Dear Kyrgyz people!
I have decided to address you due to a matter that deeply concerns me. In recent days, my heart has been filled with bitterness because of the active spread of rumors and misunderstandings about my brother Chyngyz, which, unfortunately, tarnish his memory. I was deeply upset and cried for a long time. It has been 17 years since his passing, but some continue to discuss him as if they were his close friends or sat at the same table with him.
There is a saying: "Do not speak ill of the dead," but, alas, this is happening. You disturb him even after death...
— Could it be that these are the enemies of the Kyrgyz people who want to sow discord among us? — such thoughts also cross my mind. And the gossip that spreads contradicts itself. Or do they think that no one will stand up for Chyngyz?
Unfortunately, the truth will no longer be told — almost none of his contemporaries are left...
I am not even offended by such people. Let it remain on their conscience.
My brother always had support from Manas-ata. This was said by the great Sayakbay Karalaev. I do not wish harm to those who tarnish Aitmatov's memory, but we must be cautious...
In 1991, Ata-Beyit was opened, and among the 137 innocently shot were the remains of my father. I was able to forgive his murderers. And I forgive these people too. But still, the thought lingers: "Is this an attempt by enemies to divide our people and incite enmity?" Perhaps this is their goal — who knows? And once again, I leave everything to God's judgment.
This year I turn 89. I have experienced much: both joy and sorrow. I have seen rises and falls, but no one has ever caused me such deep pain...
After the arrest and execution of my father, our family lived in terrible poverty. We endured hunger, suffering, and severe trials. We were persecuted as "children of the enemy of the people." But I want to thank the Kyrgyz people! A huge thank you to my father's relatives! I am a thousand times grateful to the people of Sheker and the people of Talas! If it weren't for them, who knows if we would have survived? We survived thanks to the help of ordinary people.
Special thanks to my mother, Nagime Aitmatova. Despite all the difficulties, she managed to raise us. Unfortunately, there were those who dared to attack her — then and now...
My mother is a true heroine. She brought us, the children of Törökula, to Sheker and said: "You are Kyrgyz, be with your people!" She raised us among the people, instilling a deep sense of belonging to the Kyrgyz nation.
— Chyngyz, Ilgiz, my children, you are the descendants of Törökula. Hold your heads high. Wherever you are, do not disgrace your father's name, — our mother would say.
Both my brothers and sister dedicated their lives to their people and land. Who can say that they have done harm to anyone?
It particularly saddens me when all sins are attributed to Chyngyz, making him guilty of everything.
If he were to come now and say: "This did not happen, but this did" — perhaps the gossipers would fall silent...
My brother Chyngyz glorified the Kyrgyz people to the whole world. He brought the epic "Manas" to every corner of the planet. How much effort he put into the development of the Kyrgyz language under the existing Soviet system! How he fought for the opening of Kyrgyz schools in Frunze. He achieved the opening of two schools!
And now we disgrace ourselves before the whole world by criticizing his memory!
Just the other day, representatives of the Kazakh people called me and asked:
“What is happening with you? Why are there so many scandals around Aitmatov?”
No matter how much I hurt for my brother, I cannot turn away from my people. What could I answer them? I felt ashamed and hurt...
None of the internet gossip corresponds to reality. I have evidence for my words.
Rumors are spreading that Chyngyz wrote in Russian, did not know the Kyrgyz language, and did not write in it. These people do not care that his books have been translated into 185 languages.
For those who do not know: in terms of the number of published books, Aitmatov ranks third in the world after Shakespeare and Tolstoy.
Why did he stop writing in Kyrgyz — I will explain.
In 1957, my brother was persecuted by some high-ranking Soviet officials. They claimed that a letter had come from Moscow stating that "this young Aitmatov is opposing Soviet ideology, undermining Soviet literature, eliminate him!"
The local officials, as they say, "overdid it": they drove him to illness, stopped publishing his books, and humiliated him.
Even my mother was told: "If necessary, we will arrange for your son Chyngyz to repeat the fate of his father Törökula. Let him stop writing!" Imagine how my mother felt hearing such words...
Chyngyz could not get out of bed for a long time. Only after the rehabilitation of my father did he begin to recover. Perhaps the spirit of my father supported him. I will not name the names of those who organized the persecution of Chyngyz. I have forgiven them too.
Due to such persecution, he had no opportunity to write and publish in Kyrgyz. It was us, the Kyrgyz, who did not give him the opportunity, putting sticks in his wheels.
He did not know for a long time what to do. The great Soviet poet Alexander Tvardovsky learned about the obstacles created by officials in his homeland. It was he who supported my brother: "Chyngyz, write in Russian! We will publish you in the magazine 'Novy Mir.' Then your compatriots will not be able to touch you." That’s how he began writing in Russian.
As far as I know, his works were not published in Kyrgyzstan for about 15 years — they were only published in Russia. This can also be proven. Yet Chyngyz grew up in Sheker, among ordinary people, knew his native language well, and wrote his first books in Kyrgyz. He was proud of his language and defended it.
