1983, he became the first Kazakh photojournalist to receive international recognition at the UNESCO level, being awarded service certificate No. 000017 from the International Journalists’ Organization in Czechoslovakia.
For the first time, the book categorizes the photographer’s images by genre. The collection is intended as a scientific-methodological resource for students, master’s and doctoral researchers, and all lovers of photographic art.
The 234-page biographical photo book was published in 500 copies by Daryn publishing house with the support of the Photooner Association and the Kabdeshev family. The priceless photographs in the book come from Kaligumar Kabdeshuly’s personal archive.
