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Eight thousand people gathered at the same table during the Traditional Street Iftar program organized by the Kyrgyz‑Turkish Manas University, which has been held annually for the past five years. The event, attended by ministers, ambassadors, government officials, academicians, and students, brought the spirit of Ramadan’s sharing and solidarity to the campus. Held under the slogan “One Table, Thousands of Hearts, One Campus,” the program took place along the long iftar tables set up throughout Republic (Cumhuriyet) Avenue at the Chyngyz Aitmatov Campus. Thousands of guests experienced the spirit of Ramadan’s sharing and solidarity together at the same table.

The Turkic World Gathered at the Same Table

The Traditional Street Iftar program, held for the fifth time this year at Manas University, was attended by 8,000 participants, including diplomatic representatives, government officials, bureaucrats, and students.

The street iftar held on 100th Year Republic Avenue at the Chyngyz Aitmatov Campus was attended by Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bishkek Mekin Mustafa Kemal Ökem, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Bishkek Latif Seyfeddin Oğlu Gandilov, Ambassador of Mongolia to Bishkek Ganhuyag Sodnom, Ambassador of Afghanistan to Bishkek Abdul Şakur Hakani, First Secretary of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Bishkek Rapil Coşubayev, embassy counselors and staff members, Minister of Science, Higher Education and Innovation of the Kyrgyz Republic Gulzat Isamatova, Minister of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic Damirbek Osmonov, Member of the Board of Trustees of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Meder Abakirov, Education Counselor of the Embassy of Türkiye in Bishkek Kürşat Dulkadir, Representative of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in Bishkek Tahir Osman Tahir, university rectors, members of parliament, Deputy President of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) Buğra Aydın, TİKA Bishkek Program Coordinator Mehmet Bodur, staff of the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Bishkek Kyrgyz‑Turkish Friendship Hospital, representatives of the Atalar İzi organization in Kyrgyzstan, representatives of the Kyrgyzstan Religious Affairs Commission, NGO representatives, businesspeople, members of the press, representatives of various institutions and organizations, academicians, students, and citizens.

Within the scope of the iftar program, various activities and refreshments were prepared in the event area. While the program venue was decorated with the flags of Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan, the lighting arrangements created a special Ramadan atmosphere along Republic Avenue. As part of the iftar organization, meals were served to 8,000 people at 12 different food distribution points established across the campus.

The Peace of Ramadan Felt at Chyngyz Aitmatov Campus

The program area was decorated with the flags of Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan, and the lighting arrangements created a Ramadan-themed atmosphere along Republic Avenue. Following the prayers recited before iftar, thousands of people broke their fast together at the call to prayer.

Within the scope of the event, photo areas were set up for students and guests, and traditional Ramadan gifts (diş kirası) were distributed to keep the Ramadan tradition alive. In addition to various refreshments, participants were also offered Ottoman macun (Osmanlı macunu), one of the traditional flavors of Turkish cuisine.

Traditional Ramadan Gifts Presented to Guests

During the program, the tradition of “diş kirası,” an important element of Ramadan culture, was also preserved. Small gifts symbolizing this meaningful tradition, which dates back to the Ottoman era, were distributed to students and guests attending the iftar program.

In Ottoman society, gifts presented by the host to guests invited to the iftar table as a sign of gratitude and courtesy were called “diş kirası.” These gifts were offered in appreciation of the guests presence, which was believed to bring abundance to the table. As such, they became an important part of the Ramadan tradition of sharing, solidarity, and goodwill.

This tradition was also kept alive during the street iftar organized at Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, drawing attention to the cultural heritage of Ramadan. Thanks to the distributed gifts, students and guests had the opportunity to experience an elegant example of the Turkish-Islamic tradition.

Preparations Began Days in Advance

Preparations for the Traditional Street Iftar began days in advance. The preparation process, carried out through the joint efforts of the university administration, academic and administrative staff, and students, turned the campus into a remarkable environment of solidarity.

From setting up the iftar tables along 100th Year Republic Avenue to organizing the meals, arranging the event area, and welcoming guests, every stage was meticulously planned. Staff from various units of the campus and volunteer students actively contributed to the preparations.

Rector of Kyrgyz‑Turkish Manas University Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, closely followed the preparation process and inspected the work on site in the area where the iftar program would take place. Personally checking every stage, from the arrangement of the tables to the preparation of the meals, Prof. Dr. Ceylan worked in coordination with the relevant units to ensure that the organization was completed smoothly.

Rector Prof. Dr. Ceylan Personally Attended to Guests

Throughout the iftar program, Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan closely interacted with the guests, conversed with students and attendees, congratulated them on the month of Ramadan, and took commemorative photographs.

Speaking to members of the press during the iftar program, Prof. Dr. Ceylan emphasized the spirit of unity, sharing, and solidarity that defines the month of Ramadan.

Noting that the traditional iftar program held at Manas University continues to grow each year, Prof. Dr. Ceylan stated that the fifth edition of the event this year witnessed remarkable participation. He emphasized that the iftar program, which began with approximately 1,300 participants in its early years, now brings 8,000 people together at the same table, and expressed great satisfaction that this blessed gathering continues to grow and unite more people each year.

Highlighting that the university brings together students from different regions, Prof. Dr. Ceylan said: “Our students come from Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, and various regions of the Turkic world. They are not only hardworking and successful youth but also individuals who are moral and devoted to their values. The atmosphere of unity and brotherhood that has emerged here today is one of the finest examples of this understanding.”

Prof. Dr. Ceylan also stated that throughout the month of Ramadan, iftar meals are provided free of charge to all students, noting that this initiative is made possible through the contributions of philanthropists and university academicians.

Guests and students attending the program expressed their satisfaction at experiencing the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan together at Manas University and emphasized the university’s role in bringing different cultures together.

Ramadan Events to Continue at KTMU

Since the beginning of Ramadan, various events reflecting the spiritual atmosphere of the holy month have been organized across the campus of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University. In addition to providing free iftar meals to students every day during Ramadan, the university administration continues to foster a spirit of sharing and solidarity through cultural events, social responsibility activities, and various programs that bring students together.

The 2026 Traditional Street Iftar, organized within this framework, brought together thousands of people with the peace and abundance of Ramadan, strengthening the sense of unity and brotherhood on the university campus. Ramadan-related events planned at KTMU will continue in the coming days.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATION OFFICE