News

The academic staff of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU) came together at a gathering held to mark the beginning of the 2026–2027 Academic Year. The event brought together faculty members from different faculties and academic units to discuss the University’s goals for the new academic year and their academic responsibilities.

Speaking to the academic staff at the event, which was also attended by Prof. Dr. Mehmet Naci İnci, Rector of Boğaziçi University, KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan expressed his hope that the new academic year would be beneficial for the University, its academics, and its students, and wished all faculty members a successful and productive year.

Emphasizing that universities derive their strength not only from their academic knowledge and expertise but also from their ability to unite around shared goals and foster a culture of collaboration, Ceylan noted that KTMU’s strong academic and cultural ties between Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan give this understanding a special significance.

“Yntymak yrysty arttyrat”: Unity Brings Greater Success and Prosperity

Rector Ceylan placed particular emphasis on the Kyrgyz culture of unity and solidarity within the Manas community, recalling the saying “Yntymak yrysty arttyrat,” meaning “Unity increases prosperity and happiness.” He noted that this saying carries an important message for KTMU’s institutional culture as well. Ceylan emphasized that bringing together faculty members from different disciplines, cultures, and academic traditions around a common purpose is one of the University’s greatest sources of strength.

He stated that the Manas community would become stronger as it continued to work toward common goals, noting that cooperation and solidarity are essential to every aspect of the University’s activities—from academic achievement and scientific research to student development and contributions to society.

Students at the Heart of the University

Pointing out that the beginning of a new academic year also marks a new period of responsibility for academics, Rector Ceylan said that an academic’s role goes beyond simply transferring knowledge. It also involves guiding students as they develop their ways of thinking, self-confidence, professional identities, and visions for the future. He emphasized that communication and meaningful relationships with students are an integral part of the educational process.

Ceylan noted that a faculty member whom students encounter during their university years can sometimes influence their career choices, academic interests, and perspectives on life. He therefore stressed the importance of fostering an academic culture based on accessibility, constructive engagement, encouragement, and mutual respect.

“Every Student Has a Hidden Gem Waiting to Be Shaped”

Reflecting on the role of academics in students’ development, Rector Ceylan drew on the thought of Mevlânâ and recalled the metaphor of a stone being shaped and transformed into a precious gem. He emphasized that every student possesses different talents, interests, and potential for growth, and that one of the key responsibilities of academics is to recognize this potential and create a learning environment that enables students to discover and develop their own abilities.

Ceylan noted that just as transforming a stone into a valuable gemstone requires effort, patience, and craftsmanship, students’ academic and personal development also requires time, attention, and appropriate guidance. He added that the impact faculty members have on their students’ career journeys often extends far beyond the classroom and their university years.

Ceylan called on academics not to evaluate students solely on the basis of their academic performance, but to strengthen an approach that nurtures their curiosity, encourages them to ask questions, makes room for different perspectives, and helps them develop confidence in themselves.

Academic Success Becomes Lasting Through a Strong Culture of Education

Rector Ceylan stated that KTMU continues to advance in the areas of education, research, and community engagement. He emphasized that a university’s true success should be measured not only by scientific indicators but also by the quality of the students it educates and the contribution it makes to society.

Ceylan noted that a high-quality university culture requires a learning experience that begins in the classroom but extends well beyond it. He emphasized that academics are the cornerstone of this culture through their scholarly expertise, ethical responsibilities, communication with students, and guidance and mentorship of young people.

Stressing the need to further strengthen the student-centered approach to education in the new academic year, Ceylan highlighted the importance of students taking an active role in university life—from academic advising and classroom interaction to scientific research and social and cultural activities.