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The improvised minstrel duel event titled “The Spirit of Manas, the Fire of Inspiration: Friendship Between University and Theatre”, organized in cooperation between Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University and the Kyrgyz Republic National Manas State Theatre, brought traditional oral culture together with younger generations. Held at the Kasym Tynystanov Conference Hall of KTMU, the program carried the tradition of minstrel duels, an important part of the shared cultural heritage of the Turkic world - onto the stage, where participants demonstrated their improvisational verbal skills and stage performances.

Rector Ceylan: “Culture Exists Only If It Is Lived”

Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan emphasized that universities are institutions that carry cultural memory into the future, noting that alongside being educated as qualified individuals, it is equally important for students to preserve and sustain their cultural values. Stating that “Culture exists only if it is lived,” he underlined that bringing traditional arts together with younger generations is indispensable for preserving social identity.

Referring to Chyngyz Aitmatov’s concept of “mankurtization,” Prof. Dr. Ceylan pointed out that societies drifting away from their cultural values may face identity erosion. He added that students of Manas University represent not only the future of Kyrgyzstan but also that of different regions of the Turkic world, and praised them for setting an example through their diligence, sense of responsibility, and academic integrity.

Rector Ceylan also highlighted the importance of reading the Epic of Manas, one of the most significant sources of Kyrgyz culture, noting that a digital version of the epic has been made accessible within the university, allowing students to benefit from this resource. He stressed that cultural activities should not be treated as one-time events but should be sustained regularly with continuity.

“Ibarat” Medal Presented to Rector Ceylan

As part of the event, Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan was awarded the “Ibarat” medal by the Kyrgyz Republic National Manas State Theatre in recognition of his contributions to the promotion and dissemination of the Epic of Manas.

12 Young Minstrels Took the Stage

A total of 12 young minstrels competed in the program, which aimed to preserve cultural heritage and support young talents. According to the determined matchups, participants took the stage and showcased both their individual talents and their mastery of traditional oral art through mutual improvisational exchanges. A jury composed of representatives from the Manas State Theatre and university academicians evaluated the contestants based on criteria such as content strength, improvisation skills, language use, and stage performance.

Top Performers Awarded

Following the evaluations, the successful contestants advanced to the semifinals. In the final stage, the top-ranking minstrels were determined, and first, second, and third-place awards were presented at the end of the event.