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Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU) hosted a significant cultural event that highlighted the rich heritage of traditional Kyrgyz arts. The exhibition titled “A Lifetime on the Path of Art,” held at the University’s Congress and Culture Center, brought together art lovers with examples of traditional handicrafts and ethno-design. Organized in line with the vision of the Presidency of the Kyrgyz Republic, “National Spirit – Global Summit,” the exhibition presented works reflecting Kyrgyz folk culture and traditional aesthetic values.

The program, organized on the occasion of the 60th birthday of Burul Mambetova, lecturer at KTMU Faculty of Fine Arts, painter, and ethno-designer, was attended by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Edil Baysalov, Ambassador of Hungary to Kyrgyzstan Şandor Dorogi, Deputy Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy Askarali Madaminov, Member of Jogorku Kenesh Saltanat Abdıldaevna, Deputy Rector of KTMU Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev, Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. İsmet Altıntaş, Vice-Rector of Kyrgyz Technical University Erkingül Sarınbekova, along with numerous academicians, students, guests, and members of the press.

A Documentary Showcasing Burul Mambetova’s Artistic Journey

As part of the program, a documentary film presenting Burul Mambetova’s artistic experience was screened. The film introduced her works, which combine Kyrgyz culture, traditional handicrafts, and creative production within a unique aesthetic framework. It emphasized her mastery in blending traditional and modern aesthetics, particularly through garments, objects, and accessories made from wool without the use of needles.

Appreciation from Deputy Chairman Baysalov

Deputy Chairman Edil Baysalov expressed his gratitude to Burul Mambetova for her contributions to Kyrgyz culture, underlining the importance of preserving traditional handicrafts and passing them on to future generations. He also thanked Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University for its efforts in preserving, sustaining, and promoting Kyrgyz cultural heritage, noting that such initiatives strengthen collective memory. A congratulatory message from Akylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Presidential Administration, was also shared. The message praised Mambetova’s dedication to preserving and promoting traditional Kyrgyz handicrafts internationally and highlighted her innovative interpretation of felt art, contributing to the global visibility of national culture.

Rector Ceylan: “Manas is a Center that Carries Cultural Memory into the Future”

KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, who could not attend due to his participation in the 8th Ethnosport Forum, stated in his message that the university plays a vital role in preserving and transmitting the cultural heritage of the Kyrgyz people and the broader Turkic world. He emphasized that the university is not only an educational institution but also a cultural center that sustains shared historical and cultural memory. Prof. Dr. Ceylan highlighted the importance of reinterpreting traditional arts through contemporary approaches for cultural continuity.

Deputy Rector Ibraev: “A Meaningful Exhibition Following the Footsteps of National Heritage”

Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev described the event as an important cultural platform showcasing traditional Kyrgyz arts and handicrafts. He emphasized the university’s commitment to preserving and developing national culture and passing it on to future generations. Prof. Dr. Ibraev noted that such events reflect the university’s cultural mission and praised Mambetova’s life as an exemplary dedication to Kyrgyz culture. He also stressed the importance of younger generations recognizing and embracing this heritage for strengthening national identity. At the end of the program, Burul Mambetova was presented with gifts by Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev and Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. İsmet Altıntaş in recognition of her valuable contributions to art.
 
Kyrgyz Cultural Heritage Reflected Through Fashion Show and Performances

One of the highlights of the event was the Ethno Costume Collection fashion show, where traditional aesthetic values were reinterpreted through contemporary designs. The collection, prepared by Mambetova’s students Gulmira Akmatova and Anara Mambetova, along with designers Zalkar Askarali Uulu and Gulmira Calalova, featured unique ethnic garments. The program also included performances by prominent Kyrgyz artists, featuring traditional instruments such as the komuz and kyl kiyak, adding cultural depth to the event.

“A Lifetime on the Path of Art”: A Meeting Point of Traditional Arts and Cultural Heritage

The exhibition stood out as an important platform for preserving traditional arts and promoting cultural heritage internationally. It presented a rich variety of works, including shyrdak making, terme techniques, leatherwork, traditional embroidery, batik, and motif design applications.

Who is Burul Mambetova?

Burul Mambetova, a lecturer at KTMU Faculty of Fine Arts, is one of Kyrgyzstan’s leading painters, ethno-designers, and master artisans. She has received prestigious awards such as the Excellence in Education Award, UNESCO “Quality” Award, and International Grand Prix. Known for combining Kyrgyz culture, traditional handicrafts, and contemporary design in a unique artistic style, Mambetova is especially recognized for her needle-free wool creations. Her works have been exhibited in countries including India, Italy, Türkiye, France, Hungary, Germany, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Through her students, she continues to pass on this artistic heritage to future generations.