Kazakh Writer and Playwright Akim Ashimov Passes Away at 91

On April 22, writer, playwright, and screenwriter Akim Ashimov — known under the literary pseudonym Akim Tarazi — passed away, Orda.kz reports.

Born in 1933 in Almaty, Akim Tarazi dedicated his life to Kazakh literature and culture. He began his professional journey as a teacher, contributing his first writings to the magazine Ara.

Between 1962 and 1970, he served as editor-in-chief of the Kazakhfilm studio. In the early 1970s, he worked as a correspondent for the Literary Gazette in Kazakhstan and later became the first secretary of the board of the Union of Cinematographers of Kazakhstan.

From 1986 to 1998, he was secretary of the board of the Union of Writers of Kazakhstan.

Tarazi’s literary debut came in 1966 with the story Quyryqty Juldyz. His well-known works include the novels The Path to the Black Star, Retribution, Moscow - Balasaz, and Taszhargan, along with plays such as Unfunny Comedy, A Good Man, and Lucky Buken. He also penned scripts for films including Traces Go Beyond the Horizon, Shot on the Karash Pass, and Leyla's Prayer.

For his cultural contributions, Tarazi was named a Hero of Labor of Kazakhstan in 2021, received the State Prize in 2002, and was honored as a Merited Worker of Kazakhstan in 1999.

President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev expressed his condolences to the writer’s family and loved ones.

The talented writer expanded the horizons of Kazakh prose and made an invaluable contribution to the advancement of national cinematography and drama. In his work, he always remained faithful to moral ideals. Among grateful readers, he was known as 'Adebiet aleminin Akimi' ('Akim of the literary world'), and the creative intelligentsia highly valued his works and personal qualities. He lived a dignified life and left us a rich literary heritage. The bright image of Akim Tarazi will forever remain in the memory of our people,the President's telegram says.

Original Author: Aliya Askarova