Kyrgyz artists exhibition kicks off in Turkish capital

ANKARA

An exhibition by Kyrgyz artists held by the embassy in the Turkish capital began welcoming art lovers Friday to The Nation’s Library in Ankara.

The event is organized as a tribute to the 32nd anniversary of independence of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan and the 100th anniversary of the independence of the Turkish Republic.

Forty works by three Kyrgyz artists -- Taalay Musurmankulov, Talgat Bokoev and Arstan Dukuev -- will be on display.

Ambassador Ruslan Kazakbaev gave the opening speech and referred to future events called “Kyrgyzstan Culture Days” that are being planned by the embassy to be held in coming months.

“It is clear that the 32nd anniversary of independence is a short period for a sovereign state,” he said. “But as everyone knows, our people and our country have a history of more than 2,300 years.”

“Our ancestors have come a long way in history to achieve independence,” he said. “Therefore, today's independence is a legacy left to us by our ancestors and it is our duty to pass it on to future generations.”

“During 32 years, Kyrgyzstan has gone through difficult tests in the development of the state, but has preserved its independence, which is the most important asset of our nation,” said Kazakbaev.

Mentioning that his country is “taking firm steps towards development and growth by steadily increasing its prosperity,” the official emphasized: “Since the first days of its independence, Kyrgyzstan has been considered a democratic country in the region and is known as the ‘island of democracy in Central Asia.’”

Congratulating the Turkish nation on accomplishing 100 years as an independent state, Kazakbaev said: “Since its establishment in 1923, Türkiye has taken confident steps to build a great and powerful state, strengthen its position in the region and in the international arena, and is undoubtedly on the path of development.”

“For us, Türkiye is a brother state, a reliable friend, and a strategic partner. As it is known, we have common language, history, religion, culture and roots. Kyrgyzstan attaches great importance to relations with Türkiye.

“Türkiye was the first country to recognize the Independence of Kyrgyzstan. For 32 years, we have always felt the support of our brother state,” he said.

Expressing hope for relations between the two countries to continue to prosper, the ambassador said: “May Kyrgyz-Turkish cooperation continue to grow stronger and be eternal.”

He noted Oct. 13 is also the 100th anniversary of Ankara becoming the Turkish capital.

“I wish two brotherly countries prosperity and growth, their people health and happiness. May the brotherly cooperation between our states be continuously strengthened,” he said.

For the purpose of the exhibition, Kazakbaev said: “We organized our exhibition to introduce Kyrgyz fine art to the residents and guests of Ankara and to bring it together with art lovers.”

“Culture and art are thing that brings countries and peoples together, blurs differences and boundaries, adds beauty and removes suffering,” he said.

He mentioned that the pieces of the exhibition reflect “the history, culture, nature, beautiful places, traditions and customs” of the two countries.

Referring to the words of famous artist Pablo Picasso: “The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls,” he said he believes visitors will leave the event “with new energy and inspiration.”