Chyngyz Aitmatov’s memory was honored in Ankara on the 96th anniversary of his birth

On the occasion of the 96th anniversary of the birth of Kyrgyz writer Chyngyz Aitmatov, a commemorative ceremony was held in cooperation with the Embassy of Kyrgyzstan in Ankara and the municipality of Kechioren.

Sanjarbek Aitmatov, the son of writer Aitmatov, Ambassador-Adviser of the Kyrgyz Embassy in Ankara Aibek Akayev, Honorary Consul of Kyrgyzstan in Bolu Atillahan Kurt, former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Sami Gyuchlu, Deputy Mayor of Kechioren municipality Atilla Zorlu and numerous guests took part in the ceremony, which took place in the park of Chyngyz Aitmatov in Ankara.

The ceremony began with the singing of the anthems of the two countries.

Sanzharbek Aitmatov said he was glad to be here and said: "I asked my father if he had been to Turkey and what was special about it. My father said that this is warmth in the hearts of people in Turkey."

Noting that the regular organization of events in Turkey is symbolic, Aitmatov stressed that in the light of the adoption of the common Turkic alphabet, these events are of particular importance.

"We should read books, we shouldn't talk too much about books, we should feel them," Aitmatov said, thanking those who attended the memorial service.

Plenipotentiary Adviser Akayev said that the park named after Chyngyz Aitmatov was opened in 2008, and many streets and avenues in Turkey are named after the Kyrgyz writer.

Deputy Mayor of the municipality Kechioren Zorlu stated that the works of Chyngyz Aitmatov had an impact on the formation and development of the personality of an entire generation.

The former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Guclu said that the connection between Aitmatov and the Turkish people began when his book, published in 1969, and was read in Turkey.

Honorary Consul of Kyrgyzstan in Bolu Kurt said that he had graciously honored the memory of Chyngyz Aitmatov on the 96th anniversary of his death and that he would live forever with the immortal works that he left to the Turkic world.

After the performances, the Kyrgyz artists played on the komuz.

Aitmatov's son, along with the guests, laid a wreath and carnations at his father's monument.