INTERVIEW WITH RAUSHAN BURKITBAYEVA-NUKENOVA

OCA Magazine: Tell us, please, about yourself and your creative activity / work.
Raushan Burkitbayeva-Nukenova: I didn’t choose poetry… Rather, poetry chose me. Since childhood, I loved spending time alone with nature – talking to flowers, butterflies, and dragonflies, watching the red algae move in the stream.
I had my own imaginary world…
Later on, I was fascinated by my mother’s 1943 edition of Ushakov’s Dictionary and the book In the World of Wise Thoughts.

I began writing poetry in the 7th grade, and in the 8th grade, I wrote an essay in verse. After finishing school, I worked for a year at the regional library, where I went through countless books and magazines, and I started writing articles for the regional newspaper.

While studying at the Medical Institute, I continued writing for the newspaper. After participating in the 11th World Festival of Youth and Students in Cuba, I wrote a cycle of poems titled “Salute to the Festival,” which I showed to the rector of Karaganda University, E.A. Buketov.

He gave me his blessing and encouraged me to write prose as well.

OCA: How did you choose your path and who is your role model in the creative space or life?
RN: I published my first book at the age of 40. A fortunate gateway into the literary world was the mentorship and friendship of critic Professor Viktor Badikov.

He was the first editor of my books and introduced me to the classic Kazakh writer, Abdijamil Nurpeisov.

Abdijamil Karimovich became my godfather and mentor (Ustaz). The greatest happiness and fortune has been working with this patriarch on his masterpieces. It’s been a true school of life and creativity.

OCA: What is your main achievement in 2023-2024?
RN: The main achievement of recent years is the Jonathan Fryer Medal awarded by the Eurasian Creative Guild. I continue to work on my new book. A pleasant event was meeting students at the festival in Borovoe and at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University in Astana. I hope that my books find their readers. The songs based on my lyrics bring joy and touch the hearts and emotions of people.

OCA: What is the main feature that makes you and your art/work unique?
RN: It’s not my place to evaluate myself… I try to embrace openness, kindness, and a sense of humor, especially when it comes to myself. I’m a Russian-speaking Kazakh woman, embodying the values of neighboring peoples. I was raised by a Russian nanny and in the traditions of a Kazakh family, receiving my education in Karaganda, where Jewish professors from Moscow and Leningrad universities taught. I consider myself a citizen of the world!

My life experience and age give me the privilege of addressing the younger generation. Climbing uphill, I walk; coming downhill, I run… Each person has their own path to the Creator—Father. Your compass is your heart and conscience.

We are all guests on this small planet… Create goodness with love!

OCA: Tell us, please, about the events or projects of the Eurasian Creative Guild (London) and projects that you have already taken part in and how does ECG influence your creativity and success in your work?
RN: Participating in festivals, literary competitions in London and Cambridge, and giving an interview on the BBC are unforgettable, remarkable, and significant events in my life.

OCA: What is your motivation and the main aim of your creativity?
RN: Literature is a wonderful way to discover yourself and your abilities. It helps expand your circle of friends. It’s something truly meaningful that you can give to others, including your children and grandchildren.

OCA: What would you wish for the members of the Guild and other creative people, just starting their career?
RN: More than 30 books have already been published in Kazakhstan, Paris, Moscow, and London.

To those starting their creative journey, I advise you to listen to your heart. Do what brings you joy and fulfilment! Love life, the world, people, and what you do, and it will resonate in one way or another.