ASTANA. March 3. KAZINFORM /Arman Askarov/ At present Kazakhstan and Syria actively develop not only political-economic relations, but also partnership ties in the cultural sphere. The cultural historical links between the two countries strengthened after the beginning of construction of the Al-Farabi Historical-Cultural Center in Damascus and reconstruction of the Sultan Beibars memorial at the Kazakh initiative. Syrian famous writer, journalist and scientist Ismail Marwa, who has recently visited Astana, expressed such an opinion.

Within the framework of his visit I.Marwa delivered lectures to students of the L.Gumilyov Eurasian National University, familiarized them with his book "Subjectivism in the lyric poetry of Suad al-Sabah". The students were impressed by the profundity of thought, fresh views of the scientist, who studies heritage of Al-Farabi and Sultan Beibars, which align Kazakhstan and Syria.  

In an interview with our correspondent I.Marwa told about the cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Syria.

Your creativity and your work on development of cultural and spiritual ties between Kazakhstan and Syria got high estimation. What are your impressions from the visit to Kazakhstan?

Insha'Allah! Thanks. I have visited Kazakhstan for the first time. Rector of the L.Gumilyov Eurasian National University Bakhytzhan Abdraim invited me. Last year a group of scientists from Kazakhstan headed by B.Abdraim visited Damascus, where they held a number of meetings. At that time I received the invitation.

My visit is to exchange experience in the sphere of education and science, read lectures to students. Kazakhstan is the closest to me out of all Central Asian countries. Hence our fraternal relations begin from outstanding scientist al-Farabi and historical figure Sultan Beibars, who were born in the Kazakh land.

Every journalist or writer tries to write about his trip abroad. We know that you have such tradition as well...

Of course, I will write articles about Kazakhstan, including the Eurasian National University, after coming back to Syria. I have already published articles on these topics. But now I think that they were short and incomplete. Now I've got an opportunity to do research on Kazakhstan, its people, culture from a new angle. My articles will be quite different in content, I will try to familiarize a reader with Kazakhstan as a young and leader state in Central Asia. I also plan to publish a book devoted to Kazakhstan. If anybody translates it from Arabic, I will be ready to publish the translation in Damascus. Our partnership ties in this sphere should develop. It is necessary to translate our books into Kazakh, and yours - into Arabic.  

In the world Kazakhstan is considered to be a wealthy and prosperous state like the United Arab Emirates. And how do the Arab states see Kazakhstan?  

If we appeal once more to history, we will see that our nations have much in common regarding their civilization traditions. The Kazakhs revere yurt, and a tent occupies a special place in the Arabic culture. If we view the architecture of Kazakhstan's capital - Astana, construction of Khan Shatyry ("Royal Marquee") Entertainment Center has great significance. It demonstrates historical ties between great nomadic culture and Bedouin culture. Today the Arabs live and work free in Kazakhstan. And the Kazakhs feel the same in the Arabic land like in the fraternal country.

Our interests are also similar. In this connection it is necessary to emphasize the initiative of President of Syria Bashar al-Assad on four seas connection. The major aim of this initiative is to unite countries of the East and Kazakhstan for ensuring regional security. This organization is supposed to be a big political power in the future. Your President Nursultan Nazarbayev also backs this initiative.

You said that the work on construction of the Al-Farabi Historical-Cultural Center and reconstruction of Sultan Beibars memorial gets high appraisal...

Yes, the Syrian nation highly appraises Kazakhstan's efforts. The Syrians anticipate the completion of this work. Since Al-Farabi and Sultan Beibars are the great sons of the Syrian nation. This work started by the Kazakh President and nation will strengthen our friendship and fraternity. The Syrians treat this initiative with great respect. Only true patriots can honor their graves, construct and reconstruct historical monuments in this land. As for the Syrian nation, we will keep these monuments forever.

In your opinion, what is needed for promotion of cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Syria?

Of course, it is necessary to inform the nation of the work carried out in this sphere through mass media. I think that it is crucial to realize joint measures in this direction. A TV series about Sultan Beibars was shot in Syria. The series was translated into several languages; the nation likes it. Besides, there are published many books devoted to the activity of Sultan Beibars. He is a batyr who defended the Syrian land. Hence despite his connection with Kazakhstan, he is considered as a historic figure, as a leader of Syria and Egypt. In my opinion, our cultural ties can be strengthened through the promotion of work on construction of the Al-Farabi Historical-Cultural Center and reconstruction of the Sultan Beibars memorial.