The Mahmut Kashgari Barskani Monument, built in cooperation with the Union of Turkish World Municipalities (TDBB), Jeti-Ögüz Municipality, and its sister city in Turkey, Bağcılar Municipality, was inaugurated on November 1, 2025, in the Barskon settlement of Issyk-Kul province, Kyrgyzstan. As part of the opening ceremony, the “Mahmut Kashgari Conference,” an exhibition of publications, and various cultural events were held.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by TDBB Secretary General Fahri Solak, Deputy Governor of Issyk-Kul, Deputy Mayor of Jeti-Ögüz, Mayor of Barskon, Deputy Mayor of Bağcılar Municipality Salih Kumbar, Kashgari scholars, artists, and many guests.
In his speech, TDBB Secretary General Fahri Solak stated that this monument is one of the concrete examples of friendship and cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Turkey, saying:
“This meaningful work reflects the spirit of unity and cultural solidarity among our sister municipalities in the Turkic world. Through this monument, future generations will have the opportunity to better understand Mahmut Kashgari Barskani, one of the symbolic figures of the Turkic world. We would like to thank all partner institutions that contributed to the realization of this project.”
Deputy Mayor of Bağcılar Municipality, Salih Kumbar, remarked: “This monument is not only a work of art but also a symbol representing the deep-rooted cultural unity of the Turkic world. Mahmut Kashgari Barskani embodies the common foundation of our languages, culture, and history.”
“Mahmut Kashgari” Conference Held
To mark the opening of this significant cultural work, realized through the cooperation of the Union of Turkish World Municipalities (TDBB), Jeti-Ögüz Municipality, and Bağcılar Municipality, the Mahmut Kashgari Barskani Conference was organized. The conference focused on Mahmut Kashgari Barskani’s influence on the Turkish language, culture, and identity. Presentations included examples from Kashgari’s works and emphasized the importance of cultural initiatives aimed at younger generations. At the end of the event, participants proposed the continuation of joint academic, cultural, and artistic programs across the Turkic world and the organization of international events in memory of Mahmut Kashgari.
As part of the program, an exhibition about the life and works of Mahmut Kashgari and various cultural activities such as traditional music and folk dances were also held. This meaningful event was seen as an important step toward preserving the shared cultural heritage of the Turkic world, strengthening ties among sister municipalities, and consolidating a shared cultural vision for the future.
Who Was Mahmud Kashgari Barskani?
Mahmud al-Kashgari (Mahmud ibn al-Husayn ibn Muhammad al-Kashgari), who lived in the 11th century, was the author of “Dīwān Lughāt al-Turk” – regarded as the first dictionary of the Turkish language. Born in Kashgar (present-day Barskon region within the borders of Kyrgyzstan), Mahmud al-Kashgari conducted an in-depth study of the languages, cultures, and lifestyles of Turkic tribes to teach Turkish to Arabs and to demonstrate the richness of the Turkish language. His work is considered not only a dictionary but also a unique source reflecting the cultural, social, and geographical structure of the Turkic world in the 11th century.
