ASTANA.  March 12. KAZINFORM  /Gulnara Zhandagulova/ A literary-musical evening entitled "Genius of Great Steppe" dedicated to the 175^th anniversary of Shokan Valikhanov was held in the Presidential Centre of Culture in Astana today.

Minister of Culture Mukhtar Kul-Mukhammed delivered a welcoming speech.

"Our President gives particular attention to this event. Activities dedicated to the 175^th anniversary of Shokan Valikhanov, great scientist, genius, will be held countrywide. Several of them will be organized under the support of the Ministry of Culture. It will be no exaggeration to say that since today we set to celebration of S. Valikhanov's jubilee in whole Kazakhstan", M. Kul-Mukhammed said.

The Minister familiarized the attendees with the life and oeuvre of talented Kazakh scientist of the XIX century having noted that S. Valikhanov was also a brave traveler, artist, folklorist, ethnographer and publicist.

Among the guests of the evening is Shot-Aman Valikhanov, the only descendant of S. Valikhanov. The program of the evening includes performance of honored figure of Kazakhstan Bolat Abdilmanov, figure of culture of the Kyrgyz Republic Dooletbek Sadykov, Ulttyk Dasturler Theatre of the Presidential Center of Culture, Rukhsara dancing ensemble, State Uighur theatre as well as performance of ballet dancers of K. Baiseitova Opera and Ballet Theatre.

The organizers of the event are the Ministry of Culture and Kazakh Auenderi JSC.