Manas University Representatives Win First Prize Equivalent to the Grand Prix at National Poetry Festival
Dr. Gulzada Stanaliyeva, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Communication of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University and a renowned poet, won First Prize, equivalent to the Grand Prix, at the national poetry competition Poetry Duel, held as part of the 6th Poetry Festival dedicated to the memory of statesman, public figure, and poet Chynybay Tursunbekov. The festival took place on the shores of Issyk-Kul from 18 to 21 June 2026.
Representing Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, Dr. Stanaliyeva received high praise from the jury for her artistic vision, poetic mastery, and the profound thematic depth of her works. Her achievement once again demonstrated the University's strong academic and creative potential, as well as the Faculty of Communication's contribution to the development of Kyrgyz literature and culture.
The festival brought together distinguished and emerging poets from across Kyrgyzstan. Designed to promote poetry, discover new literary talents, and strengthen cultural ties, the event provided a prestigious platform for creative exchange. The success of Manas University representatives became another remarkable achievement for the University in the field of arts and literature.
Award-Winning Performance in the Poetry Duo Competition
One of the festival's unique features was its poetry duo competition, in which participants performed in pairs selected by lottery. Following the draw, Dr. Gulzada Stanaliyeva teamed up with Altynbek Ismailov, Senior Lecturer at Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University and a well-known Kyrgyz poet.
The jury highly appreciated the diversity of genres and themes in their performances, as well as their expressive recitation and stage presence. As a result, the duo was awarded First Prize, equivalent to the Grand Prix.
Festival Poems to Be Published in Kazakhstan
Poems by participating poets will be published in Üç Qoñur, an international literary magazine published in Kazakhstan. The publication will provide the authors with an opportunity to present their works to a broader international audience while contributing to the promotion of Kyrgyz poetry abroad.
Chynybay Tursunbekov Foundation's Contribution to Culture and Education
The poetry festival dedicated to the memory of statesman, public figure, poet, and translator Chynybay Tursunbekov was organized for the sixth consecutive year by his wife, Nurjan Tentimishova.
Chynybay Tursunbekov served as a member of the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament) of the Kyrgyz Republic during its fifth and sixth convocations and held the position of Speaker of Parliament from 2016 to 2017.
He also played a significant role in strengthening literary ties within the Turkic world. Through his translations, Kyrgyz readers became acquainted with the works of prominent Turkish poets, including Orhan Veli Kanık, Mehmed Emin Yurdakul, Mehmet Akif Ersoy, Yahya Kemal Beyatlı, Faruk Nafiz Çamlıbel, Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar, and Arif Nihat Asya, as well as poets from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
Following his passing in 2020, the Chynybay Tursunbekov Public Foundation was established to preserve his legacy. The Foundation organizes the annual poetry festival, supports young poets and writers, and presents literary awards.
In addition to the poetry competition, the festival features expressive reading contests for school students and professional seminars for teachers, making a valuable contribution to both literature and education.
A Festival Opening Doors for Young Poets
Organized by the Chynybay Tursunbekov Public Foundation, the festival aims to support talented poets who contribute to the development of Kyrgyz poetry while introducing promising new voices to the public.
Each year, nearly one hundred young poets participate in the competition, with five finalists advancing to the final stage, where they perform their poems before a professional jury.
In previous years, festival winners received cash prizes and recommendations for membership in the National Writers' Union of the Kyrgyz Republic. This year, Tolgonai Sarieva, who won the festival's Grand Prix, was awarded an invitation to participate in the World Poetry Festival.
