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The late Prof. Dr. Salican Cigitov, one of the leading figures of Kyrgyz literature, was commemorated with an international symposium on the 90th anniversary of his birth. Known as a Turkologist, poet, writer, and literary critic, Cigitov left a profound mark on Kyrgyz cultural life. The event held in his honor brought together academic and literary communities.

The “International Salican Cigitov and Literature Symposium” was organized under the leadership of the Department of Turkology at the Faculty of Humanities of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU), in cooperation with TÜRKSOY, the National Writers Union of the Kyrgyz Republic, the National Academy of Science of Kyrgyz Republic, and Kyrgyz National University named after J. Balasagyn. The symposium took place at the Kasym Tynystanov Conference Hall of KTMU. The symposium, dedicated to the memory of Prof. Dr. Salican Cigitov, featured a rich program including opening and plenary sessions, commemorative panels, parallel sessions, and online meetings. It provided a scientific platform to reassess Cigitov’s literary and critical legacy, aiming to pass his contributions to future generations, strengthen interaction among Turkic world literatures, and foster interdisciplinary discussions on topics such as digitalization, mythology, folklore, identity, social transformation, and literary criticism.

The event was attended by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Edil Baisalov, KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev, Chairman of the National Writers Union Kanybek Imanaliev, Presidential Advisor Medetbek Bukuev, Senior Advisor to the Secretary-General of TÜRKSOY Sabyrbek Borubai, Vice-Rectors, academicians, writers, and students. Members of Cigitov’s family and numerous representatives from the literary community were also present.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Baisalov: “The Legacy of Salican Cigitov is Profound and Guiding”

Edil Baisalov emphasized that they commemorate Prof. Dr. Salican Cigitov with respect and gratitude, noting his exceptional place in Kyrgyz culture and intellectual life. He described Cigitov not only as a literary figure but also as an intellectual who shaped collective memory with his depth of thought. Baisalov stated that Cigitov could be regarded as a “saint-like” figure in Kyrgyz society and deserved to be remembered as “Salican Evliya.” He highlighted Cigitov’s contributions to Kyrgyz history, philosophy, and literature, particularly through his ideas on state formation, and stressed the importance of re-reading and reassessing his works today.

Rector Ceylan: “Cigitov Is the Intellectual Continuation of Gaspıralı in the Turkic World”

Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan drew attention to Cigitov’s contributions not only to Kyrgyz language and literature but also to the broader Turkic world. He underlined Cigitov’s efforts in preserving and developing the Kyrgyz language and stated that his linguistic vision reflects shared cultural roots across the Turkic world. Prof. Dr. Ceylan remarked, “If you are looking for the intellectual continuation of Ismail Gaspıralı in Central Asia and the Turkic-Islamic geography, that name is Salican Cigitov.” He also emphasized the need to promote Cigitov more widely across the Turkic world and announced plans to organize similar academic events in different countries. Emphasizing that language is not only a means of communication but also a carrier of culture and literature, Ceylan said that Cigitov left a lasting legacy with this understanding.

30th Anniversary Service Medal Presented to Baisalov

KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan presented the 30th Anniversary Service Medal of the university to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Edil Baisalov in recognition of his achievements and contributions to Manas University. Baisalov expressed his gratitude and noted that the university’s scientific and institutional success is a source of pride for Kyrgyzstan.

Chairman of the National Writers Union​ Imanaliev: “Cigitov’s Works Are an Important Legacy for Future Generations”

Chairman of the National Writers Union Kanybek Imanaliev stated that Salican Cigitov made significant contributions to the Turkic world and served Kyrgyz society through his lifelong dedication to education and culture. He highlighted Cigitov’s discipline, sense of responsibility, and lasting contributions to Kyrgyz literature, emphasizing the importance of preserving and reading his works among younger generations.

The two-day symposium continued with opening speeches and a screening of a film about Cigitov’s life. In the plenary session, scholars from various countries evaluated his literary and critical legacy through interdisciplinary perspectives, focusing on the development of Kyrgyz literary criticism, interactions among Turkic literatures, and contemporary literary theories.

Commemorative Sessions Highlighted Cigitov’s Literary and Critical Identity

During the memorial sessions held on the first day, speakers examined Cigitov’s role as a literary critic, his poetic vision, and his intellectual contributions. Presentations emphasized the need to evaluate his works not only aesthetically but also in their social and philosophical dimensions.

Sessions Covered a Wide Range of Topics from Digitalization to Mythology

Parallel sessions addressed contemporary transformations in literature and interdisciplinary relations. Topics included digital literary forms, literature on social media, and transformations in digital platforms, as well as modern analytical approaches to classical texts and sociological interpretations of literary works. Papers focusing on mythology and folklore discussed the Manas Epic, comparative readings with the Mahabharata, reflections of Turkic mythology in literary texts, and life-cycle rituals such as birth and death, highlighting the continuity between oral and written traditions.

Relations Among Turkic Literatures Discussed

Sessions also explored relationships among Turkic literatures, analyzing thematic and structural similarities between Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Azerbaijani, and Turkish literatures. Comparative analyses were conducted on shared cultural memory, identity, and language. Presentations on Chyngyz Aitmatov drew particular attention in the context of historical memory, identity construction, and modernity.

The Social Function of Literature Examined

The symposium also featured discussions on the social role of literature, including children’s literature and identity formation, representations of women, social transformation, and the relationship between literature, ideology, and power.

International Participation Strengthened Through Online Sessions

Online sessions enhanced international participation, with contributions focusing on historical novels, folklore motifs, collective memory, and the relationship between literature and identity.

Awards Presented to Winners of the Cigitov Competition

As part of the symposium, the results of the “Salican Cigitov Short Story and Poetry Competition,” organized by the Department of Turkology at KTMU, were announced. Students who ranked in both categories received awards, encouraging young people’s interest in literature and promoting Cigitov’s legacy among new generations.

A Scientific Contribution Beyond Commemoration

In the closing session, participants emphasized that the symposium evolved into a strong academic platform contributing to the theoretical development of Kyrgyz literature. It was noted that the event strengthened scientific cooperation across the Turkic world, highlighted common research areas, and fostered interdisciplinary engagement. Presentations delivered throughout the symposium were said to reassess Cigitov’s literary and critical legacy in light of contemporary theoretical approaches, positioning his intellectual heritage as a living source shaping current academic discussions.

Who is Salican Cigitov?

Prof. Dr. Salican Cigitov is one of the prominent figures in Kyrgyz literature and the intellectual life of the Turkic world. Known as a Turkologist, poet, writer, and literary critic, he made significant contributions through his academic and literary works, particularly his critical analyses and theoretical approaches to the development of Kyrgyz literature. He held positions such as Vice-Rector, Director of the Institute of Social Sciences, and Head of the Department of Turkology at Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, contributing both to academic production and international cooperation in the Turkic world. Recognized for his disciplined and principled approach to literary criticism, Cigitov explored cultural and spiritual values, the direction of literature, and literary production processes with depth. As a multifaceted intellectual, he left a lasting legacy in Kyrgyz culture and literature. With his academic depth and intellectual vision, Prof. Dr. Salican Cigitov is regarded not only as a key contributor to Kyrgyz literature but also as a respected thinker in the broader Turkic World.