Press Conference on “Contribution of Manas University to the Development of the Kyrgyz Language”
Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan met with members of the press at Bishkek Sheraton Hotel on February 2, 2024, to share information about the university's activities, projects, new initiatives, and goals for the development and promotion of the Kyrgyz language.
The press conference was attended by the Rector of Manas University, Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan; Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sezai Turk and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamalbek Karymshakov; Advisors to the Rector Prof. Dr. Recai Dogan and Prof. Dr. Serhat Burmaoglu; Secretary General Prof. Dr. Oktay Ozgul; Specialist of the Information Policy Department of the Kyrgyz Republic Ulan Bakirov; Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic Gulmira Umetalieva; representatives of Anadolu Agency, TRT Avaz, UTRK, ELTR, Ala-Too 24, Kut Bilim, Kanal 7, Erkin-Too, Kyrgyz Tuusu, Slovo Kyrgyzstan, Super.kg, Manas Radio, Manas Television, and press members of the University.
The press conference took place at Bishkek Sheraton Hotel and commenced with an introductory film about Manas University. Following the film, Rector Alpaslan Ceylan referencing significant figures in Turkish history such as Korkut Ata, Kashgarly Mahmut, Yusuf Has Hacip and Chyngyz Aitmatov, expressed his happiness at meeting with the attendees. He stated, "I'm delighted to meet with you as the Rector of Manas University. Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University was established by two countries coming together in our friendly and brotherly country, Kyrgyzstan." Rector Ceylan then shared details about the activities and studies carried out from the past to the present to promote, develop, and disseminate the Kyrgyz language in line with the university's mission.
Established in 1995 as a result of the agreement signed between Kyrgyzstan and Türkiye, Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University has maintained Kyrgyz and Turkish as the languages of education since its inception. Rector Alpaslan Ceylan emphasized the university's commitment to protecting the Kyrgyz language with a sense of citizenship and patriotism.
Highlighting the international scope of educational activities, Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan emphasized the university's approach to quality education. He mentioned that Manas University currently holds cooperation agreements with 262 institutions and organizations from 27 different countries, achieving recognition as one of the best universities globally in the QS World University Rankings.
Rector Alpaslan Ceylan stated, “I believe that Manas University is the best place where Kyrgyz language is taught in higher education. According to statistics, approximately 56,600 people have learned Kyrgyz and Turkish through Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University. This is a significant achievement for our countries. We want the Kyrgyz language to be used everywhere in everyday life.”
In alignment with the statement of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, that “Language is the key to the future fate of the country,” Rector Alpaslan Ceylan highlighted the university's dedication to promoting the Kyrgyz language. He said, “As Manas University, we strive to support every individual who uses, preserves, develops, and learns the Kyrgyz language. We are determined to continue our work in this regard, believing that these important efforts will contribute to both Kyrgyzstan and the Turkic World. We wholeheartedly believe that you will support us. In this sense, I would like you to come to our University more often. We would be happy to sign many more meaningful events together.”
Following Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan's statements at the press conference, Kıyal Toktonalieva, a lecturer at the Kyrgyz Language Coordinatorship of the High School of Foreign Languages of Manas University, gave a presentation titled “Manas University's Contributions to the Development of the Kyrgyz Language.” In her presentation, she discussed Kyrgyz books, dictionaries, methodology and translation books, as well as scientific activities such as seminars and symposiums organized by Manas University academicians in the fields of science and social sciences. She also explained how Kyrgyz language teaching is supported through digital platforms. Toktonalieva also mentioned the Kyrgyz courses organized by KTMÜSEM throughout the year, particularly the online course for people living in Van Ulupamir and those wanting to learn Kyrgyz. She highlighted ongoing projects and emphasized the functional use of Kyrgyz in the media sector, with Manas Radio and Manas Television broadcasting programs mainly in Kyrgyz.
She stated that Manas Television worked for about 12 hours every day during the pandemic, producing nearly 1000 video lectures for the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic. This contribution played a crucial role in ensuring the continuity of education in the country during the pandemic. Manas Television became an important partner of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic during the pandemic. With the participation of experts, television programs were prepared to inform the public about the pandemic, and these programs were all broadcast on state television with the Manas University’s logo.
After the presentation, which attracted great interest, the meeting continued with questions from members of the press. The meeting, which proceeded with breakfast afterward was held in a sincere and friendly atmosphere.
Press and Public Relations Office
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