The Works of Ali Shogentsukov as a Bridge Between Eras: A Roundtable Discussion at KBSU

A roundtable discussion, «The Works of Ali Shogentsukov in the Context of His Time,» was held at the Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov, marking the 125th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding Kabardian poet and writer.

Scholars, writers, and representatives of the creative intelligentsia gathered to discuss the classic poet’s multifaceted legacy.

Opening the discussion, Musadin Kardanov, PhD in Philology and Head of the Kabardino-Circassian Language and Literature Department at Kabardino-Balkarian State University, presented a detailed overview of the life and rich creative output of the founder of Kabardian literature. Ali Shogentsukov, born on October 28, 1900, and died on November 29, 1941, left behind an invaluable literary legacy. His works have been adapted for film, translated into many languages, and continue to be actively studied at the university.

Nina Popova, Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the Board of the Union of Russian Writers, particularly noted Ali Shogentsukov’s contribution to the development of the Kabardian language.

«In his poems, Ali Shogentsukov spoke not only of the beauty and customs of his native land; he elevated the very concept of the word ‘highlander’ to extraordinary heights, making it synonymous with honor and courage,» said Nina Popova.
Ismail Beituganov, Chairman of the Board of the Union of Kabardian Writers and Director of the Center for Balkar Culture at Kabardino-Balkarian State University, reported that a scholarly monograph entitled «The Time of Ali Shogentsukov» was published in the lead-up to the anniversary of the classic Kabardian writer.

Dagestan’s People’s Poet Marina Akhmedova-Kolyubakina expressed confidence that the Head of State’s initiative to hold a Day of Languages ​​of the Peoples of Russia will serve the cause of reviving national languages. She emphasized the importance of translating the works of North Caucasian writers into national languages ​​to strengthen mutual understanding between peoples.

Boris Khoziev, Chairman of the Writers’ Union of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, proposed holding Shogentsukov Readings, similar to the Pushkin Readings, to make the poet’s work accessible to a wider public.

«Pushkin laid the foundation for the verse novel in Russian—a very difficult genre—and Ali Shogentsukov was the first North Caucasian poet to master this genre. I believe his works should be comprehensively studied at universities in Adygea, Karachay-Cherkessia, and Kabardino-Balkaria,» Khoziev noted.
As part of the roundtable, the KBSU library presented the poem «Madina,» published in 1935 in the Latin alphabet, to the participants. This rare book left its storage facility for the first time.

Zukhra Kuchukova, Doctor of Philology and Professor in the Department of Russian and Foreign Literature and Journalism at Kabardino-Balkarian State University, shared a personal recollection of how, as a schoolgirl, she received the highest grade for retelling the novel «Khezhyg’e put zaku’e» (A Pud of Flour). She also recounted the story of how RUDN University professor Alexei Arzamasov, inspired by the writer’s life and walking along the street named after him, wrote a poem dedicated to Ali Shogentsukov. An unpublished copy of the poem was given to the poet’s granddaughter.

Literary scholar Madina Khakuasheva noted Ali Shogentsukov’s significant contribution to the development of Kabardian grammar, quoting her grandfather’s words: «Even birds have their own language, and we are obliged to preserve ours!» She recalled that at the beginning of his career, Ali Askhadovich taught the Kabardian language in schools and was sincerely proud of his profession as a teacher of his native language. From 1931 to 1933, he served as an instructor and methodologist at the Baksan District Department of Public Education, contributing to the development of the educational system.

The roundtable participants watched a film about Ali Shogentsukov, produced by the poet’s great-granddaughter, Inara Khakuasheva.

During his short but illustrious life, Ali Shogentsukov created the verse novel «Kambotre Latser» (Kambot and Lyatsa), which is still considered a landmark in North Caucasian literature, the poems «Shchiymakhue zhesh» (Winter Night), and other major works.

One of the facets of Ali Askhadovich’s talent was his mastery of literary translation. He translated classic works of Russian and Soviet literature, as well as poems by poets of the North Caucasus, into Kabardian.

The roundtable participants unanimously noted that Ali Shogentsukov’s work is not only an important part of the cultural heritage of the Kabardian people but also a valuable contribution to Russian literature. His works, imbued with a love for his native land, a profound understanding of human values, and a passion for justice, continue to inspire new generations of readers and researchers. Discussing his legacy in the context of his time underscored the relevance of his ideas and artistic mastery, as well as the need for further study and popularization of his work.