― 10 сентября 2026 г.

‘The Unique Voice of the Steppe’ : Event hosted by TURKSOY in honour of Manarbek Erjanov in Ankara

The  commemorative event organised in cooperation of the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) with the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan and the Province of Karagandy  was held in Ankara on the 125th anniversary of the birthday of Manarbek Erjanov, the distinguished singer, dombra player, composer and actor of Kazakhstan.

The life, art and legacy of Manarbek Erjanov, the People’s Artist of Kazakhstan and great artist of the Kazakh people were commemorated in an event held in Ankara under the motto “The Unique Voice of the Steppe”.

The event, hosted by TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev at the headquarters of the organisation was attended by H. E. Mr. Yerkebulan Sapıyev, the  Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Ankara and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Organisation of Turkic States, H. E. Mr. Reşad Aslanov, the  Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Ankara, H. E. Mr. Ruslan Kazakbaev, the  Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Ankara, H. E. Mr. Mekan Ishanguliyev, the  Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Ankara, Mr. Galymzhan Ötelbayuly, the Head of the Department of Culture, Archives and Documentation of the Province of Karagandy, Prof. Düsen Kasseinov, the former Minister of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan, Mr. Serik Aksunkarulı, the state artist, poet and author and Mr. Talgat Idrissov, the Chairman of the Kali Bayjanov Concert Association.

Secretary General Raev: “Erjanov’s art reflects the vast horizons of the Kazakh steppe”

Addressing participants at the opening of the event and during the round-table discussion, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev stated that this event  was not merely a celebration of the anniversary of the birthday of the a great artist, but also a tribute paid to the traditional art of the Kazakh people and their spiritual heritage, passed down from one generation to the next.

Emphasising that Manarbek Erjanov is an essential part of Kazakh art and culture, Secretary General Raev said: “Erjanov’s art reflects the vast horizons of the Kazakh steppe; the joy, sorrow, dreams and spirit of the people.” Drawing attention to the fact that culture and art are among the most powerful areas bringing Turkic peoples together, Secretary General Raev stated that: “Music is one of the strongest carriers of this shared memory. Melodies sung in different regions, the various musical modes and the diverse artistic traditions actually remind us of our common roots.”

Ambassador Sapıyev emphasised cultural interaction

Speaking at the event, H. E. Mr. Yerkebulan Sapıyev, the  Ambassador of Kazakhstan  to Ankara, highlighted the importance of such commemorations in deepening cultural interaction between Türkiye and Kazakhstan. Ambassador Sapıyev further stated that: “The preservation and promotion of our shared values, such as those embodied by Manarbek Erjanov in Anatolia further strengthen the ties of friendship and cultural integration between our two kindred peoples.”

Mr. Galymzhan Ötelbaiuly, the Head of the Department of Culture, Archives and Documentation of the Province of Karagandy who also took the floor at the ceremony, noted that Erjanov left a distinctive and unique mark on the art of the Kazakh dombra and said that such events build a spiritual bridge between Karagandy (Sariarka) and Anatolia. Mr. Ötelbaiuly further said: “I hope that this artistic path stretching from Sariarka to Anatolia will never be severed.”

At the commemorative event, the Kazakh poet and author Serik Aksunkaruly recited his poem entitled “A Ballad on the Era of Manarbek Erjanov” which he wrote in memory of the great artist.

Melodies of the steppe came to Ankara

The event also featured a concert of  the ‘Arka Sazy’ Folk Ensemble from the Province of Karagandy in Kazakhstan which introduced selected examples of ancient Kazakh musical tradition to art lovers in the capital. Alongside the ensemble, the famous artists Serjan Musain, Nurlıtan Sayatkızı and Gulmira Tapai, who also took the scene at the concert received strong applause for their performance.

Following a documentary shedding light on Manarbek Erjanov’s  life and work, the event went on with the handover of plaquettes and awards as a remembrance of the day. TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev handed over plaquettes and certificates of appreciation to Prof. Dusen Kasseinov, Galymzhan Ötelbaiuly, Serik Aksunkaruly and Talgat Idrissov in recognition of their participation and contributions.