AKADEMİK GEZİ-GÖZLEM: TANRI DAĞLARI’NIN GÖLGESİNDE KIRGIZİSTAN VE KAZAKİSTAN

Inner Asia is the name of vast historical area, which the Turks still live and initiated from the region. When we went to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan for the symposium with the support of the Turkish World Research Foundation, we had the chance to trip and observe some of the cities of the countries. In Kyrgyzstan we were able to visit only Celalabat, Oş and Özgen; in Kazakhstan (the old capital city) Almat.. Throughout our travel it is recognised that the research on Turkish world is still not enough. Although there were quite a number of problems in the countries the scienery was so beaitiful that has taken our exhaustion. Yet the effects of the assimilation policy which Russia has carried out in Inner Asia can also be observed throughout our visit. Most of the Kyrgyz villagers still live in tents in difficult conditions of steppes with breeding sheep. Kyrgyzs still carry out the “horse culture” in every aspect of their life which was the essential life style of the old Turkish culture. In the same area mainly cow, sheep, goat were produced but at the same time horse was also grown for it’s meat. The “kaumiss” which was produced from mare milk was widely drunk in the area. In the bazaars so many different materials, drinks and meal can be found. Kyrgyz kithcen is also quite rich with meat and drinks with their unique prepation. The grave stone structures in Kyrgyzstan (and Kazakhstan) is also quite different with their conspicuous Tanr. Dağlar.’n.n Gölgesinde K.rg.zistan ve Kazakistan constructions. This may have drown from the “ancestor cult” which used to be believed in the middle Asia. The Nas.r İbn-i Ali tomb is well preserved example of Turco-İslamic art which still stands in Özgen. The motives on the building walls reflect Turkish motives on carpets. Extraordinary symetri can also be observed on the motives on building walls. However so many writings and marks on the building walls shows the difficulties on preserving and protecting historical places and historical buildings as happened in Turkey. The economic problems can easily be seen in Almat. as in the cities of Kyrgyzstan. The economic and cultural effect of China and Russia can also be observed in Almat.. Despite all these problems and difficulties Inner Asia still waits the Turkish people from all over the world (especially from Turkey) to be discovered. Turkish world expects the Turkish academicians, businessman and others to get together and unify under brotherhood and friendship.