Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas University Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Almaz İbrayev, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Kamalbek Karımşakov, Kyrgyz Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kazı Dıkambaev Diplomatic Academy Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Aynur Corobekova, Ibn Haldun University Haydar Aliyev Center for Eurasian Studies Director Prof. Dr. Yaşar Sarı and Dr. Najiba Mustafayeva, OSCE Academy Faculty Member Dr. Şairbek Curayev attended the meeting.
‘Turkish Culture Contains an Ancient Heritage of 5000 Years’
In his opening speech of the programme, KTMU Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan drew attention to the deep history and deep-rooted heritage of Turkish culture.
Stating that Turkish culture is one of the ancient cultures of the world, Prof. Dr. Ceylan said: ‘Some scientists and bureaucrats emphasise a history of 1000 years when talking about Turkish culture. However, Turkish culture is based on a deep-rooted history of 5000 years. We carry the legacy of a civilisation that started in Altai and developed in Mongolia, organised and established states. For this reason, 1000 years of history actually expresses only a part of our cultural treasure.’
‘Turkish Culture is an Ancient Heritage to be Carried to the Future’
Prof. Dr. Ceylan stated that the Turkish nation is one of the most rooted nations in the world and said, ‘This is a source of pride for us; however, culture is kept alive as long as it is lived. As we move away from our own essence and culture, our culture has less chance of survival.’ Emphasising that cultural imperialism has become a great threat today, Rector Prof. Dr. Ceylan said: ‘This effect has entered our homes; first it started with televisions, now it is with us with phones. For this reason, we need to protect our own culture and live it. The one who has no past has no future; the wind determines the future of the leaf that breaks off from its branch. If we do not protect our roots, we will become ordinary individuals with no identity.’
Emphasising the importance of cultural values inherited from ancestors, Prof. Dr. Ceylan said: ‘We have to protect our identity; we have to know what we have learnt from our parents and ancestors.’ and underlined the need to instil cultural awareness in the young generation.
Drawing attention to the activities of the Organisation of Turkic States that contribute to cooperation and unity in the region, Rector Ceylan emphasised the role of such meetings in strengthening the spirit of unity.
‘The Organisation of Turkic States plays a key role in regional development’
Delivering the opening speech of the round table meeting held at Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas University, Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev explained the purpose of the establishment of the Organisation of Turkic States (OST) and its strategic role in the region. Prof. Dr. Ibraev stated that the CIS strengthens the historical and cultural ties between the member states and undertakes an important mission in the field of economic cooperation and security.
Prof. Dr. Ibraev also touched upon the CSTO's activities in the field of education and culture and shared detailed information about the organisation's contributions to the sustainable development of Central Asia. ‘Today, the Organisation of Turkic States has become a globally recognised organisation and contributes to regional projects. It provides great support to cultural and social development as well as its contribution to the economy.’ Prof. Dr. Ibraev emphasised that strengthening regional cooperation in Central Asia has a special importance.
‘We must take an active role to strengthen regional cooperation’
Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibrayev drew attention to the importance of the Organisation of Turkic States (CIS) in Central Asia and beyond, and stressed that the members should actively participate in strengthening regional cooperation.
‘We, as the peoples of this region and members of the CIS, are obliged to take an active part in activities aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and developing cooperation in various fields,’ Prof. Dr. Ibrayev said. Expressing his belief that the organisation will make great contributions to Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas University, Ibrayev pointed out that the CIS offers great opportunities for universities and other educational institutions within the framework of cooperation.
Following the opening speeches, the round table meeting was entitled ‘Realisation of Regional Unity: The Role of the Organisation of Turkic States in Central Asia and Beyond’. The panel was moderated by KTMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Kamalbek Karımşakov.
Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibrayev, Acting Rector of KTMU, Prof. Dr. Aynur Corobekova, Faculty Member of the Kazı Dykambaev Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Prof. Dr. Yasar Sari, Director of the Haydar Aliev Center for Eurasian Studies at Ibn Khaldun University, and Dr. Najba Mustafayeva, member of the Center, and Dr. Şairbek Curayev, Faculty Member of the OSCE Academy made their presentations at the panel.
During the meeting, the strengthening influence of the CIS in Central Asia and beyond and its contributions to regional unity were discussed, and the participants exchanged views on strategic steps to strengthen cooperation among the Turkic world.
The event, which proceeded in the form of question-answer, was very productive with the scientific discussions of the participants.
At the end of the event, Certificates of Appreciation were presented to the speakers.
The meeting ended with a souvenir photo shoot.
