News

Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU) celebrated its 30th anniversary with a grand ceremony at the Kyrgyz State Philharmonic on September 17, 2025. The event began with an exhibition titled “Manas University in Photographs,” which showcased the university's 30-year history of growth and achievements, setting the stage for an engaging and dynamic program.

30 Years of Success with International Participation

KTMU, which has become the leadership university of the Turkic World by building bridges of science, culture, and friendship in Central Asia over the past 30 years, marked this significant milestone with international participation.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye Cevdet Yılmaz; Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Kasymaliev; Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bishkek Mekin Mustafa Kemal Ökem; Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Bishkek Latif Seyfeddin Oğlu Gandilov; TRNC Representative in Bishkek Tahir Osman Tahir; Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Ankara Ruslan Kazakbaev; Deputy Chair of the Supreme Court of the Kyrgyz Republic Nurgul Bakirova; President of the Council of Higher Education of the Republic of Türkiye Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar; Minister of Science, Higher Education and Innovation of the Kyrgyz Republic Baktiyar Orozov; Minister of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic Dogdurgul Kendirbaeva; along with other ministers, deputies, KTMU Board of Trustees Chairman Prof. Dr. İbrahim Çapak, KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Almaz İbraev, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Kamalbek Karymshakov, Secretary General Prof. Dr. İsmet Altıntaş, members of the Turkish Embassy in Bishkek, rectors of universities from Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Hungary, and Russia, TIKA Bishkek Coordinator Mehmet Bodur, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Kyrgyz-Turkish Friendship Hospital Chief Physician Specialist Dr. Adlan Olsun, company representatives, academicians, association presidents, media members, and students.

Following the enthusiastic performance of the national anthems of both countries and the screening of the promotional film for Manas University, the protocol speeches commenced.

Common Message in Protocol Speeches: The Future of the Turkish World

Vice President Prof. Dr. Cevdet Yılmaz: “Manas University is a Source of Pride for the Turkic World”

Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye Prof. Dr. Cevdet Yılmaz delivered a speech at the ceremony celebrating the 30th anniversary of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University. Expressing his pleasure at being in his ancestral homeland of Kyrgyzstan, Yılmaz stated: "I hope that Manas University, one of the greatest symbols of the friendship between Kyrgyzstan and Türkiye, will continue to thrive for many years to come, just as this venerable oak tree has reached the age of 30 at the foot of the Tien Shan Mountains."

Manas University Adds Value to the Turkic World

In his address, Yılmaz emphasized the importance of passing on the Turkish-Kyrgyz brotherhood to future generations: "The most valuable asset of any country is its people. Nations that nurture their citizens and cultivate a well-equipped, qualified generation will rise in the world." He highlighted that Manas University has made significant contributions to the Turkic world and the broader region in this regard.

Manas University Celebrates 30 Years with the Launch of Its Faculty of Medicine

Vice President Yılmaz also announced that as a gift for its 30th anniversary, Manas University had begun accepting students into its new Faculty of Medicine. Recalling the words of Sultan Suleiman: "There is nothing more valuable than the state among the people, and nothing more valuable than a breath of health in the world"—Yılmaz said: "Health is of utmost importance. With this new initiative, the Kyrgyz people will have access to high-quality healthcare services. Graduates of the Manas Faculty of Medicine will receive dual diplomas: one from Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University and another from the University of Health Sciences Medical Faculty."

Expressing pride in the achievements of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, which has been ranked among the world’s top 1,000 higher education institutions for three consecutive years, Vice President Yılmaz thanked all who contributed to this success and wished the Manas family continued achievements in the new academic year: "This success is a source of pride not only for Kyrgyzstan and Türkiye but for the entire Turkic world, as our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has also affirmed."

Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Kasymaliev: “Manas University is a Symbol of Brotherhood and Science”

At the ceremony celebrating the 30th anniversary of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Kasymaliev highlighted the shared history of the Kyrgyz and Turkish peoples. He stated: "The great Kyrgyz people and the great Turkish people are two peoples born from the same roots. The swords of Manas and Alp Arslan shine equally brightly for our nations. We draw strength from the words of Chyngyz Aytmatov and Nazym Hikmet, and from the legacies of Kul Tigin and Manas."

Kasymaliev emphasized that the day marks a celebration of unity, solidarity, and friendship: "We are gathered here on the anniversary of Manas University, a sacred place of learning that has strengthened our bonds of brotherhood—ties that have endured for centuries and are rooted deeply in both history and our hearts—in the world of science. On behalf of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov and the Cabinet of Ministers, I sincerely congratulate you all on your 30th anniversary."

He further noted that Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University has made steady progress since its founding, nurturing leaders, scientists, businesspeople, and creative generations, while producing hundreds of valuable contributions. Referring to the university's proud legacy, Kasymaliev expressed his gratitude to Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan for his leadership.

KTMU Board of Trustees Chairman Prof. Dr. İbrahim Çapak: “Manas University is Raising Role Model Students”

Speaking at the 30th anniversary of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, KTMU Board of Trustees Chairman Prof. Dr. İbrahim Çapak highlighted the university's mission and vision for the future.

Prof. Dr. Çapak emphasized that Manas University does not merely provide an education, but shapes students into role models, preparing them to assume distinguished roles on the international stage: "Manas University’s mission is not just to educate students; it is to make our students distinguished, to ensure that they carry our cultures forward, and to set an example worldwide."

