Among the participants were prominent representatives of the academic community from Russia and Kyrgyzstan, including scholars, university and school teachers, as well as representatives of the Russian-Kyrgyz historical community and the media.
Albert Zulkharnayev, head of the Russian House, opened the meeting, noting: "Interesting sources have gathered at this presentation. Cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Russia is expanding, and there is a growing interest in our shared history. This is confirmed by the full houses at such events and the popularity of online resources dedicated to history. In light of current information challenges, it is important to support projects aimed at preserving historical truth. For the youth, accustomed to graphic presentation of information, this format of the book will be particularly appealing. This publication is a step towards strengthening ties between our countries."
Ruslan Gagkuyev, chairman of the Board of the Russian Historical Society, emphasized the modernity of the book's format: "The unique format is aimed at a wide audience. The 'Timeline' visually demonstrates key events in both countries, which facilitates analysis and identification of historical parallels."
Participants then discussed important issues that require resolution to ensure an objective perception of history and to raise the educational level necessary for creating a solid historical foundation for interaction between Russia and Kyrgyzstan.
During the discussion, emphasis was placed on the significance of studying history for educating the younger generation, starting from school years. Participants raised the question of the importance of providing students with a complete understanding of Russia and its role in world history, as well as in the fate of Kyrgyzstan. A proposal was made to include the topic "Origins of the Friendship of Peoples in the USSR" in the educational program, which would help form an accurate picture of state interactions. There was also a call to adapt the history curriculum of Russia to the current geopolitical situation and to create a unified history textbook.
Leonid Sumarokov, director of the Center for Historical and Cultural Heritage of the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University named after B.N. Yeltsin, emphasized: "The presentation of history and relations between our countries should undergo state examination to avoid distortions that could provoke negative sentiments and damage relations."
Participants expressed concerns about arbitrary interpretations of historical facts that could lead to conflicts between states. Scholars with reliable information should enter the media space to make it accessible to a wide audience, as the media plays a key role in shaping public opinion.
Taalaybek Oroskulov, editor-reviewer of the news agency "Sputnik Kyrgyzstan," noted that modern scholars need to actively collaborate with the media so that academic information does not remain closed to a narrow circle but reaches the general public in an accessible form.
Kanybek Kudayev, associate professor of the Department of International Relations at Bishkek State University named after K. Karasaev, added that there is enormous interest in history within Kyrgyz society, which creates opportunities for honest education.
The presentation at the Russian House confirmed the relevance of the book "Russia and Central Asia: History and Culture."
This book is the first in a series of projects by Rossotrudnichestvo dedicated to the centenary of people's diplomacy.
The content of the book is presented in a unique format – as an illustrated "timeline," where events are accompanied by brief annotations. The events described in the book, related to Russia's assistance, have become significant for the development of Kyrgyzstan.
The circulation of the book, distributed to Russian Houses in Kyrgyzstan and other countries in the region, will be used in educational activities and will become part of exhibitions.
