A round table was held at KRSU «170 years together: on the history of the Issyk-Kul Kyrgyz taking Russian citizenship»
On November 18, 2025, a round table was held at the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University «170 years together: on the history of the Issyk-Kul Kyrgyz people's acceptance of Russian citizenship», dedicated to one of the key dates in Kyrgyz-Russian history.
The organizers were the Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church, KRSU and the Museum-Estate of P.P. Semenov-Tyan-Shansky.
The round table began with the presentation of a historical and documentary exhibition «Tien Shan by artist Pavel Kosharov», which presented materials reflecting the first studies of the Issyk-Kul region and the cultural and historical context of the 19th century. The exhibition was opened by Leonid Sumarokov, director of the center for historical and cultural heritage KRSU, Alikhan Dayanov, student of the Faculty of International Relations and Artem Gribanov, student of the Faculty of Humanities.
At the opening of the round table, representatives of scientific, diplomatic and public structures of Russia and Kyrgyzstan delivered welcoming words.
Advisor to the rector of KRSU Nikolai Kudryavtsev emphasized the importance of turning to the common history of the two states:
«The topics stated in the program — are significant issues in the history of Kyrgyz-Russian relations. I hope that the discussions will be useful for science and strengthening the friendship of our peoples».
Advisor to the Russian Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic Sergei Khramov noted the need for a professional approach to the study of historical processes:
«Today, history is often the subject of politicization. It is important to rely on facts: the expansion of the Russian Empire in the 19th century did not destroy a single people or suppress a single culture».
The head of Rossotrudnichestvo in the Kyrgyz Republic, Albert Zulkharneev, drew attention to the high public demand for historical knowledge:
«Interest in history is growing in Kyrgyzstan. Our task is to ensure that this request is satisfied by professionals. The history of two peoples —a foundation that is important to study through increasing the experience of generations».
During the round table, participants considered a wide range of issues related to the history of Kyrgyz-Russian relations, including
- the process of the Issyk-Kul Kyrgyz taking citizenship of the Russian Empire;
- diplomatic ties of the Bugu tribe and key political events of the mid-19th century;
- the annexation of Northern Kyrgyzstan and the role of historical figures of the era;
- activities of P.P. Semyonov-Tyan-Shansky and other researchers in the region;
- genesis of the Kyrgyz Bugu and Sarybagysh tribes;
- contribution of Russian scientists to the research and development of Kyrgyzstan in the 19th century;
- discovery of the epic «Manas» by Chokan Valikhanov for world science;
- the current significance of Russian-Kyrgyz relations and their place in the foreign policy of Kyrgyzstan.
The round table has become an important platform for scientific exchange, discussion of historical sources and updating the topic of common pages of Kyrgyz-Russian history.
The event highlighted the need for further study and popularization of the historical heritage of the two countries, as well as strengthening scientific cooperation between research and educational organizations in Russia and Kyrgyzstan.