Reflecting on the university's accomplishments over the past 30 years, he noted: "It is not easy to rank among the world’s top 1,000 universities. This achievement is truly commendable, and I would like to thank our rector and all our academicians who have contributed to bringing Manas University to this level."

Regarding the start of the 2025–2026 academic year, Prof. Dr. Çapak mentioned that students had begun their studies and academicians had worked diligently. He added that the new academic year and the opening of the Faculty of Medicine would make significant contributions to Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia, and Türkiye.

Concluding his speech, Prof. Dr. Çapak said: "May Allah grant our university many more happy 30 years and enable us to raise students who are ethical, cultured, and capable of carrying our culture to the world. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this program and the leaders of both countries."

Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan: “Manas University is Making History in Education”

Speaking at the 30th anniversary ceremony of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan likened the university’s growth to a 30-year-old oak tree whose branches now reach toward the sky. "We have gathered today under the branches of a plane tree that sprouted 30 years ago and now reaches toward the sky. The name of this plane tree is Manas University. It is our students’ dreams, our academics’ dedication, and our parents prayers that have nurtured and developed our university. I extend my deepest gratitude to our parents who have supported us with their prayers," he said.

Prof. Dr. Ceylan also emphasized the importance of envisioning the future to make history: "Those who cannot foresee the future cannot write history. Manas University is building its own history in education. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to the creation of this history."

He concluded his speech by honoring the university's tradition with the words of Hacı Bektaş-ı Veli: "Let us be one, let us be strong, let us be alive."

Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev: “We Are Ready for the Future as a Modern University”

Speaking at the 30th anniversary ceremony, Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev highlighted the university’s commitment to quality and excellence: "Since its inception, the university has adopted high quality as its primary goal and has provided all the necessary conditions to achieve this. In line with this vision, Manas University has become one of the leading higher education institutions in Kyrgyzstan and among the world’s best universities."

Acknowledging the challenges of maintaining these achievements, Prof. Dr. Ibraev added: "As a modern university, we will continue to meet all standards and remain committed to training qualified and ethical experts for Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, and the Turkic world."

A Celebration Crowned with Art and Music

Following the protocol speeches, the program continued with the enchanting atmosphere of art and music. The KTMU Turkish World Orchestra, under the direction of Kyrgyz Republic People's Artist Rysbek Zhumakunov, created a cultural bridge within the hall. Soloist Elmira Tazhieva received great acclaim for her emotional performance of “Kyrgyz Jeri.” Soloists Azat Sadykov, Hadicha Bektursunova, R. Abdykadyrov, and Elzar Oskonbaeva then took the stage, heightening the excitement with a blend of Kyrgyz and Turkish melodies.

Feryal Başel Tüzün, a distinguished artist known for bringing Anatolian folk songs and ancestral melodies to life with her unique voice and interpretation, added a special touch to the program with her exceptional repertoire.

As part of the ceremony, the segment “Manas'Entry into the Kokotoi Feast” from the Manas Epic was recited by Manasçı Samat Kochorbaev, while the performance by the “Manas Kızları” dance group added a traditional dimension that was warmly appreciated by all guests.

Rector Prof. Dr. Ceylan and Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Ibraev Honored with Certificates of Appreciation

During the 30th anniversary celebration, Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University’s Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan and Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev were presented with certificates of appreciation by the Cogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic. The recognition honored their successful leadership, contributions to the university’s development, and efforts in strengthening Kyrgyz-Turkish friendship.

The 30th Anniversary Medal Presented at the Ceremony

As part of the anniversary program, Deputy Chair of the Supreme Court of the Kyrgyz Republic Nurgul Bakirova, Minister of Science, Higher Education, and Innovation Baktiyar Orozov, Education Minister Dogdurgul Kendirbaeva, Kyrgyz MPs Tabyldy Muratbekov and Dastanbek Zhumabekov, and KTMU Board of Trustees Chairman Prof. Dr. İbrahim Çapak were all awarded the 30th Anniversary Medal.

Manas University Academicians Receive Certificates of Honor from the Ministry of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic

Academicians Aican Bakalova, Bubusara Ukubaeva, Svetlana Zheenbekova, Gulnara Absamatova, and Bermet Saadakova were awarded Certificates of Honor by the Ministry of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic for their active participation in the project to adapt Singapore Cambridge STEM educational books into Kyrgyz and for the outstanding results they achieved.

An Enthusiastic Finale from the Youth

Following the concert, the youth of Manas University enthusiastically sang the Manas University Anthem, filling the hall with pride and excitement. Guests experienced emotional and proud moments, witnessing the university’s 30-year journey.

The celebration extended beyond the ceremony. The program continued throughout the day with special video presentations highlighting the university’s 30-year success story, concerts, and various events organized by students.

Guests emphasized that KTMU will continue to serve as a source of inspiration for the Turkic World, maintaining its pioneering role in education. One student participating in the program expressed their pride: "Studying at Manas University not only provides us with knowledge, but also inspires us to build cultural bridges and look to the future with hope. We are proud to be part of these 30 years."

The unforgettable and meaningful celebration concluded with a group photo, marking the 30th anniversary of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University.