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Following the decision taken at UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference, held on 3 November 2025 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to declare 15 December as “World Turkic Language Family Day,” Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU) hosted a special conference and cultural program to mark this meaningful occasion.

The event, held at the KTMU Congress and Culture Center, was attended by KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. İsmet Altıntaş and Prof. Dr. Kamalbek Karymshakov, Secretary General Dr. Fatih Ramazan İstanbullugil, as well as numerous academicians and students.

Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan: “Language Is the Life of a Nation”

In his opening speech, KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan emphasized that the declaration of 15 December as “World Turkic Language Family Day” by UNESCO represents an important step toward the recognition of Turkic languages and culture. Drawing attention to the statement “Language is the life of a nation,” Prof. Dr. Ceylan underlined that language is the main element of a nation’s existence and continuity.

He stressed that protecting and sustaining the Turkic language is both a historical and cultural responsibility. Referring to the deep-rooted heritage of the Turkic language, Prof. Dr. Ceylan highlighted the importance of understanding, interpreting, and transmitting foundational works such as Kutadgu Bilig, Divânü Lügati’t-Türk and the Göktürk inscriptions to future generations.

Emphasizing the need to strengthen linguistic awareness, Prof. Dr. Ceylan stated: “We have a duty to carry the magnificence of the past into the future. Language is the most important tool in fulfilling this responsibility.” He added that World Turkic Language Family Day symbolizes the commitment to protecting the Turkic language and ensuring its transmission to future generations, noting that Turkic languages serve as a powerful guarantee of unity and solidarity.

Prof. Dr. Gürer Gülsevin: “Language Reflects the Soul”

Within the scope of the conference held for 15 December World Turkic Language Family Day, the historical development, current status, and future prospects of Turkic languages were discussed. The keynote speaker was Prof. Dr. Gürer Gülsevin, a distinguished scholar with significant contributions to Turkic language studies.

In his presentation titled “The Turkic Language: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” Prof. Dr. Gülsevin comprehensively evaluated the historical depth of the Turkic language family, which has spread from Central Asia to the Balkans. He addressed its dialectal richness, shared cultural heritage, and place in the modern world.

Prof. Dr. Gülsevin emphasized the symbolic importance of 15 December, noting that the day highlights the deep roots, ancient history, and early written texts of Turkic languages, all of which hold universal significance. He also discussed the historical development of Turkic languages across different geographies, stating that this diversity has enriched the language family.

Referring to the current status of Turkic languages and their position among world languages, Prof. Dr. Gülsevin pointed out that Turkish is among the most widely learned foreign languages worldwide. He emphasized that the strength of Turkic languages can be further enhanced through joint efforts in education, literature, and cultural cooperation.

Concluding his speech with the statement “Language reflects the soul,” Prof. Dr. Gülsevin highlighted that language is not merely a means of communication, but also a reflection of shared culture and worldview. He stressed: “Our duty is to maintain diversity and richness while strengthening cooperation.”

At the end of the conference, KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan presented the KTMU 30th Anniversary Medal to Prof. Dr. Gürer Gülsevin.

A Special Concert for World Turkic Language Family Day

Following the conference, a special concert dedicated to World Turkic Language Family Day was organized by the Faculty of Fine Arts of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University.

The concert opened with a performance by the university’s Manas Kızları Dance Group, followed by Turkic folk dances and vocal performances by Ibragim Junusov. During the event, the Jetigen Komuz Group performed the piece “Min Kıyial.”

The concert program featured a rich repertoire of melodies from Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Kerkuk, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Karachay, reflecting the shared cultural heritage of the Turkic world.

The evening concluded with a lively pop medley performed by faculty members and students of the Kyrgyz National University of Culture and Arts, leaving the audience with an unforgettable celebration of Turkic language and culture.