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The “Eurasian Symposium on History, Language, and Cultural Studies,” organized in collaboration with the Atatürk Supreme Council for Culture, Language and History of the Republic of Türkiye, the Turkish Historical Society, Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, and Ankara University, commenced on March 24, 2026, hosted by Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University.

The opening ceremony of the symposium, held at the Kasym Tynystanov Conference Hall, was attended by the President of the Turkish Historical Society Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen, KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Vice-Rectors Prof. Dr. İsmet Altıntaş and Prof. Dr. Kamalbek Karymshakov, Secretary-General Dr. Fatih Ramazan İstanbullugil, Dean of Ankara University Faculty of Languages, History and Geography Prof. Dr. İrfan Albayrak, as well as academicians, guests from the Turkic World, students, and members of the press.

Chair of the Organizing Committee and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at KTMU Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Aşık, provided general information about the symposium, noting that it is structured around five main themes focusing on the Turkic World.

Prof. Dr. Aşık stated that papers covering various fields such as language, history, archaeology, and geography would be presented in a total of 10 in-person sessions. He emphasized that the symposium aims to offer new perspectives and insights while strengthening the ties among friendly and brotherly nations united by a shared history and culture.

Following the introductory remarks, the opening session of the symposium was held under the chairmanship of KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, with valuable contributions from the President of the Turkish Historical Society Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen, the Dean of Ankara University Faculty of Languages, History and Geography Prof. Dr. İrfan Albayrak, and KTMU Department of History faculty member Prof. Dr. Anvarbek Mokeev.

“History is the Greatest Teacher of Politics”

In his speech, Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan recalled Ziya Pasha’s famous saying, “History is the greatest teacher of politics,” emphasizing the guiding role of history. He stated, “The greatest teacher is history; everyone must learn from it,” underlining its significance for societies.

Rector Prof. Dr. Ceylan also highlighted the importance of the Turkish Historical Society, founded on April 15, 1931, upon the instructions of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. He noted that since its establishment, the institution has carried out highly valuable work not only for Türkiye but also for the Turkic World and global history. He added that symposiums and congresses hold a special place among these activities and expressed his belief that this jointly organized symposium would make significant contributions to the field of history and the Turkic World.

President Prof. Dr. Özgen: “For 95 Years, the Turkish Historical Society Has Contributed to Turkish and World History”

In his address, President of the Turkish Historical Society Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen shared key insights into the institution’s activities, its work related to the Turkic World, and its global vision. Drawing attention to the 95th anniversary of the institution, Prof.Dr. Özgen reminded that it was founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and continues its activities under his moral legacy and with state support, carrying out scientific research on Turkish and world history for nearly a century.

Recalling Atatürk’s words, “Our ancestors who founded great states possessed great and comprehensive civilizations. It is our duty to research and make this known to the Turks,” Prof.Dr. Özgen stated that this vision continues to guide the institution. He added, “Wherever there is a trace related to the Turks, the Turkish Historical Society pursues it,” emphasizing the scope of their work.

Prof.Dr. Özgen also touched upon activities related to the Turkic World, noting that historical research and writing continue across a wide geography, including Kyrgyzstan. He stressed that these efforts hold special importance for the institution and that their work extends beyond history to fields such as geography and archaeology. He also mentioned ongoing book series focusing on the lives of prominent statesmen and important cities.

Prof. Dr. Albayrak: “Cooperation in the Turkic World Will Yield Tangible Results in the Future”

Dean of Ankara University Faculty of Languages, History and Geography Prof. Dr. İrfan Albayrak thanked the host institution and noted that the faculty, founded in 1935 under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is one of Türkiye’s first modern faculties. He stated that today it has become a major center in the social sciences with approximately 10,000 students and nearly 500 academic and administrative staff. Prof.Dr. Albayrak highlighted that the faculty contributes both to academia and the preservation of cultural heritage through its rich structure, where numerous world languages are taught, and through archaeological excavations conducted across Türkiye. Emphasizing the importance of academic cooperation within the Turkic World, he noted that Türkiye shares its experience with countries such as Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, and that organizations like the Organization of Turkic States and the Turkic Academy are becoming increasingly influential. He expressed confidence that these collaborations will produce more concrete outcomes in the future.

Prof. Dr. Mokeev: “Kyrgyz History Cannot Be Considered Independently from the Turkic World”

The final speaker of the session, Prof. Dr. Anvarbek Mokeev emphasized the importance of the symposium for the Turkic World. He noted that interest in history has significantly increased in Kyrgyzstan, particularly during the years of independence. Prof.Dr. Mokeev also addressed certain misconceptions about Kyrgyz history, pointing out that in some sources history is interpreted in a mythological manner, while scientific research continues to provide accurate perspectives. He stressed that Kyrgyz history cannot be considered separately from the history of other Turkic peoples, stating, “It is not possible to examine the history of the Kyrgyz and Kyrgyzstan independently from other Turkic nations.” He further noted that an extensive archaeology museum has been established at Manas University based on findings from archaeological excavations, and that ongoing projects are providing a strong scientific foundation for historians in Kyrgyzstan.

 “KTMU 30th Anniversary Service Medal” Ceremony

Following the opening session, certificates of appreciation were presented to the speakers. Additionally, symposium partners and contributing academicians were honored with the “KTMU 30th Anniversary Service Medal” by Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan. The symposium will continue for two days with scientific presentations and discussions across 10 sessions, bringing together leading scholars in their respective fields.