12th International Symposium on Traditional Sports Games of the Turkic Peoples
On October 11, 2023 the opening ceremony of the 12th International Symposium on Traditional Sports Games of the Turkic Peoples dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Türkiye was held at Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University. The symposium took place at the Kasym Tynystanov Conference Hall and was attended by various dignitaries and participants, including TRNC Representative Mehmet Davulcu, Director of the Department of Physical Culture and Sports Aibek Abdymomunov, Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Deputy Rector Dr. Baktygul Kalambekova. Also in attendance were rectors, vice rectors and academicians from leading universities in Kyrgyzstan, representatives from numerous institutions and organizations, as well as academicians, students and members of the press.
The event commenced with the national anthems of both countries and the screening of promotional film about Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University and the documentary film on Traditional Sports Games, respectively. Prof. Dr. Kanat Januzakov, the Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences at Manas University, highlighted the significance of the symposium. He explained that the choice of the symposium's theme, “Traditional Sports Games of the Turkic Peoples,” was not coincidental, emphasizing that Turkic States have been dedicated to preserving and teaching traditional games and national sports' history, tactics, and methods since their independence.
Deputy Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, Dr. Baktygul Kalambekova expressed her happiness at hosting the 12th International Symposium on Traditional Sports Games of the Turkic Peoples, underscoring its importance in the Turkic World. Dr. Baktygul Kalambekova mentioned that the event had become a source of pride for the community and that holding traditional Turkish sports games at Manas University was a significant achievement.
The Honorary President of the Traditional Sports Federation of Türkiye and Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan stated that traditional sports games provide an excellent opportunity for national rejuvenation. These games serve as a bridge between culture and sports, preserving traditions while engaging in athletic activities. The symposium played a vital role in passing these traditions to future generations.
Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan emphasized the importance of preserving national culture. Sports activities were recognized as one way to preserve culture, and the symposium aimed to raise awareness about Turkish traditional sports games and ensure their continuity into the future. Rector also noted the pride of Manas University in having a Traditional Games and Sports Research Institute. Rector Alpaslan Ceylan expressed gratitude to Necmettin Bilal Erdogan, the President of the World Ethnosport Confederation, for his significant contribution to the organization of the symposium. Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan highlighted the deep connection of the Turkish nation to its roots and culture, which forms the foundation of Turkish identity.
Director of the Department of Physical Culture and Sports Aibek Abdymomunov, expressed his pleasure at meeting speakers who presented papers on the history, rules, and development methods of traditional games of nomadic civilization, uniting Western and Eastern cultures in the process of global development. He thanked the World Ethnosport Confederation and Manas University for strengthening cultural ties between the Turkic world and other cultures.
The 12th International Symposium on Traditional Sports Games of the Turkic Peoples, organized to preserve and share the traditional sports heritage of Turkic peoples, was a resounding success. It consisted of five sessions and brought together experts from various countries, including Turkey, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, the USA, Azerbaijan, and Mongolia. A total of 126 papers were presented in three face-to-face sessions and two online sessions, fostering global participation. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to the symposium participants at the conclusion of the event.
Press and Public Relations Office
https://www.instagram.com/p/CySWsNuNmEE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==