New Perspectives on Manas Studies

April 22, 2024

#library

On April 12th, the AUCA Library, in collaboration with the Liberal Arts and Sciences department and the President's Office, hosted a significant event: the presentation of Dr. James Plumtree's latest work, "МАНАС" ЭПОСУНА ТИШЕЛҮҮ ИЗИЛДӨӨЛӨРГӨ ЖАҢЫЧА ИЛИМИЙ СЕРЕП (1856-2018)". The book contains the Kyrgyz translation of the work done over the last eight years by the Analyzing Kyrgyz Narratives (AKYN https://auca.kg/en/research_faculty_akyn/)  group on contemporary and historical Manas narratives. 

Dr. Timothy Edward O’Connor, AUCA's President, inaugurated the event with a warm address, underscoring AUCA's pivotal role in Central Asia's educational landscape. He hailed AUCA's commitment to fostering talented professionals and implementing transformative projects. Dr. Plumtree's scholarly review of the epic Manas in Kyrgyz, encapsulating the essence of Kyrgyz culture, was praised as a valuable addition to academic discourse. Dr. O'Connor reiterated the importance of sustained research into the manifold aspects of the Manas Epic.

Dr. Plumtree, in his remarks, provided insights into the book's structure and themes, acknowledging individuals and organizations who supported him throughout the research project and creation of the book.  Dr. Nurgul Karybekova, translator and co-author of the book, shared her experience of academic collaboration in the field of Digital Humanities.  

Distinguished guests graced the occasion, with manaschys captivating the audience with their performances. Talantaaly Bakchiev, President of Manas National Academy and well-known Manaschy commended the book and highlighted the importance of expanding Manas studies via innovative research methods.  He also highlighted ongoing translations of foreign researchers' works into Kyrgyz, fostering international collaboration in research endeavors. Mr. Bakchiev enthralled the audience with his performance, showcasing his mastery of the epos.

 Aiana Mamatbekova, a promising young manaschy and senior student at the Arabaev University's Kyrgyz Language Department, mesmerized the audience with her rendition of the epic.

The event was attended by professors of Manas studies and students from various higher education institutions, researchers from the Academy of Sciences, independent scholars and other audiences. 

The program moderated by Daniyar Karabaev, Head of the Liberal Arts and Sciences Department was held in three languages, Kyrgyz, English, and Russian, allowing active participation of the audience.  Attendees had the opportunity to engage with Dr. Plumtree and Dr. Nurgul Kanybekova, posing questions and enriching the scholarly dialogue.

They discussed the myths of the epic, and the phenomena arising within it, conducted a brief analysis of the epic, and shared views on the perspective of the development of the Digital Humanities tools in Manas Studies.  

The book is available electronically in open access via AUCA Digital Repository.  Linkt:  https://dspace.auca.kg/handle/123456789/2789

<< go to news list