Celebration of the 70th birthday of Prof. Dr. Abdıldacan Akmataliyev, the ‘Danaker’ of the Turkic World, at TURKSOY
The 70th birthday of Professor Dr. Abdıldacan Akmataliyev, a master of Kyrgyz literature and a world-renowned pioneer in the study of Manas and Aitmatov, was celebrated at an international conference organised by the International Organisation for Turkic Culture (TURKSOY).
Hosted by TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev, the conference entitled ‘A Symbol of Unity in the Turkic World: DANAKER’ took place in Ankara on October 27th, 2026. The event was attended by representatives of diplomatic missions, scholars and cultural figures from across the Turkic World. The event began with a visit of a photography and book exhibition showcasing Akmataliyev’s scholarly works, followed by a screening of the documentary entitled “The Danaker of the Turkic World”.
Prof. Dr. Ilyas Topsakal: “Science creates a shared memory through written knowledge”
Following the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Ilyas Topsakal, President of the Chingis Aitmatov Institute, was the first to speak during the official addresses, highlighting the vital importance of scientists to societies and cultures. Topsakal explained that, thanks to science, knowledge is transcribed into writing, thereby creating an unshakeable ‘collective memory’ that sustains nations. Describing Akmataliyev as a monumental scholar who has documented the literature of the Turkic World through monumental works, Topsakal emphasised that he is one of the most important architects of this collective memory.
Unique contribution to the literary treasure of the Turkic World
Marat Tagaev, the Kyrgyz Republic’s Representative to TÜRKSOY, greeted the participants on behalf of Secretary-General Sultan Raev and in his own name, and celebrated Akmataliyev’s 70th birthday. Tagaev noted that Akmataliyev, holder of the Second Class ‘Manas’ Order, had made an unparalleled contribution not only to Kyrgyz national humanities but also to the literary heritage of the entire Turkic World. Describing the distinguished academic as ‘a unifying ambassador of the heart’ (Danaker), who has elevated Chingis Aitmatov’s literary legacy and revitalised research. Tagaev shared the following information: “Throughout his professional career, Abdıldacan Amanturoviç has forged an unbreakable bond between science and culture, authoring over 1,000 works, mentoring more than 100 students and spearheading over 500 international conferences and symposia.”
Manas and Aitmatov Studies
Speaking at the session of the conference which featured paper presentations, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurzina Isaeva, the Head of the Aitmatov Research Centre at the Chingis Aitmatov Institute of Literature, affiliated with the Office of the President of Kyrgyzstan, detailed Akmataliyev’s forty-year academic journey. Isaeva emphasised that monumental works such as the 33-volume “History, Encyclopaedia and Anthology of the Literature of the Turkic World”, prepared under Akmataliyev’s coordination, are used as textbooks at universities in Turkey. It was noted that Akmataliyev, who pioneered the publication of the ‘Manas Epic’ in Turkish in Elazığ, is also preparing comprehensive encyclopaedias in four languages to mark the 100th anniversary of Chingis Aitmatov’s birth (2028). Şener Bulut, one of the directors of the Anatolian Cultural Projects, noted that the script for the Chingis Aitmatov documentary broadcast on TRT was taken directly from Akmataliyev’s article, and paid a tribute to the late Roza Aytmatova.
Associate Professor Dr. Kemal Göz: “The Man Who Brings Together What Has Been Severed and Gathers What Has Been Scattered”
Addressing participants in Kyrgyz language at the session of the conference which featured paper presentations, TURKSOY representative Assoc. Prof. Dr Kemal Göz emphasised that with its research on Manas and Aitmatov, Akmataliyev’s precious work represents an invaluable treasure for the Turkic World. Summarising the concept of ‘Danaker’—which gave the conference its name—in his own words, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Göz concluded his speech with the following remarks: “Danaker means: the man who binds what is severed, gathers what is scattered, and unites the hearts of the peoples. Our professor is precisely this kind of person who builds bridges to bring peoples together. Happy 70th birthday; may you always be with us.”
The conference also featured paper presentations by distinguished figures such as the scholar Doscan Sayranbayev, Vice-Chancellor Cayıl Sadıkbek Kızı, Senior Researcher Nurgül Osmonaliyeva and Prof. Dr. Berdi Sarıev.
Loyalty is the greatest value of our shared culture
Prof. Dr. Abdıldacan Akmataliyev, the guest of honour invited to the podium to deliver the closing address, expressed his gratitude to TURKSOY and its Secretary General Sultan Raev for this meaningful event organised in his honour. Addressing his colleagues and students who had travelled from various corners of the Turkic World to share the celebration, Akmataliyev stated: “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all my friends, who are passionate about Manas and Aitmatov, for not leaving me alone on such a special day. Loyalty is the greatest value of our shared culture and brotherhood.”
The conference ended with the handover of certificates of appreciation.
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