An International workshop on “Research on Islamic History, Art and Culture in Kyrgyzstan” was organized jointly by Bishkek State University named after K. Karasaev and IRCICA in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, on 13 February 2020. The workshop was attended by scholars from universities and cultural institutions of Central Asian countries and Kyrgyzstan itself, representatives of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic and public figures. 40 research papers were presented to the workshop.
Welcome addresses were delivered by the Rector of Bishkek State University Prof. Musaev Abdylda Inaiatovich and Director General of IRCICA Prof. Halit Eren. The importance of the workshop was underlined, in that it discussed the problems of studying the history, culture and art of Islam, the contribution of Islam to the development of science, art and culture throughout history of humanity.
The paper presentations addressed a large variety of topics from the perspectives of different disciplines.
The plenary session moderated by Rector Prof. Musaev Abdylda Inaiatovich and IRCICA Director General Prof. Halit Eren heard presentations on “Distorted Interpretation of Arabic Loanwords in the Kyrgyz Language” by Prof. Valimzhan Tanyrykov, “Influence of Islamic Culture on the Worldview of Kyrgyz Thinkers” by Prof. Zhyldyz Bakashova, “Features of the Early Islamic Heritage in Kyrgyzstan” by Dr. Khadicha Tashbaeva, “Development of Islamic Sciences in the Southern Regions of the Medieval Kyrgyzstan” by Dr. Zailabidin Azhimamatov, “Manuscript Heritage of Mader Mergenbaev (1896-1983)” by Prof. Talasbek Mashrapov.
The session 1 “Monuments in Arabic Script on the History and Culture of Kyrgyzstan” heard 11 presentations, among those were “Manuscript Fund of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic” by Dr. Asel Isaeva, “Kazakh Manuscript Book as a Common Heritage of the Muslim World” by Research Fellow Nasikhat Mursalimova, “Persian-Language Manuscripts Preserved in the Manuscript Fund of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic” by Prof. Zuleikha Sagafi, “Islam in Kyrgyzstan in the Era of the Karakhanids and Mongols (On the Basis of Epigraphic Monuments)” by Prof. Kairat Belek.
The session 2 “Research on Archeology, Diplomatics and Ethnology in Kyrgyzstan” heard 11 presentations, among those were “Foundry and Jewelry Artisanship in the Medieval Ken-Bulun Settlement” by Prof. Alexander Kamyshev, “Concept of Anthropological Physicality in the Architecture of the Early Medieval Mausoleums of the Burana Settlement” by Dr. Liubov’ Vedutova, “Dynamics of Islamic Educational Institutions in the Sovereign Kyrgyzstan” by Dr. Timur Kozukulov.
The session 3 “Languages of Islam and Culture of Kyrgyzstan” heard 12 presentations, among those were “Spread of Islam in Kyrgyzstan According to Islamic Sources” by Dr. Ali Zhusubaliev, “Kyrgyz Ethnopedagogy and the Influence of Islam On Its Formation” by Dr. Abdymitalip Murzakmatov, “Study of “Manas” from the Standpoint of the History of Religions” by Dr. Mederbek Kadyrov and Oskonbay Zuurudinov, “Changes in the Influence of Arabic in the Language Environment in Kyrgyzstan” by Senior Lecturer Torobek Mamyrbaev, “Features of the Use of Imperative Verbs from the Holy Qur’an in the Kyrgyz Language” by Undergraduate Kanybek Mambetaliev.
Each of three sessions ended with closing remarks and reports that were presented by the moderators: Prof. Muminov Ashirbek Kurbanovich, Head of the Research and Publications Department, IRCICA and Prof. Mashrapov Talasbek Turatbekovich, Dean, Faculty of Oriental Studies and International Relations, Bishkek State University.
Within the framework of the workshop, a Memorandum of Cooperation between Bishkek State University named after K. Karasaev and the Research Centre for Islamic History, Culture and Art at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation was signed.
An exhibition of books published by the academic staff of the Faculty of Oriental Studies and International Relations of Bishkek State University named after K. Karasaev was opened on the occasion.
During the period of the workshop, Director General Prof. Halit Eren together with Prof. Ashirbek Muminov, Head of the Research and Publications Department, IRCICA, had a meeting with the Minister of Culture, Information and Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic H.E. Mr. Jamankulov Azamat Kaparovich. During the meeting, the progress of joint activities between universities and cultural institutions of the Kyrgyz Republic and IRCICA was appraised, possibilities of future cooperation were considered.
