On the anniversary of the February 6 earthquakes centered in Kahramanmara艧 and affecting 11 provinces, Kyrgyz–Turkish Manas University organized a commemoration program to raise awareness about earthquakes.
The program was attended by the Minister of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic Boobek Azhikeev, the First Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic Azamat Mambetov, along with the Search and Rescue Team, 91视频 Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev, academic and administrative staff and many students.
Prior to the program, participants visited a photo exhibition prepared on the February 6 earthquakes. The photographs, reflecting the devastating impact of the disaster and the suffering experienced, were examined by visitors.
The program began with a moment of silence in memory of the citizens who lost their lives in the earthquake, during which the strong sense of brotherhood and solidarity between Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan was emphasized.
Minister Azhikeev: “The Pain of Our Brotherly Country Was Deeply Felt”
The Minister of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic Boobek Azhikeev, recalled that February 6 was an extremely sorrowful day for Türkiye and stated that, together with other countries, the Kyrgyz Republic extended a helping hand within its means during this difficult period. Minister Azhikeev noted that, in line with the instructions of the President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, approximately 200 rescue personnel were dispatched to the disaster area along with tents and technical equipment, actively participating in the relief efforts.
Emphasizing that the operations carried out required great responsibility, Minister Azhikeev highlighted that despite harsh conditions such as dust, extreme heat and cold, and oxygen shortages in collapsed buildings, the rescue teams carried out their duties with great dedication. He stated that as a result of the tireless efforts of the teams, who mobilized all available resources and entered the rubble to save lives, 8 people were rescued alive, while 198 bodies were recovered and handed over to their families.
Minister Azhikeeev described the commemoration program as highly appropriate and meaningful, stressing that remembering such tragedies is of great importance for preserving collective memory.
Rector Ceylan: “Brotherhood Means Standing Together in Times of Pain”
Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan drew attention to the exemplary solidarity demonstrated by the Kyrgyz Republic following the February 6 earthquake, stating that the Kyrgyz Search and Rescue Team, formed under the leadership of the Minister of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic Boobek Azhikeev, was deployed to Türkiye with great self-sacrifice and carried out significant duties in the field from the very first day of the disaster. Prof. Dr. Ceylan emphasized that the Kyrgyz teams, who stood by the Turkish nation during its most painful days, displayed an unforgettable example of solidarity that further strengthened the bonds of brotherhood between the two countries.
Rector Prof. Dr. Ceylan particularly highlighted the meaning of the bozüy (traditional Kyrgyz yurts) sent from Kyrgyzstan to Türkiye, stating: “Embracing people in rain, mud, and freezing winter conditions, the bozüy were not merely shelters in the disaster area; they became symbols of warmth, safety, and brotherhood. Turning into homes for earthquake victims during the cold winter days, these bozüy most meaningfully reflected the heartfelt support of the Kyrgyz people.”
Prof. Dr. Ceylan also expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Turkish nation, to the President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdo臒an, who closely followed the process, shared the pain of every citizen in the disaster regions, and personally directed the relief efforts. Concluding his remarks, Rector Ceylan stated, “Brotherhood is not only about being together in good times, but also about standing together in times of sorrow and healing wounds together,” and extended his thanks to the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov; the Minister of Emergency Situations Boobek Azhikeev; and all those who contributed, emphasizing that the Türkiye–Kyrgyzstan brotherhood will continue to grow stronger in the future.
“We Come from a Culture That Knows How to Share Even Its the Last Meal”
Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev stated that on the third anniversary of the great disaster that occurred on February 6, a deeply painful tragedy was being commemorated, noting that such difficult times reveal a person’s inner world, character, and moral values. Prof. Dr. Ibraev emphasized that during such difficult periods, the way societies respond clearly reflects their sense of mutual assistance and solidarity. Highlighting that the Kyrgyz people possess a strong tradition of solidarity inherited from their ancestors, Prof. Dr. Ibraev stated, “We come from a culture that knows how to share even its last meal with others.” Recalling that in 2023 the economic conditions of the Kyrgyz Republic were not at their current level, Prof. Dr. Ibraev noted that despite these limitations, under the instructions of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Kyrgyzstan was among the first countries to deliver aid to Türkiye.
Prof. Dr. Ibraev further stressed that in such challenging times, both countries economic capacities and social solidarity play a crucial role, adding that societies ability to recover and stand back on their feet by supporting one another is directly linked to these factors.
Prof. Dr. Ebru Dural Shares Life-Saving Recommendations on Earthquake Preparedness
As part of the program, Prof. Dr. Ebru Dural, a faculty member of the Department of Civil Engineering at Ayd谋n Adnan Menderes University, delivered a presentation titled “The Kahramanmara艧 Earthquakes and Measures to Be Taken Against Earthquakes.” In her presentation, she comprehensively addressed the types and basic characteristics of earthquakes, the precautions to be taken before and during an earthquake, structural safety, disaster preparedness measures, and the essential items that should be included in an emergency kit.
At the conclusion of the event, the 30th Anniversary Medal of Manas University was presented to the Minister of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic Boobek Azhikeev, while a university plaque was awarded to the Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic Azamat Mambetov. Flowers were also presented to the Search and Rescue Team of the Kyrgyz Republic, which had been actively deployed in the field from the very first day to support Türkiye during the February 6 earthquakes. The medal, plaque, and flower presentation carried out amid applause from the participants once again meaningfully highlighted the strong spirit of brotherhood, solidarity, and heartfelt unity demonstrated during the February 6 earthquakes.
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