A program was organized at Selçuk University for the 30th anniversary of the independence of Kyrgyzstan and the 93rd anniversary of the birth of writer Cengiz Aitmatov.

The program titled "Kyrgyzstan and Cengiz Aitmatov" organized by the Kyrgyzstan Students' Union on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the independence of Kyrgyzstan and the 93rd anniversary of the birth of Kyrgyz literary writer Cengiz Aitmatov was held at Sultan Alparslan Cultural Center. Selçuk University Rector Prof. Dr. Metin Aksoy, Kyrgyzstan Ambassador to Ankara Kubanicbek Ömüraliyev, Selçuk University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Emrullah Eken, academicians and students attended the program.

"THE DEVELOPMENT OF KYRGYZSTAN IS A SOURCE OF PRIDE FOR US"

After the speeches of Asanalı Asanbekov, Representative of Kyrgyzstan Students' Union and Murat Arslan, President of Two East Two West International Student Association, Rector Prof. Dr. Metin Aksoy took the floor. Prof. Dr. Aksoy said, "Cengiz Aitmatov was an important name who told us about those steppes without going to Kyrgyzstan and always developed the culture there. Aitmatov is a name that keeps our heart geographies and bonds strong. Celebrating the independence of the friendly and brotherly country Kyrgyzstan and commemorating Cengiz Aitmatov at Selçuk University makes us happy. We are happy to host students from our heartland. During my time in Kyrgyzstan, we tried to explain to our students there how valuable it is to unite Turkish culture under a common roof. Turkey was the first country to recognize the independence of Kyrgyzstan and opened an embassy. Today, with the support of Turkey and the efforts of our Kyrgyz brothers and sisters, we can see a Kyrgyzstan that stands on its own feet, builds its own economy and shines in Central Asia. This is a source of pride for us." 

"CENGİZ AYTMATOV WAS THE PRIDE OF ALL TURKIC PEOPLES"

Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Ankara Kubanicbek Ömüraliyev said, "We are happy that a program is being organized in Konya for the 30th anniversary of the independence of Kyrgyzstan and the 93rd anniversary of the birth of writer Cengiz Aitmatov. All of Aitmatov's works have been translated into Turkish and can be found in libraries and bookstores. Aytmatov is one of the most widely read writers in the world and his works, translated into 176 languages, contribute to the development of world literature. The philosophical, moral and social issues that Aytmatov, who is the pride of all Turkic peoples, included in his works are still relevant today." 

Following the protocol speeches, a promotional video of Kyrgyzstan was screened and Kyrgyz national dances "Kara Jorgo", "Calın Biy" and "Mölmölüm" were performed. Kyrgyz students performed a song from the Manas epic and also included a song about the Kurmanbek epic on the stage. The students also acted out "Nurgazi's" speech scene from Chingiz Aitmatov's "The White Ship", "Maysalbek's Letter" scene from "Mother Earth" and "Mankurt" scene from "Gün Olur Asra Bedel".

Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Ankara Kubanicbek Ömüraliyev visited Rector Prof. Dr. Metin Aksoy in his office as part of the program at Selçuk University. During the visit, gifts were presented.