The 6th International Symposium on Communication and Art of the Turkic World Opens at KTMU
The 6th International Symposium on Communication and Art of the Turkic World, organized under the leadership of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU), opened on October 22 with an opening ceremony held at the Kasym Tynystanov Conference Hall. The two-day event brought together scholars, journalists, and representatives of the cultural and artistic sectors from various countries.
Participants from Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and Russia are attending the symposium. The event provides a platform for interdisciplinary discussions on changes in communication technologies and the shared cultural heritage of the Turkic world.
Ambassador Okem: Unity in Language, Thought, and Action Is Essential to Achieving Common Goals
Mekin Mustafa Kemal Okem, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bishkek, noted that relations between Turkic states extend beyond political and economic cooperation to include transport and logistics connections.
Emphasizing the importance of communication and mutual understanding between societies in achieving common goals, Okem highlighted the need to strengthen unity in language, thought, and action across the Turkic world.
Rector Ceylan: Academic Gatherings Should Lead to Lasting Academic Partnerships
Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Rector of KTMU, noted that international symposia help establish long-term academic ties among researchers from different countries. He stated that the university regularly organizes meetings aimed at strengthening academic cooperation across the Turkic world and promoting joint research.
Ceylan reported that four international symposia held at KTMU in October had brought together approximately 500 scholars and more than 100 representatives of ministries and public officials. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the connections established at these events through collaborative academic work.
Professor Yıldırım: The Turkic World Should Engage in Digital Transformation Through Its Spiritual and Cultural Heritage
Prof. Dr. Besim Yıldırım, Dean of the Faculty of Communication at KTMU, noted that digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and algorithms are fundamentally transforming the ways information is created and disseminated. Addressing the impact of platform capitalism on the media, he explained that technological progress creates new opportunities while also giving rise to challenges, including dependency. He stressed that these issues require comprehensive discussion.
Yıldırım emphasized that the Turkic world should actively engage in these transformations while preserving its linguistic and cultural heritage. He also underlined that joint research and academic publications would help strengthen the Turkic world's position in the international knowledge landscape.
Menderes Demir: Cultural Solidarity Should Be Strengthened Through Joint Projects
Menderes Demir, Chairman of the Turkic World Journalists Federation, stated that solidarity among Turkic peoples should be strengthened through concrete cooperation in communication, culture, and the arts.
He noted that collaboration among universities, professional organizations, and cultural institutions would expand opportunities for exchanging experience. He added that international academic gatherings create favorable conditions for launching new joint projects.
Professor Avshar: Cultural Creativity Broadens the Scope of International Relations
Prof. Dr. B. Zakir Avshar, an invited speaker at the symposium, discussed the concept of “smart power” in international relations and the role of cultural diplomacy. He analyzed how Turkish television series, cinema, and gastronomy contribute to enhancing Türkiye's cultural profile, developing tourism, and supporting the national economy.
According to Avshar, the international circulation of cultural products increases interest in the Turkish language and culture. He emphasized that art and language play an important role in strengthening ties between peoples and deepening mutual understanding.
Artificial Intelligence, Cultural Memory, and Public Diplomacy to Be Discussed in 24 Sessions
The symposium, taking place on October 22–23, features 24 sessions and 121 academic papers. In-person sessions are being held at KTMU and Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn, while online sessions are being organized in coordination with the Faculty of Communication at Nigde Omer Halisdemir University.
The program addresses the use of generative artificial intelligence in communication, efforts to combat misinformation and deepfake content, the digital transformation of journalism, and the influence of platforms on information dissemination.
Sessions on cinema, art, and cultural memory explore the literary legacy of Chinghiz Aitmatov, the ethnocultural values of Turkic peoples, environmental cinema, and visual arts. Discussions on public diplomacy and media ecosystems focus on cultural ties, communication strategies, and collaborative knowledge production.
Achievements in Documentary Filmmaking Recognized at the Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony also highlighted the achievements of Kyrgyz filmmakers and KTMU students who received awards at the 11th Turkic World Documentary Film Festival.
The film The Old Man and Art, directed by Sabina Kadyrova, received the award for “Culture and Art of Turkic Peoples.” Meanwhile, Journey , directed by Kulpunay Baktybay kyzy, was named “Best Film by the Student Jury.”
Tynai Ibrayimov's documentary 21 Kilometers received the special award for “The Contemporary Tourism Framework of the Organization of Turkic States.”
Awards Presented for Contributions to Science, Culture, and Public Service
Menderes Demir, Chairman of the Turkic World Journalists Federation, presented a plaque of appreciation to Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Rector of KTMU, in recognition of his contributions to the development of scientific and cultural cooperation across the Turkic world. Prof. Dr. B. Zakir Avshar also received a plaque of appreciation for his contributions to culture and the arts.
As part of the “Service to the Turkic World” awards, presented by the Federation for the first time this year, Sultan Raev, Secretary General of TURKSOY, received an award for “Achievements in Culture and Art in the Turkic World.” Raev was unable to attend the ceremony because he was in Hungary. The award is scheduled to be presented to him later at TURKSOY's headquarters.
The “Outstanding Public Servant of the Turkic World” award was presented to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şeref İba, Chief Adviser to the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye.
The symposium continues on October 23 with in-person and online academic sessions.
