― 14 ноября 2013 г.

Chinghiz Aitmatov and the Issyk Kul Forum

On the occasion of the 85^th Anniversary of his birthday, the world famous Kyrgyz author Chinghiz Aitmatov is being commemorated with various events in Kyrgyzstan and abroad.

On November 14^th, 2013, a meeting entitled "Chinghiz Aitmatov and the Issyk Kul Forum" was held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan and Issyk Kul. At the forum, the International Organization of Turkic Culture TURKSOY was represented by its Deputy Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fırat Purtaş.

The President of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev who took the floor at the opening ceremony of the Ata Beyit Mausoleum of Aitmatov within the framework of commemoration events said that the death of Aitmatov has been an irreplaceable loss for Kyrgyzstan. Mr. Atambayev who also stressed his belief in a bright future for the Kyrgyz people who sacrificed their lives for justice and freedom, said that he is fully confident in the fact that the kyrgyz people will bring forward other great leaders such as Manas and Aitmatov.

The opening ceremony of the forum took place in the presence of Kyrgyz ministers and members of parliament along with representatives of 18 countries including Turkey, Russia, Iran and the USA.

The President of the Grand National Assembly of Kyrgyzstan Asılbek Ceenbekov who also took the floor at the forum said that it is a great source of pride to know that Aitmatov stands for the Kyrgyz people and is the symbol of Kyrgyzstan.

The last President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev also sent a message to the participants of the forum. In his message, Mr. Gorbachev said that he still remembers the issues dealt with at the first Issyk Kul Forum held in 1986 and expressed his appreciation as to the commemoration of Aitmatov who is a great source of pride for the Krgyz people.

The Chairman of the Ataturk, Culture, Language and History Institute Prof. Dr. Derya Ors who was also among the keynote speakers of the forum said that through his legacy, Chinghiz Aitmatov has left a great cultural heritage behind him not only for the Kyrgyz people but also for the entire world. Prof. Ors also said that, Aitmatov who has always been an advocate of peace, brotherhood and friendship among peoples has offered the key to peaceful cohabitation to the entire humanity.

Within the framework of the forum a theatre festival entitled "Art Orda” also took place in Kyrgyzstan. The opening of the festival featured an adaptation of one of Aitmatov's famous theatre plays performed by the Oyunsky Theatre of the Sakha Republic. In this play, Aitmatov uses a boat as an allegory of life and hope. Kirisk, the protagonist and his three fellow friends on the boat struggle to stay alive despite all difficulties. Here, Kirisk who his their leader, and the sea stand for confidence in the future.

On the second day of the forum which is to last until November 17^th, 2013 all participants further carried out their activities at Issyk Kul.