Aşık Veysel Was Commemorated at Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University
On November 17, 2023, as part of the “UNESCO 2023 Aşık Veysel Year” activities, a “Commemoration Panel for Aşık Veysel on the 50th Anniversary of his Death” took place at Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University. The event was attended by Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University's Deputy Rector, Dr. Baktygul Kalambekova; the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Aşık; Vice Dean, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Halit Aşlar; Head of the Department of Turkology, Prof. Dr. Ozan Yılmaz; academicians and many students.
The program commenced with the national anthems of both countries, followed by the screening of the documentary film “Aşık Veysel in his Own Words.” Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Aşık, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, delivered the opening speech, expressing gratitude to the Department of Turkology for organizing the panel. He remarked, “Aşık Veysel is a valuable poet for us, carrying the world's troubles and burdens on his shoulders, shedding light on the silent and songless. This unique talent, discovering the meaning and essence of life, left us a wonderful legacy.”
Subsequently, Dr. Baktygul Kalambekova, Deputy Rector of Manas University, emphasized the perpetual remembrance of cultural heritage figures like Aşık Veysel. Dr. Baktygul Kalambekova stated, “Aşık Veysel saw the world through his own eyes and managed to express the common feelings of all humanity in his songs.”
Following the opening speeches, a panel discussion led by Prof. Dr. Ozan Yılmaz, Head of the Department of Turkology. He highlighted that Aşık Veysel, a strong representative of the Minstrelsy Tradition, was commemorated worldwide and in Türkiye in association with UNESCO on the 50th anniversary of his death.
The first panelist, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erdal Aidogmush focused on Aşık Veysel's life, presenting “Who is Aşık Veysel?” in detail. He explained how Aşık Veysel was shaped by the lands of his birth and upbringing and the significance of his works in the social context.
Next, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Halit Ashlar, in his presentation titled “An Overview of Aşık Veysel's Poetry World,” delved into the depths and themes of Aşık Veysel's poems, and how they reflect the spirit of his period. He emphasized that Aşık Veysel's poems possess a unique beauty and retain their meaning today.
Lecturer Chynar Zhylkychieva, in her presentation titled “Barpy Alykulov's Poetic and Philosophical Heritage,” explained the works of Barpy Alykulov, an important figure in Kyrgyz Literature. She highlighted the similar themes in the works of the two poets and the richness of their literary heritage.
Following the panel discussions, students from the Department of Turkology created an emotional atmosphere, performing Aşık Veysel's poems “I`m on a Long and Narrow Road” and “For Friends to Remember me.” The students' emotional performances once again underscored the deep love and respect for Aşık Veysel's poems among the participants.
Press and Public Relations Office
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz8WffbIi5x/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==