A Turmush correspondent conducted an interview with her, in which she talked about her childhood and achievements.
She was born in 2004 in the village of Suluu-Maymak, located in the Manas district of the Talas region.
“I grew up in a Turkish family. All my ancestors are Turks. We are descendants of people deported in 1944 during Stalin's time. We founded the village of Suluu-Maymak and stayed there to live. In elementary school, I studied at a rural school, then moved to the village of Talas. I excelled in my studies, participated in Olympiads, read the epic 'Manas,' and took part in the television project 'Manas taanuu,' reaching the republican round in 2019-2021.
After school, I worked for a year, and then I married a Turkish man; we have two daughters. I actively participated in the life of my village, representing it at language festivals and receiving acknowledgments. I speak Turkish, Kyrgyz, and Russian,” she shared.
Meerim talked about how she mastered the Kyrgyz language and its place in her life.
“People ask me how I learned the Kyrgyz language. In fact, I didn’t study it; I grew up with it. I was born and raised in Kyrgyzstan, and Kyrgyz became my second native language. I always spoke it at school and with friends, absorbing Kyrgyz culture. Therefore, speaking this language is easy and pleasant for me,” she added.
“I am a Turkish woman born in Kyrgyzstan, and my youth was spent among beautiful nature and a multinational friendly environment. I have always strived for knowledge because for me, education is not just a diploma; it is a path to self-discovery,” she noted.
Meerim discussed the similarities and differences between Kyrgyz and Turkish cultures.
“I feel like a connecting link between the two cultures. Both traditions have much in common, especially in hospitality and respect for elders. The differences enrich us. For example, I feel close to both Kyrgyz celebrations and Turkish family tea gatherings. I try to combine the best of both cultures,” she said.
Her fate and origins are connected to the Turkic world. She married a person of her nationality and is building her family in Kyrgyzstan. As a loving mother, she adheres to Turkish traditions while valuing the Kyrgyz values in which she was raised. “I want my children to grow up respecting both cultures,” she added.
Meerim shared her current plans and aspirations for the future.
“My main goal is to support my family and provide my children with a decent upbringing. However, I am also developing in modern directions. I am interested in creating content for social media and run a blog where I share my experiences and lifestyle that combines two cultures,” she said.
“In the future, I plan to develop my blog and share useful information while implementing personal projects. It is important for me to constantly learn and grow,” she concluded. She also dreams of starting a family business or participating in socially beneficial activities, preserving her roots and living a dignified life.
