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Forty saplings were planted in memory of the late Dr. Yakup Ömeroğlu in the Turkic World Memorial Forest located on the campus of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University. The event was attended by Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. İsmet Altıntaş, academic staff, and students.

Rector Ceylan: “Each sapling will become a memory planted in the shared heritage of the Turkic world”

Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan stated that the saplings planted during the event would be dedicated to prominent intellectuals of the Turkic world, emphasizing that this afforestation activity represents a meaningful step toward preserving cultural memory. Highlighting Dr. Yakup Ömeroğlu’s significance for the Turkic world, Prif. Dr. Ceylan said: “Dr. Yakup Ömeroğlu holds a special place in the shared cultural memory of the Turkic world. As a university, we continue to honor this valuable legacy through various activities. Most recently, we organized the 10th International Young Turkologists Symposium in his memory, and now his name will be immortalized through these saplings.”

“We Plant 3,000 Plants Each Year with the Goal of Creating the Manas Grove”

Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan noted that the afforestation and landscaping efforts on campus are not limited to planting trees and saplings, but are part of a comprehensive environmental planning vision. He stated that regular activities are carried out each year within this framework: “In line with our goal of establishing the Manas Grove, we bring an average of 3,000 plants to the soil each year on our campus, including shrubs, vines, roses, and similar landscaping plants.” Rector Ceylan also emphasized that the periodic afforestation efforts aim to strengthen environmental awareness and instill a sense of responsibility toward nature among students. He underlined that every green area created on campus contributes both to university life and to a shared legacy for future generations. He added that protecting nature also means preserving cultural and human values.

 Who is Dr. Yakup Ömeroğlu?

Dr. Yakup Ömeroğlu, a distinguished academic, writer, and cultural figure known for his work on the Turkic world, was born in 1966 in Çankırı. Alongside his academic and administrative roles, he became prominent for his efforts to strengthen cultural ties across the Turkic world. Dr. Ömeroğlu served as the founding president of the Eurasian Writers Union, established in 2006, and led numerous cultural and literary initiatives that brought together writers, poets, and intellectuals from across the Turkic world. He is also remembered for his contributions to publishing activities, including the journal Kardeş Kalemler, which supported the circulation of Turkic world literature. In addition, he played an active role in youth initiatives, cultural diplomacy, and organizations related to Turkology. His name continues to be commemorated through various academic and memorial events organized at Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University. Notably, the 10th International Young Turkologists Symposium, hosted by the university, was also held in his honor.