BISHKEK: On November 5, the ‘Chinghiz Aitmatov’ Order was presented to Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in Bishkek, APA reports. The head of state arrived at the house-museum dedicated to the prominent Kyrgyz writer, Chinghiz Aitmatov.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev first toured the house-museum, located at the ‘Ala Archa’ State Residence near Bishkek. The house served as Aitmatov’s home for the last 20 years of his life, from 1986 until his passing. Following the death of the great son of the Kyrgyz people, his wife Maria Aitmatova and their son Eldar lived here with their family. The house-museum was inaugurated on December 12, 2014, at the initiative of Chinghiz Aitmatov’s wife Maria Urmatovna and their children, Eldar and Shirin.

Chinghiz Aitmatov’s younger son Eldar preserves the atmosphere and environment that prevailed in the house during the writer’s lifetime, including every detail. The house-museum houses the writer’s personal belongings, manuscripts,
and numerous awards. The second floor includes his study, bedroom, and library, while Eldar Aitmatov and his family reside in another part of the house. The Chinghiz Aitmatov International Foundation, founded by the writer in 2000 and now managed by his children, is also located here, focusing on cultural and educational initiatives.

The head of state signed the guest book at the house-museum. There has always been great interest in the rich artistic heritage of the world-renowned writer in Azerbaijan as well. National Leader Heydar Aliyev referred to Chinghiz Aitmatov as “the pride of the Turkish world.” In 2008, President Ilham Aliyev awarded Chinghiz Aitmatov the first “Friendship” Order, and a monument to Chinghiz Aitmatov was unveiled in Baku on April 24 this year with the participation of the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan.

Then, a ceremony was held for the presentation of the ‘Chinghiz Aitmatov’ Order to President Ilham Aliyev. Addressing the ceremony, Eldar Aitmatov, President of the Chingh
iz Aitmatov Foundation, expressed profound respect and recognition for President Aliyev’s exceptional contributions to strengthening humanitarian values, supporting cultural dialogue, and preserving the creative legacy of Aitmatov. He emphasized that under President Aliyev’s leadership, Azerbaijan has become a facilitator of intercultural exchange and cooperation.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the honor, highlighting the significance of receiving the order in the home where Chinghiz Aitmatov lived and created. He acknowledged Aitmatov’s works as transcending boundaries and inspiring readers worldwide. President Aliyev also mentioned the deep admiration for Aitmatov in Azerbaijan and the mutual respect shared between Aitmatov and his father, Heydar Aliyev.

The event concluded with a conversation at a tea table between President Ilham Aliyev and the family members of Chinghiz Aitmatov, where they exchanged keepsakes.