THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY CHINGIZ AITMATOV INTERNATIONAL ISSYK-KUL FORUM COMMENCES

On June 18, 2026, the 40th International Issyk-Kul Forum, held under the theme “The World at a Civilizational Turning Point: Together Towards the Future", commenced on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul.

The official opening ceremony took place with the participation of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, His Excellency Mr. Sadyr Japarov, who delivered a welcoming address. The Forum is moderated by the State Secretary of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr. Arslan Koichiev.

Professor Aktoty Raimkulova, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, attended the opening ceremony.

It should be noted that, as part of the Forum’s opening programme, participants visited the Ata-Beyit Memorial Complex, paid tribute to the memory of the outstanding Kyrgyz writer and thinker Chingiz Aitmatov, and laid flowers at his grave.

The Forum, taking place from 18 to 21 June, has brought together Nobel Prize laureates, heads of international organizations, members of the diplomatic corps, world-renowned writers, distinguished historians and bestselling authors, leaders and prominent representatives of writers’ unions from the Turkic world and other countries, as well as notable figures from the fields of culture, arts, and science.

The participation of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation in this event is of particular significance as a continuation of its efforts aimed at promoting the shared cultural heritage of the Turkic world, preserving the legacy of outstanding personalities, and strengthening international humanitarian cooperation.