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The 6th International Turkic World Communication and Arts Symposium, hosted by Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU), began with an opening program on October 22. Running through October 24, the symposium brings together academics and researchers from seven countries, who will address current developments in communication and the arts through 121 papers presented in 24 sessions.

Held at the Chingiz Aitmatov Campus, the symposium aims to bring the academic knowledge of the Turkic world in communication and the arts together on a common platform. The program will cover topics including artificial intelligence, journalism, public diplomacy, cultural heritage, cinema and visual arts, and will foster academic exchange and the development of scientific collaboration.

Ambassador Ökem: The Importance of Cooperation and Communication in the Turkic World

Dr. Mekin Mustafa Kemal Ökem, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bishkek, emphasized strengthening cooperation around the shared values of the Turkic world and the role of communication in this process. Recalling İsmail Gaspıralı’s motto “Unity in language, thought and deed,” Ökem stressed the importance of developing relations among the Turkic world on the basis of a shared vision and purpose.

Noting that communication should be clear, understandable and purposeful, Ökem said institutional cooperation and networks are important for strengthening solidarity among Turkic world countries. He added that joint work in transport, logistics, energy and communication would contribute to the development of relations between countries.

Rector Ceylan: Emphasis on Shared Culture and Brotherhood at Manas University

KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan began his speech with expressions in both Turkish and Kyrgyz, saying that using the two languages together reflects the university’s shared culture and spirit of brotherhood. Describing this approach as the “Manas language,” Ceylan highlighted the importance of the ties between the Turkish and Kyrgyz peoples.

Referring to the international character of KTMU, which was established under an agreement between Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan, Ceylan described the university’s efforts to improve its education and research activities. Pointing to the Faculty of Communication’s strong standing in Türki"stan and the university’s publishing infrastructure, he said investments have been made in recent years to improve laboratories and physical facilities.

Stressing the importance of continuity in scientific meetings, Ceylan said international symposia strengthen knowledge sharing and collaboration by bringing together academics from different countries. He noted that, in line with the goal of the “Century of the Turkic World,” communication plays a role in reinforcing ties between peoples.

Prof. Dr. Besim Yıldırım: The Turkic World Should Form Its Own Voice in the Age of AI

Prof. Dr. Besim Yıldırım, Dean of the KTMU Faculty of Communication, said communication is not merely the transfer of information but a multifaceted field encompassing how information is produced, circulated and given meaning. Yıldırım noted that the influence of a limited number of organizations over international news flow also affects the visibility of different societies’ voices and the problems they face.

Observing that artificial intelligence and digital platforms are transforming communication processes, Yıldırım stressed that the Turkic world should not merely follow this change but be in a position to produce technology using its own languages, knowledge and cultural values.

Providing information about the scope of the symposium, Yıldırım said 121 papers will be presented in 24 sessions, with participants from seven countries. He said the topics, ranging from artificial intelligence and journalism to public diplomacy, cultural heritage, cinema and visual arts, will help examine current issues in communication from different angles.

Prof. Dr. B. Zakir Avşar: Cultural Diplomacy Strengthens Mutual Understanding

Invited speaker Prof. Dr. B. Zakir Avşar said that developments in communication technologies are also transforming international relations, and that culture has become one of the important elements of public diplomacy.

Stating that cultural diplomacy goes beyond a country promoting itself and also involves developing mutual understanding between different cultures, Avşar said cultural interaction helps strengthen relations between societies. He also described Rector Ceylan’s use of Turkish and Kyrgyz together in his speech as one everyday reflection of cultural diplomacy.

Award-Winning Productions of the Turkic World Documentary Film Festival Screened

As part of the opening program, screenings of the award-winning productions of the 11th Turkic World Documentary Film Festival and an awards ceremony were held. In the student category, Sabina Kıdırova’s film The Old Man and Art received the TÜRKSOY Culture and Arts Award, while Kulpunay Baktibay Kyzy’s film The Journey was awarded Best Film by the student jury.

Tınay İbragimov’s short documentary 21 Kilometers won the Organization of Turkic States Modern Tourism Belt Special Award. The program also included the Turkic World Service Awards, with the Culture and Arts Achievement Award going to TÜRKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev, and the Successful Bureaucrat Award to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şeref İba, Chief Advisor to the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye.

Academic Achievement Award for Rector Ceylan

Within the Turkic World Service Awards, KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan was presented with the Academic Achievement Award for his academic work on researching Turkic history and bringing the shared cultural heritage to light, his scientific research across a wide geography, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia, and his contributions to preserving traditional sports and games and passing them on to future generations.

The three-day 6th International Turkic World Communication and Arts Symposium will continue with scientific sessions and presentations, with the participation of academics and researchers from different countries.