Kyrgyzstan and its literature have suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of Kenesh Jusupov, the national writer of the Kyrgyz Republic. He died at the age of 89, leaving behind a significant legacy, having been awarded the Order of "Manas" II degree and the Toktogul State Prize. He was also recognized as a Hero of Labor of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Kenesh Jusupov was born on April 14, 1937, in the village of Echkibashy, located in the Tian Shan region of Naryn Province. After graduating from high school in the village of Ottuk in 1954, he enrolled in the Faculty of Kyrgyz Language and Literature at the Kyrgyz National University, which he successfully completed in 1961.
Jusupov began his career at the Tian Shan Regional Newspaper in Naryn, where he worked from 1961 to 1963. He then moved to the Main Administration for the Protection of State Secrets in the Press under the Council of Ministers of the Kyrgyz SSR (Glavlit), where he worked until 1964. From 1966 to 1973, he served as an editor at the "Kyrgyzstan" publishing house and in the script department of the "Kyrgyzfilm" studio. In 1978, he became a literary consultant for the Writers' Union in the Naryn region, and from 1984, he held the position of editor of the artistic publication of the epic "Manas." From 1986, he became the secretary of the board of the Writers' Union, and from 1987 to 2020, he headed the magazine "Ala-Too."
His literary career began with the publication of the short story "Tush" in 1958 in the newspaper "Leninchil Zhas," and his first book titled "Zhasoo Kumary" was published in 1965. By 1966, he had become a member of the Union of Writers of the USSR.
Over time, Kenesh Jusupov published numerous books, including "Karaldym Toolor," "Jurogum Menin Toolordo," "Yry Sabyndagy Omur," "Kulgun Kurak," and "Tooluktar Bayany." His work was highly appreciated by readers, and he became a well-known writer with a unique style and voice.
In 1975, his book "Yry Sabyndagy Omur," dedicated to the great love of the poet Alykul and his human sufferings, was awarded the Lenin Komsomol Prize of Kyrgyzstan. That same year, a collection of short stories and novellas titled "Lesoruby" ("Karagaychylard") was published in Russian in Moscow.
Kenesh Jusupov, together with Ashym Jakypbekov, created a prose version of the epic "Manas." He also initiated and co-authored the large-scale forty-volume project "Kyrgyzdar," which covers the culture, history, and literature of the Kyrgyz people.
Some of his works have been translated into many languages, including Turkish, Ukrainian, Uzbek, Czech, Russian, Kazakh, Tatar, Arabic, and French.
For his contribution to the development of national culture, Kenesh Jusupov was generously awarded. He received the medal "For Labor Valor," a Certificate of Honor from the Supreme Council of the Kyrgyz SSR, as well as the title "Honored Worker of Culture of the KR." Among his awards are the Toktogul State Prize, the Order of "Manas" II degree, and the status of "People's Writer of the KR." Additionally, he was awarded the gold medal of the international organization TURKSOY and received numerous international prizes.
Kenesh Jusupov also became an honorary professor at several higher educational institutions, including the Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn and the Kyrgyz State University named after Ishe Naly Arabayev.
He was held in great respect among Kyrgyz writers and cultural figures, known for his modesty and hard work. Young authors often sought his advice and considered him their mentor.
The memory of Kenesh Jusupov will forever remain in the hearts of the Kyrgyz people. We express our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
S.N. Zhaparo, M.A. Mamataliyev, A.A. Kasymaliev, A.K. Koychiev, E.Zh. Baisalov, A.S. Kadyraliyev, Talaybek kyzy Zhyldyz, T.A. Ashymbaeva, Ch. Abykeev, A.M. Salymbekov,
M.K. Mambetaliev, D.Sh. Kendirbaeva, N.B. Satarov,
A.Dzh. Junushaliev, S.A. Raev, T.S. Sadykov, S. Toktakunova,
K.K. Imanaliev, K.A. Ashymbaev, T.M. Mameev, T.S. Samidinov,
S.Zh. Zhetimishov, K.Zh. Jusubaliev, M.M. Mamazairova,
A.Zh. Jakshylykov, Sh.D. Duyshiev, A.R. Ryskulov, N.A. Alymbekov, S.A. Akmatbekova, A.O. Omurkanov, T.Z. Zakirova, B. Usubaliev,
M.A. Aamatov, K.B. Bakirov, A.E. Erkebaev, M. Musaev, K.K. Kuluyev, Zh.I. Saalaev, Zh.O. Kulmambetov, A.M. Matisakov, T.K. Chorotegin, N.K. Kaparov, K.B. Chekirov, N.O. Kalybekov.