The Kyrgyz people have never seen evil from Aitmatov — only good. He cared deeply for each of you.
Some reproach him for living "in luxury in Europe" during the 1990s when the people were suffering. This is not true. He was the ambassador of Kyrgyzstan and was the first to establish connections with the West. In France, Belgium, England, Germany.
“My people live in Central Asia. We, the Kyrgyz, though a small nation, are capable of equal relations” — he made a huge contribution to the international recognition of our young independent republic. His diplomatic activity is a separate page in history.
There are also those who claim that during the Osh events of 1990, Chyngyz Aitmatov was "on the side of the Uzbeks." Let me tell you about this, and you can assess the situation yourself.
After the events of 1990, I asked him: "Why didn't you come to Osh right away, but flew to Uzbekistan?"
He replied:
— There was no time. I was in Moscow. Fearing that the conflict would escalate into armed confrontation, I decided to meet with Islam Karimov. For this, I contacted his assistant. "Okay, Islam Abduganievich will receive you," — his assistant replied. There was no time to delay, I had to fly immediately. That’s why I couldn’t return to Kyrgyzstan right away.
— And what did you say to Karimov then? — I asked, barely recovering from his answer.
— Islam Abduganievich was waiting for me. I entered with two Uzbek writers, and we talked for a long time. In the end, I told the President of Uzbekistan: "We are brotherly peoples: Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, Kazakhs — with a common origin. If a serious conflict breaks out between us, it could lead to great trouble for all of Central Asia."
In the end, Karimov replied: "Chyngyz Torokulovich, I understand you. Not a single soldier of ours will cross the border of Kyrgyzstan." And he kept his word.
Thus, my brother prevented a great war in Central Asia. Can one call a traitor someone who prevented a war between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan?
Some accuse Aitmatov of electing Askar Akayev. This is also a lie.
Akayev was elected by the Supreme Council, not Aitmatov. When the three previous candidates did not pass, my brother suggested: "Pay attention to this young Akayev, if he is suitable." This is true. But my brother was not in Kyrgyzstan at the time of the elections and did not interfere in the elections in any way. Akayev was supported and elected by the deputies of that time independently.
I want to say, we should not tarnish the presidents. The president is a symbol, just like the flag, the coat of arms, and our Manas. Why do we trample our own symbols in the mud? How do we look before the international community?
Now to the main point. My dear Kyrgyz people, it seems that someone is trying to sow discord in our society. How can we preserve unity, not become prey to someone, and not allow ourselves to be humiliated?
There is no need to praise or tarnish my brother — let him rest in peace.
If someone wants to criticize — criticize me. I will take on his possible sins. Do not disturb the souls of the deceased!
I even think of asking the government not to hold the 100th anniversary of Chyngyz. I can already see that claims will arise again: "This money could be used for something else!"
Therefore, I ask in advance: let the funds planned for the 100th anniversary be better used to help ordinary people. This will be the most sincere and true monument to him.
In conclusion, I also address the Muslim community.
My mother completed her education at a women's madrasa, knew Arabic script, and read the Quran directly from the book. She taught us what she knew. This was especially true for the eldest son. During Soviet times, it was not allowed to keep the Holy Scripture at home, but in my mother's chest, there was a Quran. She observed fasting despite her illnesses and told us about the interpretations of the Quran.
In the most difficult times, she said that Allah was testing her, that she must endure to raise her children. I believe that it was her knowledge of the Quran that helped her cope with life's difficulties. She taught this to us, her children.
My maternal brother Renat recalled that every time Chyngyz's books were published, she would retreat to her room and express gratitude to the Almighty, performing namaz.
My maternal grandfather Hamza participated in the construction of the madrasa and mosque and made a significant contribution to the spread of Islam among the Kyrgyz. My great-grandfather on my grandmother's side once held the position of mufti of Siberia and Kazakhstan. We are descendants of such outstanding people.
Therefore, discussions that Aitmatov "departed from religion" are empty words. He respected faith and lived in service. Who, besides Allah Himself, can measure a person's true faith?
His faith, his spirituality are spoken of in Chyngyz's books. Regardless of religion, people respond to his works and reflections; does this mean my brother was also a person close to God?
In the events he described, all his characters have prototypes. We lived with them, were neighbors, relatives. There is no fiction in his books. There was also Tolognay apa, and Jamila was from our aiyl, Ismail, Duyshen... But all this happened in the twentieth century. Chyngyz Aitmatov was also a writer of the twentieth century. Now we have different times, different events, concepts. But whatever the times, as he said, we have a daily duty — to be human.
Dear Kyrgyz people, fellow Talas residents! You did not abandon us in difficult times. And now I ask: do not let the name of Chyngyz be trampled!
A developing people respects itself, cherishes its culture. Let us live in peace and harmony! Let us be vigilant against enemies!
Bishkek, January 26, 2026
