The epic reflects the centuries-old aspiration of the Kyrgyz people for a wise and just ruler capable of creating a new state based on principles different from oligarchic power. Sadyr Japarov and Kamchybek Tashiev find themselves on the brink of realizing this dream.
The main task of the hero Manas was to unite the fragmented Kyrgyz tribes and free them from external oppression. However, the struggle continues against internal enemies, despots, and usurpers, which strengthens the state and restores justice among the united people.
Manas is not alone in his aspirations. He is always accompanied by loyal companions: wise advisors and allies such as Bakai, Koshoy, Almambet, Chubak, and Syrgak. Even the bravest batyr needs the support and help of friends in his endeavors.
This also embodies another dream of the Kyrgyz — a strong friendship among the jigits who move in the same direction, supporting each other. Only such friendship can lead to victory for both them and the people standing behind them.
Dreams often seem unattainable for a long time. While envy, betrayal, and treachery are the realities that everyone knows. Manas himself faced betrayal when his relative Kozkaman attempted to poison him, and Khan Konurbay dealt him a fatal blow while Manas was unarmed during the morning prayer.
Every Kyrgyz is, in one way or another, a descendant of Manas and goes through the trials that were destined for him. Leaders of different times have also likely recalled the teachings of Manas and tried to build their rule on the basis of like-minded individuals, although they interpreted them differently. Examples like Kurmanbek Bakiev and Felix Kulov, Almazbek Atambayev and Sooronbay Jeenbekov show what such unions lead to.
Bakiev, having gained Kulov's trust, ultimately betrayed him, pushing him out of the government. Kulov, believing in the sincerity of his partner, was left without support. Thus, the harsh reality of big politics manifested: there is no friendship here, everyone is for themselves.
Atambayev, bringing his friend Soke to power, soon removed him and left him in prison. Almazbek Sharshenovich complained for a long time about betrayal, not realizing that he himself had repeatedly betrayed his comrades.
In 2020, a new duumvirate emerged in Kyrgyz politics — Sadyr Japarov became president, and Kamchybek Tashiev became head of the GKNB. People awaited the resolution with caution: who would betray whom? And at what moment would the next stab in the back occur?
However, it soon became clear that these two came not to satisfy personal ambitions, but to create a new state where moral and spiritual values prevail.
The true revolution lies not in replacing one oligarch with another, but in reviving pride in one’s country. Every Kyrgyz should feel safe and proud to live in a free republic, free from corruption and external pressure.
Kamchybek Tashiev stated: "Many talk about 'ıyman' (morality), but in reality behave otherwise." Corruption and nepotism are also the highest degree of immorality.
Japarov and Tashiev strive to establish a true understanding of 'ıyman' in Kyrgyzstan, as genuine development is impossible without it. The beginning of this work was the nationalization of "Kumtor," which positively impacted the economy and restored the people's sense of justice.
The duumvirate has both strengths and weaknesses. Their friendship allows them to achieve what other leaders, mired in conflicts, could not. However, their alliance is constantly influenced by destructive forces, and there are still many in the country who do not understand unity based on patriotism.
The northerner and southerner are already a prerequisite for possible discord. But Japarov and Tashiev have demonstrated that the people of Kyrgyzstan are united, and therein lies their strength. One of them is "first," the other is "second." And although the "waiters" predict their discord, friendship and loyalty remain strong.
For the sixth year, passions have been boiling around their alliance, and on the eve of the presidential elections, the "waiters" are holding their breath in anticipation of a possible end to their friendship.
Kamchybek Tashiev noted in the documentary film "President": "We have one path, one goal. Many have tried to divide us, but this is impossible. Only death can separate us."
Sadyr Japarov added: "We both care for our homeland, and we don't care who becomes president."
Thus, in the new history of Kyrgyzstan, a real embodiment of the ideas of the epic "Manas" emerges, with positive changes. Two loyal friends, whose alliance has been tested by time and trials, become an example of wise governance.
This is what Manas sought, gathering the people under his wing. Now he has two wings.
