Kyrgyz Cultural Festival Held in Yozgat
Kyrgyz Cultural Festival Held in Yozgat
The 2nd Kyrgyz Cultural Festival was held in the Yenifakılı district of Yozgat. At the festival grounds, traditional Kyrgyz dishes, local products, and national costumes were showcased. In addition, traditional games such as folk dances, aşık atma (bone throwing), and archery were performed.
Organized for the second time this year by the Kyrgyz living in Yenifakılı, the festival featured vibrant and enthusiastic activities.
Participants had the opportunity to closely experience and discover the richness of Kyrgyz culture. Traditional foods, local goods, and national attire specific to the Kyrgyz were presented in the festival area.
The event was attended by Yozgat Governor Mehmet Ali Özkan, Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan Ruslan Kazakbaev, AK Party Deputy Chairman and Head of Relations with Turkic States Prof. Dr. Kürşad Zorlu, and Member of Parliament Süleyman Şahan.
“Turkey Continues to Integrate with Its Brothers and Kin”
Kürşad Zorlu emphasized that Kyrgyzstan is an inseparable part of the Turkic World and one of the most strategically important points in the Central Asian region:
“Kyrgyzstan is essentially a transition hub. It is also located at a very critical point of the Middle Corridor, which Turkey is rapidly working to bring into action. Strengthening Turkey-Kyrgyzstan relations and developing cooperation in every field will undoubtedly have a positive impact not only on the relations between the two countries but also on cooperation across the entire Turkic World.”
Zorlu noted that relations between the two countries have progressed rapidly in recent years. He added that through the Manas University, newly established hospitals, the Maarif School, and various other initiatives, Turkey continues to integrate with its Kyrgyz brothers and kin in Kyrgyzstan.
“We Must Be United”
Referring to a quote by Kyrgyz writer Cengiz Aytmatov, “Man is both the creator and the prisoner of history,” Zorlu emphasized unity within the Turkic World:
“We must be united. We want to bring this unity to life through concrete projects. We all share this vision. The vision of our President for the Century of the Turkic World will, hopefully, continue to be crowned and materialized in every field.”
Zorlu participated in the Kyrgyz traditional game aşık atma, shot arrows with a bow, and visited Kyrgyz yurts.
The Kyrgyz Migrated from the Pamir Plateau 43 Years Ago
Around 50 Kyrgyz families who migrated from the Pamir Plateau in Afghanistan 43 years ago and settled in the village of Ulupamir in Erciş, Van, have now embarked on a new life in the Yenifakılı district of Yozgat to contribute to regional tourism.
The Kyrgyz community, settled in housing built by the Housing Development Administration (TOKİ), continues to preserve their traditions and customs.
The second edition of the “Kyrgyz Festival” offered colorful and lively scenes.
In the festival area, traditional Kyrgyz crafts and skills—such as tailoring, saddle making, leather shoe crafting, and carpet weaving—were displayed, along with presentations about Kyrgyz culture, traditions, and cuisine.