“Center for Regional Studies” at the Department of “Regional Studies and International Relations” held an international Round table “Phenomenon of the Kyrgyz epic poem “Manas” in world culture”

Center for Regional Studies at the Chair of Regional studies and International Relations (director: Prof. A.K. Kamalov) continues its activities within the framework of initiative “Cultural space of Central Asia”. On April 25, 2023, the Center held an international Round-table entitled “Phenomenon of the Kyrgyz epic poem “Manas” in world culture”. The discussion of the Round-table focused on an outstanding epic poem of the Kyrgyz people, which is a national symbol of Kyrgyzstan and an important part of Intellectual history of Central Asia. The Round-table was opened with welcoming address by the Vice-Rector of Turan University for Strategic Development, Science and Innovation Prof. D.I. Razakova and the Vice-Rector for External Relations and Doctoral Studies Prof. G.Zh. Tayauova. The plenary session included reports on the Kyrgyz epic poem “Manas”, its features and significance delivered by guests from Kyrgyzstan – Prof. D. Zh. Asakeeva and A.O. Bakesheva, as well as the Chief Research Associate of the Institute of Literature and Culture named after M.O. Auezov, CS MHES Prof. A.T. Khamrayev. The participants of the Round Table had an opportunity to listen to performance of the Kyrgyz epic poem by professional “manaschi” (Manas tellers) Ashyrbek uulu Suyunduk and Kalybek uulu Nurbek. Among those who contributed to discussion of the epic poem “Manas” were Vice-Consul of the Consulate General of the Kyrgyz Republic in Almaty N.O. Olzhabayev, Attaché on Education of the Turkish Consulate in Almaty Mehmet Kiraz, Deputy Chairman of the Kyrgyz Ethno-cultural Center “Miras” G.B. Stambekova, as well as representatives of ethno-cultural associations of Almaty. The round table was held by the Center for Regional Studies in cooperation with Foundation for Culture of the Turkic Peoples “Turan duniyasi” (director – K.N. Makhpirov), the Kyrgyz Ethno-cultural Center “Miras” and the Chair of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan at Turan University.