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An student conference dedicated to the 70th birthday of Prof. Dr. Burul Sagynbaeva was held by the KTMU Faculty of Humanities Department of Philology on the occasion of International Mother Language Day.

The program held in the KTMU Rectorate Conference Hall was attended by KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev, Advisor to the Minister of Science, Higher Education and Innovation of the Kyrgyz Republic Azamat Satiev, Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Kamalbek Karymshakov, Secretary-General Dr. Fatih Ramazan İstanbullugil, as well as numerous academicians and students.

The program began with a slideshow presentation highlighting the life and academic achievements of Prof. Dr. Burul Sagynbaeva, who has made significant contributions to the development of the Kyrgyz language within the Turkic world and the broader academic community.

Advisor to the Minister of Science, Higher Education and Innovation of the Kyrgyz Republic Azamat Satiev expressed his wishes for the continued and increasing development of Kyrgyz–Türkish Manas University and extended his hopes for a stable and successful future for its academic staff and students. He also conveyed the official congratulatory message addressed to Prof. Dr. Burul Sagynbaeva by the Minister of Science, Higher Education and Innovation of the Kyrgyz Republic Gulzat Isamatova.

Emphasis on Prof. Dr. Sagynbaeva’s Scientific and Educational Contributions

In her message, Minister Gulzat Isamatova underlined that Prof. Dr. Burul Sagynbaeva’s efforts toward the development of the state language, her active role in academic councils, her contributions to international projects, and her responsibilities in the preparation of textbooks and dictionaries constitute work of great significance. The message further stated that Sagynbaeva’s life journey represents an honorable path devoted to science, education, and the spiritual development of society, emphasizing that her academic and methodological contributions to date have provided substantial gains to the education system of Kyrgyzstan.

Rector Ceylan: “Language is the Fundamental Element That Sustains the Spirit of a Nation”

Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan stated: “There are three fundamental elements that constitute a nation: the flag, the homeland, and the language. A flag can be created; a nation expresses its ideals and history through symbols. Throughout history, there have been sixteen different flags representing sixteen Turkic states. A land may be adopted as a homeland and thus become one’s country. However, language is different. Language is not created; it is acquired together with one’s mother. If a nation does not have a language, it is not truly a nation, but merely a community.”

Congratulating Prof. Dr. Burul Sagynbaeva on her 70th birthday, Rector Ceylan emphasized that the foremost responsibility of an academic is to educate and mentor students. He noted that Prof. Dr. Sagynbaeva’s scientific and cultural contributions to both the Kyrgyz and Turkish nations deserve great appreciation, adding that the fact these services have been crowned with awards presented by the Presidents of the two countries is the clearest indication of this recognition.

Highlighting the special position of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University between the two countries, Rector Ceylan remarked: “We always say this: Manas is the golden bridge between Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan. And the foundation of this golden bridge are our esteemed academicians and distinguished scholars.”

We Must Show Appreciation for 28 Years of Dedication and Scholarly Contribution

Deputy Rector of Kyrgyz-Türkish Manas University Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev stated that Prof. Dr. Burul Sagynbaeva has devoted 28 years of dedicated service to the university and to the academic world since the institution’s establishment. He emphasized that her work in the fields of Philology and Turkology has made significant contributions to the Kyrgyz language and society, and that these achievements are a great source of pride.

Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev remarked, “As it is often said, ‘Kyrgyz women are strong,’ and we wholeheartedly agree with this statement. In you, in particular we see one of its finest examples.” He underlined that Prof. Dr. Burul Sagynbaeva has successfully maintained balance in every aspect of life, pursuing her career, education, and scientific work together with great devotion.

Prof. Dr. Layli Ukubaeva stated, “Today, we have gathered here not only to celebrate an academic achievement, but also to honor a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication.” Prof. Dr. Ukubaeva emphasized that Head of the Department of Philology Prof. Dr. Burul Sagynbaeva has earned her well-deserved respect and prestige through her tireless efforts, constant commitment to research, determination to set high goals, and strong will to overcome challenges.

Dean of the Faculty of Humanities Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Aşık thanked Prof. Dr. Burul Sagynbaeva for her valuable contributions to the development of the Kyrgyz language and congratulated her on International Mother Language Day.

Following the congratulatory and appreciation speeches, the program continued with a plenary session. During the session, students from the English Language and Literature, Russian Language and Literature, and Chinese Language and Literature programs presented their conference papers.

In her closing remarks, Prof. Dr. Burul Sagynbaeva expressed that the program dedicated to her on this meaningful occasion held great personal significance. She stated that she has been honored to contribute academically to Kyrgyz-Türkish Manas University for many years and sincerely thanked all academic and administrative staff who took part in organizing the program.