Manas University Participated in the Opening Ceremony of the “International Language Forum of Turkic-Speaking Peoples”
On September 21-22, 2023 the grand opening ceremony of the “International Language Forum of Turkic-Speaking Peoples” was held in collaboration with the National Commission on State Language and Language Policy under the Presidency of the Kyrgyz Republic, TIKA, and TURKSOY. The prestigious event took place at the Novotel in Bishkek, marking a significant gathering of Turkic-speaking communities from around the world.
The forum was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including the Secretary of State of the Kyrgyz Republic, Suyunbek Kasmambetov; the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Bishkek, Ahmet Sadık Dogan; the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States; TURKSOY General Secretary, Sultan Raev; heads of national and international institutions and organizations such as the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, the National Academy of Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, TIKA, the Maarif Educational Complex, the Ataturk Culture, Language and History Institution, and the Organization of Turkic States. Additionally, prominent figures from Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University were in attendance, including Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sezai Turk, Chief Advisor to the Rector Prof. Dr. Recai Dogan, Advisor to the Rector Prof. Dr. Olgun Çiçek, General Secretary Assoc. Prof. Dr. Oktay Ozgul, International Relations Coordinator Prof. Dr. Kemal Polat, members of the Faculty of Humanities, and representatives from our university's press team.
The primary objective of the forum was to foster cooperation in the realms of culture and language among Turkic-speaking nations and to engage in discussions surrounding language security concerns. The event brought together over 250 representatives from countries such as Turkey, Russia, Hungary, Germany, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
The opening of the forum commenced with the reading of a letter from the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov. President Japarov's message underscored the linguistic and cultural affinity among Turkic-speaking nations and expressed his support for unity and cooperation within the Turkic world. Secretary of State Suyunbek Kasmambetov, in his opening address, stressed the significance of the forum as a means to strengthen collaboration and understanding, capitalizing on the shared cultural and linguistic bonds between Turkic-speaking countries.
Medatkan Sherimkulov, a member of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States, recognized the forum's importance, not just for the Kyrgyz people but for all Turkic nations. He praised Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University for providing high-quality language education, contributing to the betterment of the Turkic world. He emphasized the university's vital role as an educational institution for the entire Turkic community.
Following the protocol speeches, the forum proceeded with two sessions. Faculty members from Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University also made presentations during these sessions. Participants commended the event for its academic and scientific productivity and expressed the need for such international gatherings to occur regularly.
The forum's key focus was on strengthening relationships to promote the development of Turkic languages. It involved a comprehensive examination of commonalities in Turkic languages, including terminology, alphabets, and lexicology.
Upon the successful completion of presentations by participants, the International Language Forum of Turkic-Speaking Peoples transformed into a platform where significant insights and proposals were evaluated and discussed. As an outcome of the forum, a decision was reached to organize and fund an international language forum in Kyrgyzstan every three years, with the aim of further bolstering unity and cultural connections among Turkic-speaking communities. This decision reflects the commitment to promoting cooperation and cultural ties within the Turkic-speaking world.
Press and Public Relations Office