On March 21 of this year Nowuz was celebrated at our university. The celebration was attended by the University Rectorate, the Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Azamat Zhamankulov, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Kyrgyzstan, H.E. Cengiz Kamil Firat, Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of neighboring countries, the university’s teaching staff and students.

In the framework of the ceremony a yurt was assembled in front of the university, various games were held, such as kol kürösh (arm wrestling), zhazdyk urmay (pillow fight), various types of wrestling, arkan tartysh (rope pulling), tayak tartysh.

The holiday concert started with Umay Ene’s “alas”, prayer against evil spirits, the University Rector, Prof. Dr. Sebahattin Balci, and Vice-Rector, Prof. Dr. Asylbek Kulmyrzayev, delivered their opening remarks.

The Rector congratulated all the Muslims on the holiday Nowruz and spoke on the following: "Let us pass on the great path from our ancestors to the next generations. May the holiday Nowruz be the start of the year of new acheivements, happiness, and abundance".

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Kyrgyzstan, H.E. Cengiz Kamil Firat said: "It is the first time I am celebrating Nowruz with my family in Kyrgyzstan, it is a unique experience".
The event was accompanied by a concert program prepared by the students of the university. Under the concert students of every ethic group at the university expressed their congratulations and presented their artistry wearing national costumes.

Moreover, the International Students Coordinating Office displayed national clothes, items, and instruments of 11 ethnic groups.

Prepared by Nurzat Kazybekova
Translated by Bermet Kozhoshova

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