Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan showcase cultures at Minsk Book Fair

MINSK, 19 March (BelTA) – Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan presented their cultures during the XXXIII Minsk International Book Fair, BelTA has learned.

As Belarus’ Deputy Information Minister Denis Yezersky noted earlier, throughout all days of the fair, visitors can see the “business cards” of various CIS member states. These presentations help Belarusians become more familiar with the culture and traditions of other countries.

Чрезвычайный и Полномочный Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kyrgyzstan to Belarus Erbol Sultanbaev noted that the geography of the fair’s participants expands every year. “This shows the growing interest of countries in the event. Within this wonderful platform, we can become more closely acquainted with the cultural and literary heritage of foreign countries. Speaking of these things in the context of Kyrgyzstan, the first thing that comes to mind is our heroic epic Manas, which is recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Visitors can explore it at our stand. It reflects historical events related to the Kyrgyz people’s struggle for independence, as well as such fundamental values as unity, love for the homeland, honor and dignity, courage and heroism. The Manas epic is one of the key elements of our national identity,” he emphasized.

The ambassador also mentioned Kyrgyz authors of the 20th century, a golden era for the country’s literature. Their works can also be found at the stand. “These include Aaly Tokombaev and, of course, the world-renowned Chingiz Aitmatov. Even in my youth, after reading one of his works, I was deeply impressed by the dramatic and intense events he described,” Ambassador Erbol Sultanbaev shared.
The diplomat stressed the importance of such events: “The international book fair elevates the role of the book in a rapidly changing digital world.”

Kyrgyz literary scholar Askar Medetov also joined the fair. Earlier, he participated in the symposium The Writer and Time held as part of the event. “We study Kyrgyzstan-Belarus literary ties. Classics of Belarusian literature (Yakub Kolas, Yanka Kupala, Maksim Tank) have been translated into our language. Our famous authors have been translated into Belarusian. Works by contemporary writers and poets are also being translated, which helps preserve cultural ties between our countries. Events taking place in CIS countries are naturally reflected in art and culture, and literary works also explore the events of the 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union. All of this interests our readers,” Askar Medetov said.

Tajikistan’s presentation included a large number of creative performances. For example, the poem From Knowledge Shines a Bright Light was read in two languages, Tajik and Russian. Students of Minsk School No. 35 named after Hero of the Soviet Union D. Azizov sang a song in Tajik.

One of the performers, Dmitry Zavadevko, emphasized that it is a great honor for the school to bear the name of Domullo Azizov, who was Tajik by nationality. “We have been welcoming ambassadors of Tajikistan for four years now. The song symbolizes children’s joy and the idea that happiness needs no special reason. I don’t study the language, but I am very interested in the country’s culture,” he said.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to Belarus Bakhtovar Safarzoda noted that Tajikistan is rightfully one of the centers of culture and civilization, where knowledge and enlightenment have long been among the most important values of society.
“Outstanding scholars, thinkers, and writers of the Tajik people, such as Omar Khayyam, continue to inspire millions of readers with their works to this day. The heritage of the region includes the epic Shahnameh, which for centuries has nurtured generations in the spirit of wisdom, courage, patriotism, and respect for their history. In modern Tajikistan, special attention is paid to education. Literature unites people regardless of borders. It is especially symbolic that Tajikistan’s presentation is taking place here in Minsk, a city with rich cultural traditions and a strong publishing school. And the very fact that this fair is being held confirms that books, along with literary and cultural dialogue, continue to serve as a bridge connecting nations,” the diplomat said with confidence.
Representative of the Ministry of Culture of Tajikistan Ibrokhim Akhmetov said that he was visiting Minsk for the first time, but even before arriving he had familiarized himself with the city’s history and the heroic deeds of the Belarusian people.

“The book fair has long become not only a showcase of the publishing industry but also a crossroads of cultures, where new ideas are born and connections are strengthened. In an era of rapid digitalization and globalization, we often question the future of the printed word, but events like this prove that the book remains a vital tool of cultural exchange and spiritual cooperation between countries and peoples. It speaks directly to readers and helps them understand each other’s mentality, history, and spiritual values. Over the past three and a half decades, our countries have come a long way in their development, yet a shared cultural and humanitarian space has been maintained through translations and the publication of classical and contemporary literature,” he noted.