THE TRIP OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD ORGANIZATION OF WRITERS, MARGARITA AL, TO KYRGYZSTAN
On July 25, the First International Kurultai of the public association “Kairyktar Kazynasy”, dedicated to the 15th anniversary of its founding, was held in Bishkek, as reported by the press service of the World Organization of Writers (WOW).
On July 25–26, 2025, an important event in the world of culture and literature took place in Bishkek — the First International Kurultai of Kyrgyz-speaking writers and cultural figures, titled “The Literature of the Great Steppe”. Writers, translators, representatives of literary unions and government institutions, researchers, and cultural figures from various countries of the world took part in the forum.
One of the distinguished guests was the President of the World Organization of Writers (WOW), President of the Writers’ Assembly of the Peoples of the World, poet, and diplomat Margarita Al.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Margarita Al conveyed sincere greetings from the leadership of the Assembly of the Peoples of the World — Secretary General of the Assembly A.Yu. Belyaninov and Chairman of the General Council of the Assembly S.K. Smirnov, as well as from the WOW board and its chairman, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador A.V. Ochirova.
“DEAR FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!”
It is a great honor for me to welcome this distinguished gathering of Kyrgyz-speaking representatives of culture, science, and literature.
Please accept my sincere congratulations on the successful holding of the First International Congress and the 15th anniversary of the founding of your organization from Napevo — the Moscow-based Napevo, whose spiritual leader and initiator was the famous writer Zhana Sarbaeva. Many participants of the Kurultai are well acquainted with her work and represent Kyrgyz literature in the global literary community, including WOW members from 21 countries.
Language is not only a tool of communication.
The integration of Kyrgyz literature into the international space — not only within Kyrgyzstan, but as a part of global literature — is a new step towards world harmony.
The diversity of languages, regardless of their origin or geographical spread, blurs the borders that divide peoples, unites us, and helps humanity realize that we are all — one planet.”
A key part of Margarita Al’s participation was the presentation of a prestigious international award — the Golden Medal of the World Organization of Writers for contributions to world literature.
The laureate of the award was Sultan Raev, a distinguished Kyrgyz writer, public figure, and Secretary General of the TURKSOY organization.
This high honor places him among notable world cultural figures such as Zurab Tsereteli, Olzhas Suleimenov, and Nobel Laureate in Literature Wole Soyinka.
“Today, as Kyrgyz language speakers have gathered from around the world,” said Margarita Al, “we are once again convinced: language has no borders. Our mission is to maintain this space, to share, to inspire, to translate, to unite.”
The president of WOW also expressed deep gratitude to the organizers of the Kurultai, particularly to Bakyty Bapanov, head of the “Kairyktar Kazynasy” public association, for his role in preserving literary traditions and promoting intercultural dialogue.
On the sidelines of the forum, there were book exhibitions, discussions, meetings, and master classes involving representatives of the creative and scientific intelligentsia from Kyrgyzstan and abroad. Discussions focused on language policy, digital transformation of literature, and strengthening international cooperation.
Margarita Al’s speech, imbued with warmth, respect for national culture, and a strong belief in the power of literature to unite people, became one of the focal points of the forum and elevated the international status of Kyrgyz literature on the global cultural map.
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