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Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU) celebrated Nowruz, a shared cultural heritage of the Turkic world, with a rich and vibrant program. The events, held at the Culture and Congress Center, offered participants unforgettable moments through a wide range of activities, from traditional rituals to stage performances.

The Nowruz Celebration Program was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bishkek Dr. Mekin Mustafa Kemal Ökem, the Representative of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in Bishkek Tahir Osman Tahir, KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Vice-Rectors Prof. Dr. İsmet Altıntaş and Prof. Dr. Kamalbek Karymshakov, Secretary-General Dr. Fatih Ramazan İstanbullugil, Counselor of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Bishkek Zülfugar Tanarverdi, Second-Secretary of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Bishkek Bahar Berdieva, Director of Erzurum Olgunlaşma Institute Fatma Taşbaşı, institute’s representatives, representatives of various institutions and organizations, as well as academicians, students, guests, and members of the press.

Nowruz Spirit with Traditional Games and Exhibition

The program began with sports activities, traditional games, and competitions held at the entrance of the KTMU Culture and Congress Center. Visitors had the opportunity to participate in traditional games such as wrestling, chuko, arm wrestling, rope pulling, mangala, and balance games. In addition, an exhibition opened in the foyer of the Faculty of Fine Arts showcased traditional arts and cultural elements of the Turkic world, reflecting Nowruz’s themes of renewal, productivity, and cultural continuity.

The Meaning of Nowruz Revived through Rituals and Performances

As part of the celebrations, symbolic performances reflecting the ancient cultural heritage of the Turkic world were staged. The stage program began with the dance performance “Manas’ın Kızları” and continued with performances emphasizing Nowruz’s strong connection with nature, production, and social solidarity.

Within this scope, Baba Dıykan symbolically reenacted the sowing of wheat, emphasizing abundance and productivity. The distribution of sümölök, accompanied by Umay Ene’s Nowruz prayer, highlighted the values of sharing and unity. A scene from the Epic of Manas was also performed, reminding the audience of the rich oral tradition of the Turkic world.

The stage program continued with performances representing the traditional aytış (improvised poetic duel), as well as symbolic presentations of equestrian sports and the traditional Kok Boru game.

Turkic World Culture Presented Through Fashion Show and Concert

As part of the celebrations, a fashion show prepared by the Erzurum Olgunlaşma Institute was presented. Inspired by ehram, an important element of Erzurum’s cultural heritage, the collection featured unique designs combining traditional weaving techniques with modern interpretations. The aesthetic of ehram, handwoven from wool and deeply rooted in women’s daily life and cultural identity in Erzurum, was brought together with the spirit of Nowruz. The fashion show, featuring a total of 30 original designs centered around the themes of the Turkic world and Nowruz, received great appreciation for its contemporary reinterpretation of traditional motifs.

Following the fashion show, a concert program took place. The Turkic World Orchestra performed on stage, and the “Komuz Duel” presented by the Dastan and Cetigen Komuz Groups attracted great attention. The event also featured performances by the Mongol Swag Dance Group, the Turkish Folk Dance Horon Group, and a modern dance group. Soloists Azat Sadykov, Gulzina Manapova, Elmira Tazhieva, and Mehmet Akif Arslan contributed to the festive atmosphere with their performances.

Ambassador Ökem: “Nowruz is a Symbol of Revival and New Beginnings”

The Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bishkek Dr. Mustafa Kemal Ökem emphasized that Nowruz represents not only a seasonal transition but also social and cultural renewal, describing it as a symbol of hope, revival, and new beginnings. Referring to Kyrgyz poetry, he stated that the powerful imagery in the poem reflects the spirit of Nowruz, adding: “Nowruz is revival; it is a new beginning. As expressed in the Kyrgyz poem we just listened to, the phrase ‘let the earth split open and grass emerge from within’ beautifully conveys this spirit.”

Rector Ceylan: “Nowruz is the Festival of the Turks”

KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan emphasized that Nowruz is a deep-rooted part of Turkic culture and noted that some societies tend to appropriate certain cultural values. Referring to this, he stated: “There are those who claim our yogurt, those who claim our baklava, and those who claim Nowruz. However, Nowruz is the festival of the Turkic people.” He further stressed that Nowruz strengthens unity, solidarity, and a shared sense of identity in the Turkic world, highlighting the importance of such events in preserving cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations.

Akyıldız: “Nowruz is a Powerful Reflection of Shared Memory and Unity in the Turkic World”

Lect. Arslantürk Akyıldız from Iğdır University emphasized that Nowruz is a common cultural heritage of the Turkic world. He noted that the celebration traditions spanning from Anatolia to various regions of the Turkic geography were concretely reflected in this program, stating: “We have witnessed here a model of how the ancient festival of Nowruz is celebrated in Anatolia and across the Turkic world. This scene reflects the ideal of unity envisioned by Ismail Gaspıralı. The fact that a shepherd in the Altai Mountains can understand the Turkish spoken in Haliç shows that this cultural foundation has taken root. Today, we see its tangible manifestation here.” He also emphasized that Nowruz is not only a celebration but a significant cultural value symbolizing the revival of the Turkic world and its collective steps toward the future.

Iron Forging Ritual Remembered

The traditional iron forging ritual, one of the most ancient and symbolic Nowruz traditions rooted in the Ergenekon Epic and symbolizing rebirth and freedom, was performed by Ambassador Dr. Mustafa Kemal Ökem and KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan.

Following the celebrations, Rector Prof. Dr. Ceylan presented the “KTMU 30th Anniversary Medal” to Rysbek Zhumakunov, People’s Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic and Conductor of the Turkic World Orchestra at KTMU Faculty of Fine Arts.