Day of National Literature of Kyrgyzstan (12/12)

The Day of National Literature of Kyrgyzstan is celebrated in the Republic annually on December 12, starting in 2011, by decision of the country's government.

The holiday is dedicated to the memory of the outstanding classic of literature Chingiz Aitmatov, born on December 12, 1928. His books have been translated into many languages, more than a dozen films have been made based on his works, and performances and operatic works have been staged. At the same time, Aitmatov — is truly a national, Kyrgyz writer; his works contain many images of the traditional epic. It is noteworthy that the writer considered it the duty of modern intellectuals to preserve national cultures.

Chingiz Aitmatov was an active public figure: for a quarter of a century he was a member of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, working as a diplomat in France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. For many years he headed the magazine «Foreign Literature».

Also on December 12, 1950, the people's poet Alykul Osmonov passed away. Today's holiday is dedicated to other outstanding representatives of Kyrgyz literature.

The decision to celebrate the Day of National Literature of Kyrgyzstan, as stated in official documents, was made in order to preserve, develop and popularize the works of Kyrgyz literature.

Public figures of the republic note that against the backdrop of the economic and social crisis, the public forgets about overcoming the spiritual crisis, which is no less important for Kyrgyzstan. And here we can no longer do without reviving the national culture — of the process in which literature plays a vital role.

On National Literature Day, schools, libraries, and cultural institutions are particularly active. They organize special events dedicated to the holiday, for example, they organize readings, conduct quizzes, and organize discussion clubs.

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