International Conference on the "Spiritual Heritage of Turkic Peoples in the World Civilization Context: the Epic "Alpamys Batyr"
On October 17-18, Almaty hosted the International Conference on the “Spiritual Heritage of Turkic Peoples in the World Civilization Context: The Epic «Alpamys Batyr».” Ms. Zhanar Shaimenova, Secretary-General of the National Commission of Kazakhstan for UNESCO and IСESCO, congratulated participants on the first anniversary of International Intangible Cultural Heritage Day.
The conference was organized by the National Commission of Kazakhstan for UNESCO and ISESCO, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, the National Committee for Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the Mukhtar Auezov Institute of Literature and Arts.
Ms. Aqtoty Raimkulova, President of the Foundation for Turkic Culture and Heritage, emphasized the significance of the «Alpamys Batyr» epic, a heroic classic shared across the Turkic world. It reflects the traditions, worldview, and knowledge of ancient nomads and is considered a national pride essential for strengthening the national consciousness of younger generations and safeguarding the unity of Turkic peoples.
As part of the conference, the Foundation for Turkic Culture and Heritage and the Mukhtar Auezov Institute presented a new edition of the «Alpamys Batyr» epic in Kazakh, English, and Russian. Academics, linguists, folklorists, and cultural bearers (storytellers and musicians) from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, and the Russian Federation participated in discussions.
Additionally, the first meeting of the international experts’ group was held to draft a multinational nomination of «Alpamys Batyr» for inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Text as provided by the organiser(s).