The Ministry of Culture has been tasked with conducting a competition for the best project to create this map. This initiative is timed to coincide with the 1000th anniversary of the outstanding thinker.
Photo from the office of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic. Map of Mahmud Kashgari-Barskani
The project was initiated by State Secretary Arslan Koychiev, who stated that the map should become an important historical and cultural object, reflecting the past and representing that era.
“This will be a monument that will evoke pride among Kyrgyzstanis and inspire them for further achievements. Therefore, its execution must correspond to this significance,” noted Koychiev.
Who is Mahmud Kashgari and what is special about his map?
Mahmud ibn Muhammad al-Barskani al-Kashgari is an outstanding scholar and philologist of the 11th century, who lived during the era of the Karakhanid Khaganate. Research shows that he was born in Barskoon, on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. His most famous work is “Divani lugat at-turk,” which became the first attempt to systematize the culture and language of the Turkic peoples.
As noted by writer and Secretary General of TURKSOY Sultan Raev, the name Kashgari evokes special interest among scholars. His dictionary became the foundation of linguistics, and his map, with Barskoon at its center, is recognized as one of the oldest in the history of cartography.
“Kashgari perceived Barskoon as the cradle and center of the universe. His map covered the space from Japan in the east to Hungary in the west, which is a reason for our pride,” emphasizes Sultan Raev.
“Center of the World” — the philosophy of cartography
It is important to consider that medieval maps did not strive for accuracy as understood today. The 11th-century map was more of a manifesto than a navigator.
At that time, cartographers established as the center those places considered sacred or the capitals of cultures. By marking Issyk-Kul at the center, Kashgari stated that “our region is the heart of civilization,” emphasizing that the “point of reference” depends on the observer. For him, the Turkic world represented a self-sufficient universe with its own axis of coordinates.
As noted by researcher Elery Bitikchi (Nazikbek Kydyrmyshev), Kashgari created his work with concern that Turkic languages were losing their positions against Arabic and Persian. That is why he compiled his fundamental work, and the map reflects this concept.
“Previously, Muslim cartographers often placed the Kaaba at the center. Kashgari chose his state as his center. His map provides a detailed representation of the Turkic peoples and China, while there is less information about Europe. This is not about superiority: Arabic and European maps describe their regions more accurately, while Kashgari's map is ours,” explains the researcher.
Pride for the whole world
Sultan Raev, Secretary General of TURKSOY, previously raised the issue of insufficient attention to the legacy of the great scholar. He noted that the problem lies not in the lack of facts, but in our attitude towards this legacy.
“This is a reason for pride. Why do we not give it significance? Why is there no stele or panorama of the famous map in Barskoon indicating that the great thinker was born here? Is there no exhibition dedicated to his works in the National Historical Museum?” asked Sultan Raev.
Creating a map of Mahmud Kashgari in the center of the capital is not just decoration or a tribute to an anniversary.
Historians emphasize that this map is our view of the world, recorded a thousand years ago. It reminds Kyrgyzstanis that their land was not a “white spot” on the edge of civilization, but its geographical and intellectual center.
Kiyas Moldokasymov believes that placing the map in a symbolic location is an important initiative.
“This will be evidence that we respect our outstanding compatriot and take pride in our heritage. Mahmud Kashgari marked Issyk-Kul as the center of the Earth. His work is invaluable, as it not only proclaimed our region the center of the world of his time but also detailed the location of cities that existed on the territory of Kyrgyzstan,” says the historian.
Elery Bitikchi also emphasizes the importance of the educational role of this project. He notes that people will realize that science in our region developed long before the arrival of European institutions.
“This is a reminder that we are the heirs not only of the Yenisei Kyrgyz but also of the great civilization of the Karakhanids and other peoples who lived here,” concludes the researcher.
