KRSU discussed projects to preserve the heritage of Chingiz Aitmatov
Today at the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University there was a meeting between the rector of KRSU Sergei Volkov and the son of the classic of Russian and Kyrgyz literature — Eldar Aitmatov.
The main topic of conversation was initiatives aimed at preserving and popularizing the legacy of the great writer. Among the proposals — assigning titles to future campuses and classrooms based on the works and heroes of Chingiz Aitmatov. «If adults remember the work of Chingiz Aitmatov, then young people need to be taught», — emphasized rector Sergei Volkov.
Particular attention was paid to the issue of digitizing archives with photo and video materials from Kyrgyzstan and Russia. Sergey Volkov noted the successful experience of KRSU in this direction — the university previously digitized archival photographs of the Panfilov division using artificial intelligence technologies. Continuing the topic, Eldar Aitmatov emphasized: «There are a lot of projects that we can implement together with the Slavic University. A large number of materials are stored on the territory of the Russian Federation, and KRSU could help in obtaining them». He recalled that Chingiz Aitmatov worked during the Soviet period at the USSR Embassy, in the editorial office «of Komsomolskaya Pravda» and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Among the initiatives proposed at the meeting were the creation of a museum complex together with the Chingiz Aitmatov International Foundation, the opening of a school named after the writer, holding competitions among young people on his work with the provision of budget places at the university to the winners, as well as the establishment of personalized scholarships. In addition, Eldar Aitmatov proposed publishing books in the KRSU printing house, emphasizing that «Aitmatov’s literature — is not only a treasure of Kyrgyzstan, but also a classic of Russian literature, serving as a bridge between different cultures and peoples».
Separately, the issue of holding the Issyk-Kul International Forum named after Chingiz Aitmatov was raised. In 2026, the forum will celebrate its 40th anniversary. By order of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov, preparations began for a major discussion event that will bring together famous writers, philosophers, scientists, politicians and public figures on the shore of the lake. The first forum took place in 1986 on the initiative of Chingiz Aitmatov and brought together outstanding representatives of the world intellectual elite, including — Yashar Kemal, Arthur Miller, James Baldwin, Peter Ustinov, Claude Simon, Alvin Toffler and others.
It was also noted at the meeting that large-scale preparations lie ahead for events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of Chingiz Aitmatov, which will be celebrated on December 12, 2028.
During the meeting, the director of the Russian Language Institute KRSU Mamed Tagaev presented Eldar Aitmatov with a book «The Phraseological World of Chingiz Aitmatov».
As a result of the meeting, an agreement was reached to develop cooperation in educational and educational work with students. In particular, in the fall it is planned to organize traditional meetings with the team, visit the Chingiz Aitmatov House-Museum, hold joint competitions, exhibitions and cultural and educational events.
