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Hosted by the Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU) and organized in cooperation with the Embassy of Hungary in the Kyrgyz Republic, the photo exhibition themed “Islamic Architectural Heritage of Hungary” was officially opened with a ceremony held at the Abdulkerim Satuk Buğra Han Mosque. Featuring Islamic architectural works from the Ottoman period to the present day in Hungary, the exhibition aims to make the historical and cultural ties between the two countries visible through art. The opening ceremony was attended by KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibrayev, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Hungary in the Kyrgyz Republic Andrej Bukai, Chairman of the Board of the Hungarian-Kyrgyz Development Fund (HKDF) Ulan Kytaybekovich Sarbanov, Deputy Chairperson of the HKDF Ryskul Tabyldievna Tobokeeva, Aigul Alimkulova (granddaughter of the writer Chingiz Aitmatov), Tamila Mamatova (artist of the “Ayköl Manas” Monument), Zhanibek Ibraiym uulu (UNIDO National Coordinator in Kyrgyzstan), Kundus Bergenshaevna Kirbasheva (Chairman of the Board of the Kyrgyz Association of Renewable Energy Sources), Oleg Guchgeldiyev (FAO Representative in Kyrgyzstan), Sinan Yaman (Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center Coordinator), Svetlin Sergeenkov (Representative of the European Union Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic), and Fal Beáta, alongside academicians and guests.

Aiming to Develop Academic Cooperation with Hungary

KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan stated that Turkish and Islamic civilization left behind an important cultural heritage extending through the Balkans all the way to Hungary. Expressing that they attend the biennial Turkic Kurultai, Rector Ceylan noted that during these visits, they had the opportunity to see mosques, tombs, and other historical works in Hungary, most notably the Tomb of Gül Baba. Rector Ceylan also emphasized that the exhibition hosted at KTMU makes a significant contribution to promoting the Ottoman-Islamic heritage in Hungary, stating that it serves to foster a closer recognition of the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties among Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Hungary, while strengthening the consciousness of a shared cultural heritage.

Noting that they continue their contacts with educational institutions and diplomatic missions in Hungary, Ceylan highlighted the importance they attach to developing relations in the field of higher education between the two countries. In this context, Rector Ceylan stated that they have initiated efforts toward student and academic exchange programs with Hungary.

Ottoman Heritage Continues to Live in Various Cities of Hungary

Andrej Bukai, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Hungary in the Kyrgyz Republic, expressed his pleasure at being present at the opening of the exhibition organized with KTMU's support, noting that Hungary has long maintained educational cooperation with the university. Bukai recalled that representatives of Pázmány Péter Catholic University, who participated in the International Education Fair in March 2026, held official contacts within the scope of the academic cooperation protocol signed with KTMU in November 2024.

Emphasizing that the Islamic cultural heritage dating back to the Ottoman period in Hungary is meticulously preserved, Bukai stated that mosques, minarets, tombs, and baths dating from the 16th and 17th centuries are located in cities such as Budapest, Pécs, Szigetvár, Siklós, and Eger.

28 Works Introduce Islamic Architectural Heritage from Different Perspectives

Stating that the exhibition consists of a total of 28 photographs and artistic works accompanied by descriptions in Kyrgyz, Russian, and English, Bukai mentioned that the work offers visitors the opportunity to closely examine the Ottoman and Islamic heritage in Hungary. Bukai also recalled that a similar exhibition was held at the Bishkek Central Mosque in January 2025 with the support of the State Commission for Religious Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The Exhibition Created a New Meeting Space Through Cultural Heritage

Following the speeches and the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the exhibition was officially opened to visitors. Participants examined the works reflecting the Islamic architectural heritage surviving to the present day in various cities of Hungary and received detailed information about the exhibition.