― 15 февраля 2025 г.

Secretary General Raev attended the opening ceremony of the Chingis Aitmatov Institute

TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev emphasised the cultural unity of the Turkic world at the opening ceremony of Chingis Aitmatov Institute
 

The Chingis Aitmatov Institute established in Ankara in order to keep his memory alive as he is one of the most important representatives of the literary and cultural heritage of the Turkic World, and to ensure the transmission of Turkic culture to future generations, was inaugurated with a magnificent ceremony in Ankara. The ceremony was attended by TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev, scholars, artists, literary figures and many guests.
 

Emotional moments and strong messages at the ceremony
 

During the opening ceremony, videos on the life and works of Chingis Aitmatov were screened and messages sent by young people from different parts of the Turkic World were shared. Speaking at the ceremony, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev emphasised the importance to preserve  Turkic culture in the changing world order. ‘The world we live in has a rapidly changing balance; the balance of power is shifting, borders are changing, technology is advancing. In  the midst of all these transformations, we have to ask ourselves whether we are able to preserve the spirit, conscience and core values of man. This is the most important question!’
 

Mr. Raev who emphasised the value of Chingis Aitmatov for the Turkic World further said: ‘He is the common value, common voice and common consciousness not only of the Kyrgyz people but also of the entire Turkic World. His works are the literary message of Turkic peoples to the world. Aitmatov is a philosopher who introduces Turkic culture to humanity...’
 

In his speech, Raev also expressed his gratitude to the wise leader of the Turkic World Dr. Devlet Bahçeli and emphasised his contributions to Turkic culture and unity. Secretary General Raev said: ‘Mr. Devlet Bahçeli showed great will and support in the establishment of the Chingis Aitmatov Institute. These steps he has taken to preserve the cultural heritage of the Turkic World are an indication of his vast vision and his commitment to the Turkic World.’

The Institute will keep  the common memory of the Turkic World alive
 

Stating that the Chingis Aitmatov Institute is an important step towards strengthening the cultural unity of the Turkic World, Raev said: ‘This institute is not only a scientific and cultural centre, but also a bridge that will keep the common memory of the Turkic World alive, a torch of wisdom.’ Raev made an emotional speech at the end of his speech and said: ‘There were two Chingis in history, the first conquered with power, the second conquered with words. This is the great Turkic word! Chingis Aitmatov's roots are Turkic, his soul is Kyrgyz! He devoted his whole life to the great Turkic nation and always desired the unity and brotherhood of the Turkic peoples.’
 

Meaningful messages from the Founding President of the Institute Prof. Dr. Ilyas Topsakal
 

In his speech, Prof. Dr. Ilyas Topsakal, the founding president of the institute, emphasised the importance of learning Turkic cultural tradition and historical consciousness. ‘The life of great people is similar to the life of nations; they are at the same time the mirror of our nation's past, and the cornerstones of its future,’ Topsakal said. Stating that the works of Chingis Aitmatov reflect the common values of the Turkic World, Topsakal said: ‘Works such as Mother Earth, The White Ship, The Red Apple, The Dreams of the She-Wolf tell us about our history, love, hope and pain. These works teach the youth of Turkic peoples about their past and shed light on the future.’
 

Exhibition and upcoming events
 

Following the ceremony, an exhibition of paintings depicting the works of Chingis Aitmatov was presented to the participants. In addition, at the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Institute, plans for the events to be held in Kyrgyzstan on June 9th-15th, 2025 and the painting exhibition and concert to be held in a European country in November 2025 were shared.
 

May it be beneficial for the Turkic World

The ceremony ended with the hope that the Chingis Aitmatov Institute will be an important step towards strengthening the cultural unity of the Turkic World and keeping common values alive. The Institute aims to keep the common memory of the Turkic World alive by assuming a leading role in the transfer of Turkic culture to future generations.