Chingiz Aitmatov’s Legacy Honored in Bishkek: Turkic World Forum Held
Chingiz Aitmatov’s Legacy Honored in Bishkek: Turkic World Forum Held
In the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, the forum titled "Chingiz Aitmatov and the Future of the Turkic World" was held in commemoration of the 17th anniversary of the renowned writer’s passing.
Hosted by the National Academy of Sciences of Kyrgyzstan, the forum was supported by the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY), the Chingiz Aitmatov Institute of Language and Literature of the Kyrgyz Academy of Sciences, and the Ankara-based Chingiz Aitmatov Institute.
The event began with a recitation from the Epic of Manas by manaschi Rysbay Isakov and was attended by Aitmatov’s admirers, scholars, statesmen, academy staff, and university students.
Prof. Dr. Kanatbek Abdrahmatov, President of the National Academy of Sciences of Kyrgyzstan and moderator of the forum, expressed his pleasure in hosting the "Chingiz Aitmatov and the Future of the Turkic World" forum.
“Turkey has supported us in every field as a strategic partner”
Speaking at the forum, Kyrgyz State Secretary Marat Imankulov outlined plans made by the government for the upcoming 100th anniversary of Aitmatov’s birth.
“Aitmatov is one of the geniuses of the 20th century. In his works, he offered remarkable insights into today’s world. He showed what steps should be taken to avoid modern-day crises, the level of attention we should give to the environment, and how human relations should evolve,” he said.
Imankulov noted that Turkey was the first country to recognize the newly independent Kyrgyz Republic and emphasized the strategic partnership between the two nations.
He also expressed satisfaction with the attention shown to Kyrgyzstan by the member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), and underscored the need to revive the Chingiz Aitmatov International Issyk-Kul Forum, first held by Aitmatov in 1986, with the support of international institutions.
Thanks to MHP Leader Devlet Bahçeli
TÜRKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev stated that the newly established Chingiz Aitmatov Institute in Turkey had launched its first activity in Aitmatov’s homeland, Kyrgyzstan.
Explaining the mission and vision of the Institute, Raev said, “We wish the Chingiz Aitmatov Institute success and prosperity.”
Raev extended his sincere gratitude and respect to MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, who spearheaded the founding of the Institute, and to his close colleague Prof. Dr. İlyas Topsakal, a Member of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye.
Perspectives on Aitmatov from Türkiye shared
Starting his speech with thanks to MHP Chairman Bahçeli, Chingiz Aitmatov Institute President and MHP Deputy Chairman Prof. Dr. İlyas Topsakal expressed his appreciation to the institutions and individuals who contributed to the forum and shared how Aitmatov is perceived in Türkiye.
Topsakal emphasized that understanding the strength of the Turkic world requires familiarity with its tribes, stating, “The best way to learn this is undoubtedly by getting to know the poets, writers, and thinkers who give voice to our nation’s soul and wisdom.”
Praising Aitmatov’s literary strength, Topsakal said:
“He is a great figure who described the modern Turkic world village by village, town by town, and city by city. He sought our glorious past and great states in animals, seas and lakes, and the vast, boundless steppes of the Turkic people.”
Topsakal drew attention to Aitmatov’s accounts of the life cycle of Turkic tribes—birth, marriage, and death—and referenced his famous line “If a dog has an owner, then a wolf has God,” as a metaphorical narration of Ergenekon.
Highlighting the themes in Aitmatov’s literary works and his vision for the future through his novels and poems, Topsakal said:
“Aitmatov emphasized that the best resistance to mankurtism and sadism—just like the inhumane ideology of gladiators in the West—is to know our own history, culture, and ancestry.”
Kazakh, Uzbek, and Azerbaijani peoples also see themselves in Aitmatov’s works
President of the Writers’ Union of Kazakhstan, Mereke Kulkenov, stressed that organizing the first activity of the Aitmatov Institute in Bishkek reflects the unity of Turkic peoples.
Kulkenov added that Aitmatov did not only narrate the history of the Kyrgyz people but also that of the Kazakhs, Uzbeks, and Azerbaijanis, noting that Turkic readers who engage with his works experience shared emotions and thoughts.
Akmal Saidov, a Member of Parliament from Uzbekistan who has conducted extensive research on Aitmatov’s works, emphasized the importance of organizing forums, congresses, and other events to promote the author’s recognition and readership.
Prof. Dr. Abdıldacan Akmataliyev, President of the Chingiz Aitmatov Institute of Language and Literature of the Kyrgyz Academy of Sciences, stated that over the past 10 years they have organized numerous symposiums on Aitmatov and regularly published his books.
Honorary academic title for Prof. Dr. Topsakal
During the forum, the decision of the Chingiz Aitmatov Academy Association in Kyrgyzstan was announced:
Prof. Dr. İlyas Topsakal, President of the Chingiz Aitmatov Institute and MHP Deputy Chairman, was awarded the title of Honorary Academician.
The award and several books were presented to Topsakal by Prof. Dr. Akmataliyev on behalf of the Chingiz Aitmatov Institute of Language and Literature.
A memorandum of understanding was also signed between the Chingiz Aitmatov Institute and the Chingiz Aitmatov Institute of Language and Literature under the Kyrgyz Academy of Sciences during the forum.